Which polishing pads/compounds?

[ArtfulHussy]

So Reggie's paint is all scuffed to bugger because I put a tarp on him. I am well aware I won't get the paint back to normal without a respray, but I am confident with a proper machine polish it will come up not bad overall.

Thing is, I don't know anything about polishing and there's like a million pads to choose from. I have a Meguiars G220 (I think, never actually used it). It used to have a yellow foam thing but I'm pretty sure one of the dogs ran away with it moons ago.

I'm not looking for a show-shine. I was going to go for good old G3 compound. I do have t-cut at home as well but not sure it's up to the job. I have loads of waxy stuff going about that I can hand apply after.

Can anyone impart some wisdom on what sort of pad/s would be best? Do I need like a cutting pad first then a finishing pad? If so does that require two different grades of compound?

This is weeeeell outwith the realms of my experience. ose2: Any advice appreciated as always.

 

[evilrob]

Meguiar's Microfibre system can't be beaten for convenience - it's so quick and easy! Two pads, and two products - one for polishing, one for finishing.

You need:
Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction Compound (about £20)
Meguiars DA Microfiber Finishing Wax (about £15)
Meguiars DA Microfiber Cutting Pads 5.5in. (2 Pack) (about £18)
Meguiars DA Microfiber Finishing Pads, 5.5in. (2 pack) (about £18)
A 5.5in velcro backing plate to attach the pads to your machine polisher if you don't already have one
An old dish brush for desaturating the pads between panels

You'll want to wash and clay thoroughly before taking a machine polisher to your paint or you may end up inflicting more scratches!

Here's how mine came out using the above:

 

[evilrob]

Quick demo video:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwgyaFpMP6w[/youtube]

 

[TGPlayer1]

Meguiars is hella expensive.

At work we use Auto Glym Stage 1 (renovate) polish, a Silverline machine polisher with Colourtone pads - they have velcro backing already k: The stage 1 is oil based so doesn't need to be washed off afterwards, and the pad doesn't need to be continuously wetted, the wax will remove what is left - there shouldn't be much left if you do it properly. To get a good wax finish a proper sponge is better than a cotton cloth, as the cotton soaks too much and the wax is too dry, and then buff it off with a microfibre cloth. Also pre-washing with a waxed shampoo is a good start.

Although that's to prep for a showroom so it might be overkill, unless that's what you want.

 

[evilrob]

Colourtone pads - they have velcro backing already k:

Pretty sure all pads have a velcro backing, I was just making sure she had the backing plate that came with her machine in case it had gone missing or whatever rather than suggesting you needed something special to use the Meguiar's pads.

 

[evilrob]

Meguiars is hella expensive.

It's not cheap, for sure - but it is an absolute piece of piss to use. You literally can't do it wrong!

 

[ArtfulHussy]

I was actually hoping for something much cheaper. I might just sit on this idea for now. I know that sounds tight but I'm being frugal with the car spending at the moment...

 

[Dal]

Use your yellow pad.

Buy some Megs Ultimate compound from Halfords for £11.99
http://www.halfords.com/motoring-travel/cleaning-body-repair/shampoo-polish-wax/meguiars-ultimate-compound-450ml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Give it a go.

If you're not sure about your yellow pad buy the megs polishing kit from Halfords for £16 (includes Ultimate compound as above and a new pad)

http://www.halfords.com/motoring-travel/cleaning-body-repair/polishers-steam-cleaners/meguiars-da-polishing-power-pack" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Read the PDF guide on using DA machines : downloadable here:
http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=64610" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Can't go wrong.

 

[Dal]

And as an aside - I got some G3 Permanent scratch remover paste free the other month expecting it to be crap.

Tried it on a door on my tanklet and it's absolutely incredible the result you can get by hand with a moist pad!

http://www.halfords.com/motoring-travel/cleaning-body-repair/scratch-repair-paint-restorers/farecla-g3-permanent-scratch-remover-paste-150ml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Edit: The G3 clay mitt at £12.99 is brilliant too before any of the above. Just use it in a bucket of fairy liquid and you'll get all the major crud off before you start.
http://www.halfords.com/motoring-travel/cleaning-body-repair/detailing-products/farecla-g3-body-prep-clay-mitt" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[ArtfulHussy]

That is a bit more in my current price range. As I say the paint is wrecked courtesy of a tarp I chucked on top of him (hurrr duuuuurrrr stoopid I know) so all the polishing in the world won't fix him. Just looking to get the worst of it out. Still banking on a new set of sills soon (Rob!?) so respray then anyway.

 

[evilrob]

Still no news from Ex-Pressed. :|

 

[ArtfulHussy]

 

[marco.da.man]

g3 all the way for me

 

[ethanfitz]

another vote for G3 clay mitt and scratch remover (as a start before you machine polish - if you do). the scratch remover worked wonders on some scratches an idiot left for me to find in a car park!!! if you can feel a deep 'ish' scratch with your nail easily it wont remove it 100% but it will look miles better... any lighter scratches go pretty easily.

 

[RDS1972]

I've used G3 this week on my FNS wing with lubed microfibres. It worked well, and I reckon had I done it with my machine polisher, it would have been even better, but I've only just got the car and am not used to the car, its paint.