Well, I had a chance to try some 3M PI-2 Rubbing Compound Fine Cut, by hand only, over the weekend. Here's my review:
Car needing attention: a 94 Nissan Maxima
Paint Condiditon/Problem: Glossy from Zaino, but lots of heavy scratches and swirls on horizontal panels (that were never properly taken care of to begin with), mainly the trunk and hood. Otherwise, the car looks very nice.
Area that I worked with: the trunk lid, since it is the worst and the best place to start testing.
Application/Technique: Washed entire car first with Z7 then gathered my supplies ready for battle. I used a terry applicator for the Rubbing Compound and worked about quarter size dabs into part of the trunk. I worked the product in using firm circular motions as directed on the bottle. This is tough work! It takes a bit of effort to spread the product around and work it in good. After doing the entire trunk my arm was beginning to tire quickly. I reapplied in certian areas that needed another application or two, as some of the fine scratches you can catch with a fingernail. The residue buffs out quite easily though, thank goodness, leaving a nice finish. I followed that up with an application of Meguiar's #9 SMR 2.0 to remove the hairline swirls caused by the compound. Finally a DAWN wash on the trunk only to remove the leftover oils. Then, I simply redid Zaino, applying Z1 and Z5 for protection, for now anyway.
Results/Impressions: :up I'm very impressed with this 3M product. After doing half the trunk, and comparing it to the undone half, I could easily tell a difference in the reduction of the heavy scratches and swirls, leaving only the few deeper ones that would require further work and heavier equipment (that I don't have). But, those are barely noticeable now anyhow unless viewed at certian angles. My only gripe is that the stuff will work you to death done by hand alone, but you can achieve the desired results if you're willing to work for it. The trunk now looks nearly perfect in outside sun, I'm even amazed!
Next step: Now the owner, who happens to be my Mom
, wants me to do the entire hood next. I'm up for it, as soon as the soreness in the good ole arms wears off. 
Overall: Great product that can turn bad problems into great results with a little time and a lot of effort. :up :up
Car needing attention: a 94 Nissan Maxima
Paint Condiditon/Problem: Glossy from Zaino, but lots of heavy scratches and swirls on horizontal panels (that were never properly taken care of to begin with), mainly the trunk and hood. Otherwise, the car looks very nice.
Area that I worked with: the trunk lid, since it is the worst and the best place to start testing.
Application/Technique: Washed entire car first with Z7 then gathered my supplies ready for battle. I used a terry applicator for the Rubbing Compound and worked about quarter size dabs into part of the trunk. I worked the product in using firm circular motions as directed on the bottle. This is tough work! It takes a bit of effort to spread the product around and work it in good. After doing the entire trunk my arm was beginning to tire quickly. I reapplied in certian areas that needed another application or two, as some of the fine scratches you can catch with a fingernail. The residue buffs out quite easily though, thank goodness, leaving a nice finish. I followed that up with an application of Meguiar's #9 SMR 2.0 to remove the hairline swirls caused by the compound. Finally a DAWN wash on the trunk only to remove the leftover oils. Then, I simply redid Zaino, applying Z1 and Z5 for protection, for now anyway.
Results/Impressions: :up I'm very impressed with this 3M product. After doing half the trunk, and comparing it to the undone half, I could easily tell a difference in the reduction of the heavy scratches and swirls, leaving only the few deeper ones that would require further work and heavier equipment (that I don't have). But, those are barely noticeable now anyhow unless viewed at certian angles. My only gripe is that the stuff will work you to death done by hand alone, but you can achieve the desired results if you're willing to work for it. The trunk now looks nearly perfect in outside sun, I'm even amazed!
Next step: Now the owner, who happens to be my Mom
, wants me to do the entire hood next. I'm up for it, as soon as the soreness in the good ole arms wears off. Overall: Great product that can turn bad problems into great results with a little time and a lot of effort. :up :up
