Best cutting polish for first time PC'er on older, soft black acura paint?

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fliplyricist1

New member
Ok, just need some final opinions before I make my first product purchase for my pc (used in conjuction with lcc pads). I've heard so many varying opinions on this, but the consensus seems to say that optimum polish and compound are both better suited for rotarys, and to stay away from them if using a pc due to their infinite work time, sometimes resulting in holograms. However, some say that it worked just fine for them with a pc, but just required more time. I'd like to not spend 8 hours just polishing though, if at all possible :)



I hear good things about IP and SIP as well as FPII and 106FF. However, I heard sip and 106ff were more geared towards newer scratch resistant clearcoats.



I have a 97 acura cl in flamenco black pearl, which has never been machine detailed in its 11 years. I've also heard these older honda/acura paints have quite soft clear. It has quite a bit of swirling all along the panels and pretty deep swirling on both the hood and trunk areas. I realize that with a pc I probably won't get 100 percent of the defects out, but what do you recommend for me as a first timer with a PC in terms of cutting power and finishing ability and ease of use?



Some have suggested just using OP with both an orange and white pad, while others have suggested ip followed by fpII or 106FF.



Anyone able to chime in on this with their personal experience? Those with experience with older acura paints are welcomed. I'm open to any brands/product suggestions as well. Thanks in advance!
 
Did I hear anyone say soft paint? Sfx 1 then 2 everytime. I like the SFX 1 and 2 pads the best also. On soft paint they don't mar the surface and there is less time spent smoothing out the surface. I also have been able to correct just about every scratch and swirl I have come across.



Now I have to confess that I have not used the Menz polishes. Next on my list to order. I have a feeling that I am really going to like them. But for right now I only use Sonus polishes and pads.
 
I like SFX-1, or Menzerna IP with a yellow cutting pad. I also like 3M rubbing compound with a yellow pad as well. Then you wanna finish with a white pad with an AIO. I've done my 05 TL, my friends black S2000 with great results.
 
Sonus SFX 2 with an orange pad should do the job. You can follow with SFX 3 with a blue or gray pad for a superb gloss. You can also try Menzerna 106ff with a white pad or orange pad.
 
I am interested as well. I currently have Optimum Compound and Optimum Polish and some orange and white Lake Country pads; however, they are not aggressive enough IMO on the PC. I would like to reduce the time I'm polishing and also get some better results. It looks like Sonus and Menzerna products are they way to go?



My 350Z has a soft clear, but I'd like something I can use on different cars as well.
 
For very soft paint I'd go with 1Z Metallic Polish, or their WaxPolishSoft if they still make it.

The initial cut of those oughta be mild enough to not cause the PC-fish hook-type of micromarring.
 
Careful using orange on your acura paint. When I use Orange on mine (with either SFX-2 or Megs 80), I have to follow up with the same polish + white to get rid of the hazing. I doubt SFX-3 on white will get rid of the hazing caused by the orange pad.



Oh, and for what it's worth, my car has the same black....FBP.
 
^^ sweet, thanks



so do you even use sfx3? or do you just use sfx2 in a 2 step process with an orange and white pad? I've read that sfx3 doesnt really improve too much in terms of looks of the finish from 2?



I just ordered 1-3 so we'll see how it goes
 
I use SFX-3 only after I've gotten all the paint correction I plan to get with the SFX-2. I don't use it for correction. I do notice that it adds some wetness to the paint that isn't there after SFX-2 so I'd reccomend using it after you're paint is swirl free. I just use it on Speed 4 with a finishing pad until it starts going clear and then stop and wipe off. SFX-3 is very user friendly so there's no reason not to use it. It may add 30 minutes or so to your detail so why not.
 
fliplyricist1 said:
Ok, just need some final opinions before I make my first product purchase for my pc (used in conjuction with lcc pads).



Anyone able to chime in on this with their personal experience? Those with experience with older acura paints are welcomed. I'm open to any brands/product suggestions as well. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...



Ok, my daily driver is a 99 black Acura 3.2 TL. It doesn't get any garage time anymore so I have to stay on top of it to keep it looking nice.....



This is my test vehicle for new products. I've tried Hi-Temp, Presta, Menzerna and Meg's and 3M on her and I kind of like Menzerna the best. I don't believe the paint is that soft btw. My daughter has had two Honda Accords (94-96) and that paint was much softer IMO....



I use Menzerna SIP-IP for correction and 85RD or 3M Ultrafina for a final touch.

If I'm using a rotary, a white LC pad and a black/gray for the last step.



As far as orange LC pads on an Acura, they haven't given me any problems when using a PC. If it doesn't finish down well enough for some, a white pad next step up will clear the situation with ease......



Good luck......:xyxthumbs
 
I used Sonus SFX2 & 3 on our MDX and it worked real well. I recetly used Menz PO87MC with a LC blue pad on my white TL and I think it finished a little nicer than the SFX-3.



You wont go wrong with the Sonus polishes (very easy to work with) but start with the SFX2 and a white pad and move from there.



Good luck.
 
thanks a bunch guys! I also ordered dwg and will be topping everything off with nxt regularly



I think my process will be to start on the worst area of the car (trunk top) with sfx2 with white pad and see how far that gets me...if it doesn't clear it up I'll step up to the orange pad and gauge that. I ordered sfx1 just in case, but hopefully won't end up needing to use it (perhaps only for the problem spots). Can sfx1 be used with a white pad, or is it too much of a cutting compound and needs to be used with orange only?
 
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