Can I get a few opinions on this routine??

G

Glossequation

New member
I am new here, but I think I'm somewhat knowledgeable on detailing. I have a '96 Black Mustang Cobra that is in good shape paint wise. There are minimal swirls/scratches even under bright light, with the exception of the trunk lid and spoiler, and a little bit on the hood...



I am a big fan of 3M and Meguiar's mirror glaze prof line. So I was wondering if 3M SMR, followed by 3M IHG, topped with Meguiar's #16 Pure Paste Wax would be good? Or should I just leave the SMR to the trunk and hood? And lastly, after about 4 or 5 weeks, how do I go about doing a thorough detail again? Would I reapply IHG then wax, or SMR then IGH then wax? I guess what I am saying is that I don't want to be counter-productive when I go to re-detail my car. Any advice would be appreciated...thanks
 
You've devised a good routine.



SMR only when needed. I'd just use the IHG and #16 every 4-5 weeks. If you use a quick detailer after every weekly wash, your wax coat will last longer. The QD will also really bring out the shine.
 
Do a search to find carguy's ultimate drying technique. With a black, drying is going to be your worst enemy. Your routine sounds good. If you don't have time, I would even skip the IHG and just slap on another coat of wax every 4 weeks, and then IHG every other time.
 
Thanks guys...this may have been hashed out before, but does 3M SMR have abraisives in it that are aggressive enough to even out the clearcoat? I don't think I need anything this strong, but was wondering if it did more flattening out of clearcoat rather than filling it. Can it be harmful if used too often or with too much pressure??
 
blackcaraddict said:
Thanks guys...this may have been hashed out before, but does 3M SMR have abraisives in it that are aggressive enough to even out the clearcoat? I don't think I need anything this strong, but was wondering if it did more flattening out of clearcoat rather than filling it. Can it be harmful if used too often or with too much pressure??
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Nothing should really be used with all that much pressure, and I wouldn't use SMR on a frequent basis (maybe 1-2 times a year). I think anything less abrasive is OK to use frequently though.



What do you mean "even out the clearcoat"? Are you seeing wavy ripples in the paint (ie, orange peel)? No abrasive product will "flatten" this out (unless it's really harsh) and something like that can only be wetsanded.
 
4DSC said:


What do you mean "even out the clearcoat"? Are you seeing wavy ripples in the paint (ie, orange peel)? No abrasive product will "flatten" this out (unless it's really harsh) and something like that can only be wetsanded.
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No no orange peel or anything like that. What I mean is there are products out there that actually cut into the clearcoat, basically taking the thinnest of the top layer out to actually remove the swirls. Doing this can probably be bad, because if you burn the clearcoat, you'll be right at the base coat. Most polishes I have used are primarily fillers, but was just wondering if SMR and products like that with their abraisives do take some of the clearcoat off to remove scratches...or is that more aggressive stuff like fine cut or medium cut from 3M??
 
The direct answer to your question is yes, SMR's and the like will remove a thin layer of clearcoat. That's the way they level the paint in order to remove scratches.



That's why the advice of using SMR's only a couple times per year is important. SMR's are the mildest scratch removers available so its best to use them before any harsher products. But in the long run excessive use will affect the clearcoat. If you want to keep swirls at bay then glazes will do the job of filling them in without removing any of the clearcoat.



If you're happy with #16 then fine but you may want to consider stepping up to one of the better carnaubas like P21S, S100, One Grand Blitz, or Collinite Marque d'Elegance. All were ranked superior to #16 by The Wax Test magazine and all have avid supporters here at Autopia. Or you can be a Big Dog and go to the winner's circle with Pinnacle Souveran. Did ya see those pics of that yellow Corvette?
 
This board is the first I have heard of Pinnacle Souveran, and it seems like everyone loves it. I am a bit skeptical, because I spent $60 on Zaino and it sucked--maybe because of all the hype, I was expecting more. Plus Sal Zaino is a **** in my opinion...I found the #16 at a hole in the wall auto store, and loved it ever since. It is so easy to put on and take off, and gives a great deep shine and protection.



Why is Pinnacle Souveran so good?? I do not know much about it. I have not seen the yellow Vette...
 
blackcaraddict said:
This board is the first I have heard of Pinnacle Souveran, and it seems like everyone loves it. I am a bit skeptical, because I spent $60 on Zaino and it sucked--maybe because of all the hype, I was expecting more. Plus Sal Zaino is a **** in my opinion...I found the #16 at a hole in the wall auto store, and loved it ever since. It is so easy to put on and take off, and gives a great deep shine and protection.



Why is Pinnacle Souveran so good?? I do not know much about it. I have not seen the yellow Vette...
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http://www.autopia.ws/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13738

http://www.autopia.ws/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13555

http://www.autopia.ws/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11063



A few threads of cars done with Souveran. Most users will tell you its the best product of its kind you can buy. There are many excellent carnaubas out there such as the one's I mentioned. Yeah, Souveran is expensive but just about everyone will tell you its worth it. Here's what CMA says about their own product:

http://www.properautocare.com/pin-312.html



If you want to try a premium carnauba then look for P21S. Or stop at a local motorcycle store (like a Harley Davidson shop) and look for S100. It's marketed to cycle owners but is the same stuff as P21S at a cheaper price. Do a search to see what others have paid for it.



Better reflectivity, easier use, no chalky reisdue, won't stain trim, and more durability are some of the advantages of the premium carnaubas.
 
Thanks for the pics and info bretfraz--I gotta say, when I saw that yellow ZO6, my jaw dropped....I didn't think it was possible to get that much of a shine out of yellow. I will start looking into the pinnacle souveran...



And one final inquiry (and thanks to everyone for answering my questions):



Meguiar's #9 similar 3M SMR

Meguiar's #7=3M IHG





Meaning...#9 Meguiar's is supposed to do the same thing as 3M SMR?? And one final question--for light sanding scratches (on a new spoiler, would you guys recommend something in the range of a 3M SMR?? Or something like a Scratch X from Meg's???



thanks alot!!! that's it!!
 
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