Finally got a PC!! Now I just need some help/suggestions

E

Estoril ///M

New member
OK so I plan do a major detailing job on 2 cars, I finally decided to get a PC. I got the 7424 from coastal tool. Many thanks to 4DSC for his PC thread, that helped a lot.



One of my cars is metallic black, the other is metallic blue. They are both only about 4 years old. The main thing I want to get rid of is swirls and some light scrates that can't be felt with my fingernail.



To see what i'm up against, see below.



I have a 5 step plan:

1. Wash

2. Clay

3. Compound (don't know what to use)

4. Polish (don't know what to use)

5. IHG

6. S100 Wax



Now, for the compound I don't really know what to use. I'm having trouble choosing between Menzerna Intensive Polish, 3M Perfect-it Fine Cut Compound, or 3M Finess-it II Machine Polish. I don't want to cover anything up, just remove the swirls as much as I can.



For the polish i'm thinking of Meguiars #9 or the GEPC.





I have done some searches but there is so much info out there its pretty overwhelming.
 
From the look of your swirls, they don't look that horrible. I think the 3M FI-II or Megs DACP would probably be fine for what you are calling a "compound". The 3M Fine Cut might be more abrasive than what you need.



As for the polish, #9 and GEPC are very different products. #9 is really a Swirl remover (maybe a 3 on a 1-10 scale, 10 being the most abrasive) and GEPC is more of a mild cleaner with some oils (maybe a 1 on 1-10 scale). It really depends on what the paint requires, you may need extra polishing of the #9 or you could move straight to GEPC. I'd pick up both products as you can use both later on.



If you use the GEPC, I'd skip the IHG. Probably won't need it at all, and from what I've been reading kind of picky with application/buffing.



So, I'd recommend

1. Wash

2. Clay

3. DACP

4. GEPC

5. S100 Wax





Michael
 
Menzerna's intensive polish is just that, a polish, not a compound. If you had it there, you could use their fast cut. One pass and it would be ready for intensive polish, and final polish.



IMO, go for DACP, #9, #7 & S100 for a perfect finish.
 
Steve's write up indeed covers pretty much everything there is to know about PC and swirl removal. If you haven't worked with a PC then take a look at DavidB's video.



Remember that proper paint evaluation is crucial and use the mildest product to do the job.
 
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