I'm guessing I need something tougher than Sonus SFX-1

S

SVT Amateur

New member
Ok, I got my Ultimate Detailing Machine package which came with the 3 Sonus pads and SFX-1 through 3. Yesterday I washed my STI, claybared, and then tried using the UDM with the SFX-2 duo. I know I rushed the job because it was getting dark but yet in the light I could still see minor swirls/cobwebs all over my car.



Today I decided to start earlier and used the SFX-1 duo. I made sure to use just the right amount of polish, to spread it out, and to use speed setting 6 with a decent amount of force, and I made sure to go very slowly (I even watched several tutorial videos online to make sure I was doing it right). I could tell a minor difference in the look of my car (which, my car didn't look bad to begin with because I've been using Zaino products over the years and I take very good care of my car) but the swirl marks are still there. It's not a major issue since only people like us would notice it, but I'm a perfectionist and honestly I don't think the $200+ I spent on this system has done me justice.



I know it's not the UDM, and I'm pretty sure it's not me, that is at fault for the less than stellar results. And just so you know, I spent 2 hours alone applying and removing the SFX-1 because I wanted to make sure I did it just right, and that I spent the right amount of time polishing. I tried to go over several spots and use a lot of pressure (but not so much that the head quit spinning) to see if it was something I was doing wrong but no matter what I tried I couldn't get those dang swirl marks out. I felt like giving up but I went ahead and applied the SFX-3 duo, then applied some Zaino AIO, and then I applied the P21S wax and my car looks great, no doubt, it just still has minor swirls all over that you can see in direct sunlight



If the SFX-1 duo is good enough to do the job then I honestly am at my wits end on what to do. I know my Subaru paint sucks, it's a common complaint with my vehicle, but I don't think this would have anything to do with not being able to remove swirls.



Can someone please enlighten me?
 
Gee that is a surprise. As a previous sponsor of the local WRX club, I've done many suby's and they have very soft but very wet paint. I love it

Unless you have washed your beast with a broom a dozen times, I can't see how SFX 1 would not get normal marring, swirls and scratches out of a very soft paint finish.



Then again you are using an orbital. You may not be able to break that down enough without spending a heap of time or doing two attacks with it

SFX 2 is more of a gloss enhancing polish than a swirl remover

Yes it can get some out but I find it to be a little weak on the swirl removal side.
 
Honestly, I haven't really had much luck with the Sonus SFX polishes. I suppose SFX-2 works well if you want to glossen up a finish, but it dusts so much in the process that it's just not worth it.



If you really want to get swirls out using an orbital, grab some Optimum Compound or Hyper Compound. Of all the polishes I've used to attack swirls with a RO, Optimum HC has been the only one to break down and give me a near defect free finish without severe dusting or needing to exert godly amounts of pressure.
 
SVR said:
Gee that is a surprise. As a previous sponsor of the local WRX club, I've done many suby's and they have very soft but very wet paint. I love it

Unless you have washed your beast with a broom a dozen times, I can't see how SFX 1 would not get normal marring, swirls and scratches out of a very soft paint finish.



Then again you are using an orbital. You may not be able to break that down enough without spending a heap of time or doing two attacks with it

SFX 2 is more of a gloss enhancing polish than a swirl remover

Yes it can get some out but I find it to be a little weak on the swirl removal side.
Click to expand...



Thanks for the info. I've never polished my car in the 2 1/2 years of owning it and for the past year the car hasn't been garaged so I'm guessing that has something to do with it.
 
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truzoom said:
Honestly, I haven\'t really had much luck with the Sonus SFX polishes. I suppose SFX-2 works well if you want to glossen up a finish, but it dusts so much in the process that it\'s just not worth it.\r\n\r\nIf you really want to get swirls out using an orbital, grab some Optimum Compound or Hyper Compound. Of all the polishes I\'ve used to attack swirls with a RO, Optimum HC has been the only one to break down and give me a near defect free finish without severe dusting or needing to exert godly amounts of pressure.
Click to expand...
\r\n\r\nI\'ll definately try the Optimum HC then. Thanks for the info.\r\n\r\nIf I used the Optimum HC would I then use the SFX-2 and then the SFX-3 or could I just go straight to the SFX-3?'
 
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