Light polishing on the 55AMG / Ceramiclear

GTScott

GTScott

New member
After washing the 55 yesterday (yeah it was cold) I noticed that the paint does not feel as smooth as I would like it. There are not any swirls or hairlines, just some grit on the surface. Seeing as this is ceramiclear (I have read the posts on it...hence why I ask), is it ok to lightly use some PB Pro Polish on this? How about clay? Any experiences?



-GT
 
Menzerna PO85RD is a good light polish for ceramiclear paint. Clay barring would also be good to get rid of surface contaminants. I don't know why it would be bad for the paint? If anything, I thought ceramiclear paint was just harder than normal paint.
 
GTScott said:
After washing the 55 yesterday (yeah it was cold) I noticed that the paint does not feel as smooth as I would like it. There are not any swirls or hairlines, just some grit on the surface. Seeing as this is ceramiclear (I have read the posts on it...hence why I ask), is it ok to lightly use some PB Pro Polish on this? How about clay? Any experiences?



-GT
Click to expand...



No swirls or scratches, no need to polish.

If it's just rough get a clay bar. Sounds like a good time to have Sonus' ultra-fine clay, but regular clay should work just fine.
 
Perfect! It feels just like it needs clay but I wanted to make sure that was not a no-no for this finish. I imagine that will take care of the issues. I will post some results, but I doubt you will see much for the grit removal!



I guess I will put the steel wool and dirty rag away. I should have just driven it through the big blue brush carwash down the street.



Thank you guys so much for the help!



-GT
 
GTScott said:
Perfect! It feels just like it needs clay but I wanted to make sure that was not a no-no for this finish. I imagine that will take care of the issues. I will post some results, but I doubt you will see much for the grit removal!



I guess I will put the steel wool and dirty rag away. I should have just driven it through the big blue brush carwash down the street.



Thank you guys so much for the help!



-GT
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I was really looking forward to your results w/ the SW/DR combo. :xyxthumbs



I thought everybody here used the big blue brush carwash. :think:
 
Nah, dish soap is better. Have you tried using a heavy bristled push broom before? It makes it so easy to get those hard to reach places on truck/SUV roofs.
 
Neothin said:
Nah, dish soap is better. Have you tried using a heavy bristled push broom before? It makes it so easy to get those hard to reach places on truck/SUV roofs.
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I'll give that a try soon! :spot



Thanks!
 
Neothin said:
Nah, dish soap is better. Have you tried using a heavy bristled push broom before? It makes it so easy to get those hard to reach places on truck/SUV roofs.
Click to expand...





Hard to believe, but I washed SUVs/vans at the dealership with those when I worked in the body shop. The broom would just sit there leaning against the wall, only moved when I swept the floor or had to wash a very large vehicle. Remember, dealerships are all about time, so I was instructed to use the broom on large vehicles. Otherwise I'd need a ladder to wash the roof.

Ahh the gool ol' days. :faint:
 
GTScott said:
After washing the 55 yesterday (yeah it was cold) I noticed that the paint does not feel as smooth as I would like it. There are not any swirls or hairlines, just some grit on the surface. Seeing as this is ceramiclear (I have read the posts on it...hence why I ask), is it ok to lightly use some PB Pro Polish on this? How about clay? Any experiences?



-GT
Click to expand...

On the serious side, I have a black '05 SL55 with the ceramiclear. Clay will not harm the paint and the Menzerna polishes are about the only thing that I have found that works on this paint. I have used the P0106FF to remove fine scrath marks and follow with the P085RD. Shines like glass.
 
I don't have the fancy AMG but I do have a Benz with the Nano paint (color code in the door jamb starts with a C) and it's been great. The dealer washes the car about 3 times a month for free, not one swirl. Rock chips are very minimal, specially in comparison to my old 2002 Benz. All I do is clay the car to get rid of the contaminants that make if feel rough and wax with Meguiars NXT or their #16 Profesional Wax about every 4 months and it looks an feels great. I wouldn't waste my time with some fancy polish, won't make a difference and even then, these mild polishes that worked great on the older pre-2004 MBs won't even make a difference on the Nano clearcoat, it's just too hard, you'll need a rotary buffer when it eventually gets swirled.
 
I've done several ceramiclear finishes, including a black S65 BiTurbo.



Menzerna :2thumbs:

Cerious: :2thumbs:



GTScott: use a MILD clay, lightly, with plenty of lubrication. This will prevent marring.



Good Luck!



Jim
 
Points taken. I started the claying last night. I cannot believe how much crud came off just the trunk. I had the thing soaking wet to get the proper feel with the clay. It seems to be giving great results.



Once I have the paint smooth, is there really any reason to go to a polishing step before sealing with this stuff? There are not any scratches or dull spots but I am used to ALWAYS polishing before sealing after clay.



Lou....seeing as you have the same car...have you noticed that this stuff chips kind of easily? In spots where I would normally get a small spot from a rock or something I find that it leaves a MUCH larger spot. Is this just me?



-Scott
 
GTScott said:
Points taken. I started the claying last night. I cannot believe how much crud came off just the trunk. I had the thing soaking wet to get the proper feel with the clay. It seems to be giving great results.



Once I have the paint smooth, is there really any reason to go to a polishing step before sealing with this stuff? There are not any scratches or dull spots but I am used to ALWAYS polishing before sealing after clay.



Lou....seeing as you have the same car...have you noticed that this stuff chips kind of easily? In spots where I would normally get a small spot from a rock or something I find that it leaves a MUCH larger spot. Is this just me?



-Scott
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I have another Benz that has the ceramiclear paint and I will agree with you about the chipping. It seems as though the plastic panels, front bumper, etc., are very susceptible to chips and while the paint is hard it appears to be brittle on the composite panels. On my SL I had the clear bra installed a week after I bought it to save from the chips. Even though the line on the hood is noticeable, especially on a black car, I feel much better about the elimination of the chips.

On my other ceramiclear Benz I also had the clear bra installed---- no more chips.
 
I seldom sell/install clear bras. But I highly recommend them...



Sometimes kinda pricey, but then, so is the car, right?



Good choice for what is, apparently, a somewhat brittle surface.



"brit·tle Pronunciation Key (brtl)

adj. brit·tler, brit·tlest



1.

1. Likely to break, snap, or crack, as when subjected to pressure: brittle bones.

2. Easily damaged or disrupted; fragile: a brittle friendship. See Synonyms at fragile.

2.

1. Difficult to deal with; snappish: a brittle disposition.

2. Lacking warmth of feeling; cold: a reputation for being brittle and aloof.

3. Brilliantly sharp, as in percussive sound.

4.

1. Perishable.

2. Fleeting; transitory.



Definition courtesy of Dictionry.com



(FWIW, I can't confirm that the paint is brittle, so I look forward to continuing dialogue from owners who live with the paint everyday.)



Good Luck!



JIm









Jim
 
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