My first lineup

[TGates]

Alright, so I have everything in and at home. I'm going to start this weekend and work on it next week too.



I figured I would start with the SSR1 first with a green level 2 cutting pad? Or should I go ahead and go with the SSR2.5 and a finishing pad and then step up to SSR1 with a finishing pad?



I'm just not sure which pad or polish I should start off with. I have moderate swirls. I also have some water spotting. The car is over 2 years old and is black.



Can anyone give me suggestions on where to start?

Generally, you want to start with the least aggressive combo possible and go from there. I would start with SSR1 on a polishing pad and work a small section and check the progress. If that didn't work, maybe try SSR2.5 with a polishing pad on the same area. Then if you need to, step up to a cutting pad. I believe SSR2.5 and a cutting pad is the most I would try to do with a PC. If that doesn't take care of your problems, you're looking at needing a tough compound and using a rotary. I'd follow the 2.5 up with the 1 just to be safe as well (to remove any hazing the 2.5 might create)



BTW, an abrasive polish won't do much when used with a finishing pad. The pad really has a lot to do with the outcome, as it works the paint over. The finishing pad is usually used to apply an LSP (sealant, wax).