My ideal detailing shoe, whats yours?

J

jlward1946

New member
Hello, the last time Ipolished my car, I used 3m perfect it 2 polish. Now, a year later, I have some light swirls in the paint. I havn't been able to find 3m perfectit 2 anymore. However, the 3M swirl remover is readily available. What are the differences between the two products, which is more abrasve? Thanks.
 
The swirl remover is less abrasive. If the scratches are fine then the swirl remover will do the job. Finesse It II deals with up to 1500 grade scacthes.
 
Michael is correct. The 3M Swirl Mark Remover is less aggressive compared to the Perfect-It 2 Polish. If the swirls still remain after using the SMR a few times, 3M Finesse-It should do it.



I suggest using a foam applicator with firm, brisk passes on the paint… rubbing until the product dries. Then remove any excess product with a quality cotton or Microfiber towel. Good luck and an M5!… I’m jealous!
 
I will be using the 3M swirl remover from now on. Thanks for clearing that up.



Hello Greg, my M5 is a 00 silverstone, the picture is pretty bad. I sold my 98 M3 2 months ago, and am buying a mint 95 M3 soon. I have have been a member of the bmwm5.com for more than 3 years, although I am too busy to visit it as frequently as used to. I like your comprehensive wax test and other work you have done.
 
M35power this is a modified version of a previous post of mine that you will probably find useful:

Lighting can make a HUGE difference in what you can see. Try to work under flourescent or halogen lights. That way if your lighting is constant you will be able to make a more scientific comparison of different products.

When you get to a level of product that removes the scratchs then use that product followed by the next mildest and the next mildest. For example if you had to start at the bottom of the list of products at the bottom of this post, you would then work your way up to the top, before waxing or sealing the finish.

I like 3M Products for tasks like this because they have a graduated scale of abrasive products which will allow you to choose the right product for the job. The first item the SMR is not classified as a rubbing compound because it is so fine and it has the added benefit of leaving a very smooth glazed looking surface. IMO these products will all work better with the buffer.

From mild to abrasive here's a list of 3M's products.

<em class='bbc'>clic pics for info[/i]




 
Thanks shortcut. I will pick up some finnesse it 2 incase th swirl remover doesn't cut it. I had a 98 M3 coupe, I sold it to get a 95 M3 coupe. 95 M3's use on board diagnostic version 1 OBD1 which is cheaper and easier to modify than obd2 cars.
 
What about 39006 One Step Cleaner Wax? The 3M website lists it under wax but the desription says it will remove oxidation, fine scratches, swirls, etc? Is it even less abrasive than SMR?
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by jn328i [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>What about 39006 One Step Cleaner Wax? The 3M website lists it under wax but the desription says it will remove oxidation, fine scratches, swirls, etc? Is it even less abrasive than SMR? [/b]</blockquote>
It is aggressive but not like a "pure" compound. It's somewhere between the swirl remover and the finesse-IT product line. The cleaner wax has more heavy fillers in it. So you will not get all the swirls removed, but you will fill them for several months depending on what type of carwash and towels you use in between.

One thing you can do is to visit the 3M web site, get a cup of coffee and read and read and read. It will leave you with MUCH understanding about the products.

Hope this helps :)
 
Hey JN a cleaner wax is really made for someone that isn't really <em class='bbc'><strong class='bbc'>into[/b][/i] car care. It is for someone who doesn't wax very often so they need a cleaner for oxidation and accumulated road spuge. This person wants something quick above all else hence the one step method is attractive.

Not to make a value judgement let's just say that this mythical someone has different goals than an autopian. Whether you use a polymer sealant or a traditional carnauba based wax you will get better results by cleaning the paint first and then sealing or waxing.

Products like 3M SMR and Finnesse It II use diminishing abrasives and will work best with a random orbital like the PC.
 
Converse hi top chuck taylors.

Honestly I can say these are outstanding sneakers to detail in, especially for those guys doing long hour paint corrections. With the exception of a wash process, in which case these shoes are not waterproof, they perform like a champ in all other areas. For wash process I usually use waterproof boots.

Why I like them?

1) Flat bottom/sole. Great for comfort and overall foot health. After talking to my chiropractor over a year ago I learned how unhealthy a lot of sneakers can be, namely running shoes or ones with bubbles at the bottom because they elevate your foot to a unnatural position thus putting pressure on your spine. Not terrible for walking around but when your detailing in them it could cause more harm than good.


2) Hi top, great ankle support and you can lace them all the way up so they stay tight on your foot. Working on your knees, bending your foot back, moving side to side, I think ankle support is a worthy point to think about.

3) Lightweight, self explanatory just nice to not lug around boots if you dont have to.

4)Flexible. When polishing your body gets contorted in all positions, so does your feet, you never battle the shoe for a comfy feel as they flex well (not too easily like the Nike Frees which SUCK for detailing)

5) Inexpensive, about $40 for a new pair, maybe less online if you shop around. I had my old pair for over a year, used them at the gym, running and detailing and finally after enough abuse I decided on a fresh pair this afternoon


I just find Chucks work really well for detailing and paint correction giving good support and comfort. My feet do not hurt nearly as much wearing these compared to my work boots, nike air maxes or nike free running shoes.

Thumbs up in my book :thumb:

Action shot, im definitely not having lunch now in this picture... wearing jeans :o

IMG_0494.jpg
 
I wear slippers. I have a set of Michigan Wolverines ones with a nice rubber bottom, they work great for polishing. Washing the vehicles i usually just wear an old pair of sneakers, but the slippers work great for detailing in the garage. Kind of wierd I know, but it works for me.
 
Mine! I'm a big proponent that shoes do nothing but weaken your feet! David, if you like Chuck's, you'd LOVE Vibrams!

new_fivefingers_bikila_blue_green1.jpg
 
Husker Z said:
Mine! I'm a big proponent that shoes do nothing but weaken your feet! David, if you like Chuck's, you'd LOVE Vibrams!

new_fivefingers_bikila_blue_green1.jpg
Click to expand...

Ha, guy in my gym wears these to squat, he swears by them and told me to get a pair. They really do seem perfect for foot health. Nice find!
 
I have two pair of vibrams and love them. One thing I found out though was my "sprint" model vibrams (have the thinnest sole) are so thin that walking on blacktop is HOT in the summer... so that might be something to think about depending on where you are/what surface you work on.... they seem to be fine on the whitish concrete color of my driveway... but having to stand in a pkg lot one day helping load a car was interesting (painful) haha.

Rob
 
I love to work in running shoes. I actually need to replace my go-to pair right now. As mentioned, they're made to move around in - and that's perfect for me. When detailing, I'm either moving around, sitting, kneeling, or laying down AKA moving around or not really on my feet.

I am interested in these funky looking shock-shoes you guys have mentioned now though...
 
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