Newbie question on sealers

T

tango

New member
The car in question is a white 300ZX, 10 years old but with paint in very nice condition. My proposed approach is the following (all by hand):



1. Dawn wash

2. Griot's Clay bar using Speed Shine as the lube

3. 3M Fine cut rubbing compound/SMR where necessary to get out small scratches

4. Sealer? Glaze?

5. S100 wax



Not sure what to do about step 4 (I have tried search but couldn't seem to find a decisive answer). Do I need to Dawn wash after claying to strip off whatever finish the speed shine applies? It sure feels waxed after applying speed shine, and I want whatever I apply in step 4 to stick. I thought about using 3M IHG, but is that not a "sealer"? Any recommendations for stuff I don't have to mail-order out for would be appreciated.
 
First, I don't think there are any "decisive answers". If there were Autopia.org would not exist. Most of us here are constantly experimenting with products to find that elusive perfect shine. This desire is the foundation of this community.



Most people who use a wax as their protectant step (your #5) use some kind of glaze or light polish to bring out the max shine possible. 3M, Mothers, Meguiars, One Grand, and a few others make excellent glazes. P21S, S100, Pinnacle and others make excellent light polishes. Lots of stuff to choose from.



Whatever the Speed Shine leaves behind will be removed by the rubbing compound so no reason to wash it off.



Not sure I understand what you mean by "sealer". Many of us use polymer sealants to give a durable, glossy finish. This product is a lot different than wax or glaze. Is that what you're thinking of?
 
Thanks for your reply. I spent a lot of time searching last night and found that a my IHG is not a sealer at all. And it sounds like all of the ones people recommend aren't available at the corner store, so I think I will return the IHG and just skip that step this time.



About the speed shine, I only anticipate using the PC and SMW on limited areas, so most of the car will still have whatever residue it leaves intact. In that case, does is need to be removed before applying a sealer?
 
My opinion is that leaving the residue from a detail spray is fine if you are using a wax. The solvents and oils in the wax will remove the residue. The only time I'll remove detail spray residue is when I'm using a polymer sealant like Zaino. Even then I use Zaino's spray instead so upon further thought, I never remove detail spray residues :)



You should consider using the SMR all over the car. "spot polishing" sometimes leaves an inconsistent shine. Unless the paint is showroom perfect I'm sure it can use a light polishing to help it look its best.
 
I wash after I clay...just to make sure I have it clean before moving on.



I use Poorboys Ex sealant. It has carnuba in it so I don't use a seperate wax.



I have a custom white Silverado and I really like the EX from www.poorboysworld.com and you can't beat the service you get from Steve
 
I agree with Bret. If the car hasn't been polished in a while it's probably a good idea to polish the entire vehicle. Products usually work better with some prep first anyway.



If you're doing any swirl removal by hand, just be aware that SMR is very mild this way. You may find yourself needing that FCRC for more than just the scratches....



Good luck!
 
You guys are great. I will go ahead and do the SMR over the whole car per your recommendations, and probably order the Poorboys sealer for next time.



I'm preparing for a car show next weekend. Last year the car got second, hopefully with your help I will pull off first!
 
Jayzbird- Between your need to remove the micro-marring from using FCRC and your (probable) need to polish the whole car, I'd suggest some PI-III MG. I got mine HERE in case you can't find it locally (but call autobody/paint supply places, it's not too hard to find). GREAT product, especially in combination with the FCRC, either by hand or PC.



An old standby, that you can also find locally, would be Meg's #7 (also available at autobody supply places). Not my favorite product now, but I used a lot of it back in the day. It would add a little something when used before your S100. An alternative to the IHG, which would ALSO add something when used before the S100. These short-lived glazes have done well at car shows for a long time. I think it would be worth the added step given your situation.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top