Polish (Sonus SFX-2) - white flakey bits everywhere!

LeaUK

New member
Hi all



Learning slowly so please be forgiving (I know most of you are).



I've recently purchased a selection of product with three major objectives in mind:



1. Minimise swirls

2. Create a darker 'wet look'

3. Keep protected for up to 4 months



So for the swirl removal I purchased Sonus SFX-2 and I need help already! I've used a couple of polishes before (generally trade types available here in the UK, non-branded) and Megs Deep Crystal but this SFX-2 leaves horrible flakes and bits of dried polish EVERYWHERE.



I let it dry before removing with a Sonus Der-wunder and couldn't believe the mess left over. Perhaps I should have removed it still wet before it dried? Can some kind fellow please advise as otherwise I'm not sure if I can bear using it again due to the mess.



I followed up with NXT - no problems here.



Also, how does one remove wax polishes (in my case NXT) from the applicator (as it's repels water naturally) after cleaning? I use the blue foam applicators from Autopia-carcare and squeezed and squeezed - but of course didn't want to leave any in there for fear of it drying - any tips welcomed.





Cheers

Lea





Car:



SL500 medium blue

Paintwork - 5 years old on body, 8 months on bumpers
 
It is a bit on the messy side. I handled mine by wiping off the excess with my microfibre. I don't recall having a problem on car #1, but it did leave micro sized debris at various places. After your polish you may need to go over the car with a QD to clean up the residue. I did this and I didn't have problems afterwards.



Edit: SFX-3 is almost a must after 2 for a concentrated deep wet look IMO.
 
It gets where I find it difficult to remove with MFs that's my real problem. Maybe I should invest in a brush?
 
LeaUK said:
I let it dry before removing with a Sonus Der-wunder and couldn't believe the mess left over. Perhaps I should have removed it still wet before it dried?

I think that's your problem. I've yet to use the SFX polishes, but with the exception of Mothers PowerPolish, polishes have to be removed wet.



Work the polish until it goes clear and almost starts removing itself, then wipe with a MF towel. Some polishes can leave a slight residue which can be removed with QD before waxing.
 
Thanks for the replies chaps.



I think this is my problem - don't leave polish to dry! After reading the various guides I also suspect I used WAY too much on each panel. I should rely on the cutting action of the foam applicator and polish and not believe that old saying of "more the merrier".



In this case I think it's a little at a time, with plenty of elbow grease - maybe time for a PC?



Cheers

Lea
 
So should I be using a MF applicator to put on - I have several so maybe worth a try.



I'm confused a little about applicators - please help. I chose the foam pads as these are commonly used with the PC for polishing and I assumed wouldn't soak as much - why use a MF that is designed to soak up product when you actually want it on the panels?



I used a foam applicator for the NXT too - but noticed plenty left in the foam after (and I only waxed the car rear). Again, maybe I'm a little too keen on the volume of product being placed on the pad?



Reading the blurb about the PC DA I'm also tempted, but I think it best to get my level of knowledge up first before investing.



Cheers

Lea
 
As Paul said, it'll give the polish more 'bite'. The foam applicators are really designed for LSP and are too gentle to get the best out of a polish. Its like using a PC with a finishing pad, rather than a cutting pad.



Cotton terry is the most aggressive, followed by MF.
 
LeaUK said:
Also, how does one remove wax polishes (in my case NXT) from the applicator (as it's repels water naturally) after cleaning? I use the blue foam applicators from Autopia-carcare and squeezed and squeezed - but of course didn't want to leave any in there for fear of it drying - any tips welcomed.





NXT is one of the worst products to clean up pads from. I soak mine in a bowl/bucket of water with fairy liquid and hand washing deteregent. Lots of squeezing to remove the excess product and a good soak seems to work.
 
Regarding the MF and application I'll definitely give it a go - thanks.



I'll give the SFX-2 another go with the MF. I'm hoping it's all down to learning technique and of course experience and thank you guys for pointing us newbies in the right direction.





Cheers

Lea
 
Never had a problem with sfx system by hand using the sonus double sided foam applicator pads and have used all of them with rotary and edge blue pad with not a hint of sling residue

It's a superb product, the clearcoat clarity is awesome and in my experience, the only thing that can give Menzerna polishes a run for it's money



Terry cloth - that's yesterdays rag. Causes micro scratches

Don't have any in my garage.
 
I agree about NXT being a huge pain to clean out of pads. If there's one thing I hate about it, that's it. It also dries out my hands and doesn't like to be washed off.
 
I've some NXT paste arriving soon - what should I use to apply guys? MF applicator or foam pad?



Cheers

Lea
 
So here's my plan.



First wash and Clay, then use blue MF for the SFX2, then follow using blue foam for NXT.



Cheers

Lea
 
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