E90Post
 


TNT Racewerks
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > Good polish/wax to get swirls out



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-27-2013, 12:36 PM   #1
dhanni848
Lieutenant
38
Rep
475
Posts

Drives: 06 330i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Nashville, TN

iTrader: (0)

Good polish/wax to get swirls out

Hello all. I have been detailing my vehicles forever and love doing it. I am planning on getting a better polisher this week (http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/polishers/6-variable-speed-dual-action-polisher-69924.html) and would like a good wax that will remove some deeper swirls. I will be getting the different stages of pads so that it sands a little. As you can see I am going to harbor freight so I don't have a lot of extra money. I would like some solid polish/wax and sealant without spending a ton of money. Thanks in advance!
Appreciate 0
      03-27-2013, 09:26 PM   #2
sdalpha
Private First Class
38
Rep
174
Posts

Drives: 30 Jahre M3
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SD

iTrader: (0)

How much are you willing to spend? We can recommend products based on your budget and your goals.

Wax will not remove swirl marks. That is a job for polish and compound.

Also, different pads do not "sand" the paint, unless you attached some sandpaper to the pad.
__________________
- Mark
Appreciate 0
      03-28-2013, 01:05 AM   #3
psnt1ol
Lieutenant
psnt1ol's Avatar
31
Rep
547
Posts

Drives: e90
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: san francisco

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by sdalpha View Post
How much are you willing to spend? We can recommend products based on your budget and your goals.
+1.


It would also helps if you post some pics of the defects.
__________________
What is absolute control???? Having the means and the abilities to exercise it at will but....chooses not to.
Appreciate 0
      03-28-2013, 09:10 AM   #4
dhanni848
Lieutenant
38
Rep
475
Posts

Drives: 06 330i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Nashville, TN

iTrader: (0)

I misspoke on waxes, just used to the term. I would like a good 2-3 stage process. The pads I will be getting vary in abrasion. Pads - cutting pad, polishing, and finishing pads. I've read in other posts people using different pads and results look really good. I want to pair the right product with the right pad.

I don't particularly have a budget but I can't spend $100 on the stuff. I will try and post some pics up, on my phone now. They are the regular swirls/scratches that a normal buffing doesn't get out.

I apologize for my ignorance on some of the lingo.

Thanks again
Appreciate 0
      03-28-2013, 10:30 AM   #5
sdalpha
Private First Class
38
Rep
174
Posts

Drives: 30 Jahre M3
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dhanni848 View Post
I want to pair the right product with the right pad.
This is a tough one. We honestly cannot say which product goes with which pad. Yes, there are recommendations on what typically works together, but it may not be what you need to use to get the swirl marks out of your paint. It is honestly a little bit of an experiment.

Also, you want to go with the least aggressive option that will heed the results you are looking to achieve.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dhanni848 View Post
I don't particularly have a budget but I can't spend $100 on the stuff.
What do you currently have?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dhanni848 View Post
I apologize for my ignorance on some of the lingo.
No worries. I did not intend to sound harsh or anything, I just wanted to clarify a few statements in your original post.
__________________
- Mark
Appreciate 0
      03-28-2013, 11:29 AM   #6
dhanni848
Lieutenant
38
Rep
475
Posts

Drives: 06 330i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Nashville, TN

iTrader: (0)

Yea I don't want to be wet sanding the car! The swirls are not bad and they are not scratches but just microfine that a regular polish and foam pad doesn't remove. I mainly use Meguiars Gold Glass and The Wax Shop glaze.

I don't mind messing around with different ones. Just a solid suggestion of a product initially is good for me.
Appreciate 0
      03-28-2013, 06:08 PM   #7
psnt1ol
Lieutenant
psnt1ol's Avatar
31
Rep
547
Posts

Drives: e90
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: san francisco

iTrader: (0)

Here are some points for you to think about.

To get the most from a polisher such as Harbor Freight or the Porter Cable, you would do better if you use smaller pads (5.5 inch) since this would minimize the machine from bogging down but this does require you buying a smaller backing plate.

Prior to buffing, the car should be wash and clay. A Foam pad on a DA polisher will not remove the surface contaminants on the car. A wool pad, a heavy cut compound, and a rotary could....in the right hands.

To buff out an average size car requires 3-4 pads (the more the better). If you are to do any corrections beyond polishing then you are looking at minimum of something like this...... 3-4 (Orange), 3-4 (White), 3-4 (Black). You will also need a brush to clean the pad between each panels as well as some good microfiber towels (not the costco ones) to wipe off the polish on the car.

The combination of the polish, pads, and the action of the machine will determine the aggressiveness of the approach. For starters, go with the OTC Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and Polish. These 2 products will be much easier for a beginner to deal with. This brings up the most important point.

Technique. There is more to paint corrections then just buying a polisher, some Pads and a few polishes. Good techniques could overcome inferior products but no products can overcome bad techniques. Read up on the Kevin Brown Method.

2nd most important point. Do a 1' by 1' test spot to make sure your entire process is the correct approach. You don't want to buff out the entire car to find later that your process was no good.

If you like to learn more.... check out some dedicated detailing forums such as AutoGeekOnline and Autopia.

Please don't think I am trying to discourage you. I am not. I am trying to help you to plan the process out. You could either learn from your own mistakes or...... learn from the mistakes of others.

Good Luck.
__________________
What is absolute control???? Having the means and the abilities to exercise it at will but....chooses not to.
Appreciate 0
      03-29-2013, 07:41 AM   #8
dhanni848
Lieutenant
38
Rep
475
Posts

Drives: 06 330i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Nashville, TN

iTrader: (0)

That is not discouraging at all. That is why I enjoy doing it myself, it's fulfilling.

I have read the Kevin Brown method a few times and I did this on my wife's black car a couple weeks a ago and turned out really well. I have a clay bar set I use and the proper materials. I just have a plain 8" buffer that I am not able to change pads on and want to upgrade.

The DA I'm looking at is a 6". I'm glad you said it will take that many pads because I was not going to buy that many but it makes sense

Thanks for all the help. I will do more digging for info on products.
Appreciate 0
      03-30-2013, 07:47 PM   #9
groundskeeper willie
New Member
0
Rep
11
Posts

Drives: my other car is a vette
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

being from tennesse, im surprised you havent heard of Optimum Polymer Technologies....

very high quality products that are easy on the pocket book.
Appreciate 0
      03-30-2013, 09:51 PM   #10
dhanni848
Lieutenant
38
Rep
475
Posts

Drives: 06 330i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Nashville, TN

iTrader: (0)

I haven't but I will look into them.
Appreciate 0
      04-06-2013, 08:41 AM   #11
Former USMC
Private First Class
Former USMC's Avatar
United_States
32
Rep
137
Posts

Drives: 2013 335is Crimson Red
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Southern Ca

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dhanni848 View Post
Hello all. I have been detailing my vehicles forever and love doing it. I am planning on getting a better polisher this week (http://www.harborfreight.com/power-t...her-69924.html) and would like a good wax that will remove some deeper swirls. I will be getting the different stages of pads so that it sands a little. As you can see I am going to harbor freight so I don't have a lot of extra money. I would like some solid polish/wax and sealant without spending a ton of money. Thanks in advance!
Dhanni848,

I have used Griot's Garage products for years, including their polishes, waxes, clays, towels, etc. They work as advertised and have a plethora of how-to videos on YouTube.

I don't have any personal interest in the company, just like their products.

Semper Fi
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2013, 11:04 AM   #12
Peiler
New Member
Cyprus
1
Rep
8
Posts

Drives: E93
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Cyprus

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 BMW E93  [0.00]
What product is the best to remove a small scratch from my door and cover a bigger scratch on my bumper? Colour is Space Gray
Appreciate 0
      04-13-2013, 02:01 PM   #13
Otruba_843
Lieutenant Colonel
Otruba_843's Avatar
United_States
91
Rep
1,509
Posts

Drives: 2009 E90
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Egg Harbor - Athens

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Peiler View Post
What product is the best to remove a small scratch from my door and cover a bigger scratch on my bumper? Colour is Space Gray
can you feel the scratch with your nail? Need pics
__________________
2009 E90 328i Monaco Blue
premium/idrive/convience/logic-7/cold weather/ xenons/ saddle brown interior
Appreciate 0
      04-15-2013, 06:39 PM   #14
dhanni848
Lieutenant
38
Rep
475
Posts

Drives: 06 330i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Nashville, TN

iTrader: (0)

Well go the DA and lots of pads. Did a lot of research and bought M105 & M205. Hopefully get some time to try it out. I am going to be getting some sealant soon too, thinking about getting meguiars #21.
Appreciate 0
      04-15-2013, 08:57 PM   #15
Otruba_843
Lieutenant Colonel
Otruba_843's Avatar
United_States
91
Rep
1,509
Posts

Drives: 2009 E90
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Egg Harbor - Athens

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dhanni848
Well go the DA and lots of pads. Did a lot of research and bought M105 & M205. Hopefully get some time to try it out. I am going to be getting some sealant soon too, thinking about getting meguiars #21.
For a beginner I would not have gotten m105. Return it and get m101 instead. You should only need to use m101 once unless you treat your paint like crap. Skip out on Meg's #21. It's the same product as OTC nxt 2.0 just a different color. Get some black fire wet diamond all finish paint protection instead
__________________
2009 E90 328i Monaco Blue
premium/idrive/convience/logic-7/cold weather/ xenons/ saddle brown interior
Appreciate 0
      04-16-2013, 08:44 AM   #16
dhanni848
Lieutenant
38
Rep
475
Posts

Drives: 06 330i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Nashville, TN

iTrader: (0)

I read a lot on the m105 and looks like it pairs really well with the m205. After you posted I looked in m101 and it seems almost the same but not as deep cutting. I really need the cutting for my initial polishing. I definitely do not plan on using it much.

I will look into the sealants you suggested. Why do you say to stay away from the Meguiars? It's not that expensive either.

Thank you
Appreciate 0
      04-16-2013, 08:54 AM   #17
MetsFan
Lieutenant
MetsFan's Avatar
92
Rep
440
Posts

Drives: 2013 G37x
Join Date: May 2009
Location: MA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2007 BMW 328xi  [0.00]
Are you sticking with 6" pads or did you get the 5.5" backing plate and pads? What kind of pads did you get? I was going to buy a PC later this summer, but the reviews on this harbor freight one are pretty good and it's half the price too!

edit: there's also a 20% off coupon bringing the total down to $48 plus shipping/tax: 94155199

Last edited by MetsFan; 04-16-2013 at 08:59 AM..
Appreciate 0
      04-16-2013, 09:52 AM   #18
dhanni848
Lieutenant
38
Rep
475
Posts

Drives: 06 330i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Nashville, TN

iTrader: (0)

I got the one that is a DA and has 6 speeds and is for 6" pads. It was $79 and then I had a 20% coupon. They have pads in stock as well. I bought 3 of each, yellow, orange, and black.

I clicked it on and tried it out on a test panel this weekend and I love it. Not much vibration at all, pads held up well too.
Appreciate 0
      04-16-2013, 10:20 AM   #19
MetsFan
Lieutenant
MetsFan's Avatar
92
Rep
440
Posts

Drives: 2013 G37x
Join Date: May 2009
Location: MA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2007 BMW 328xi  [0.00]
Ah, must be on sale for $60 now then. Thanks for the heads up on this. I'm going to do some more research on pads and then pick this up.
Appreciate 0
      04-16-2013, 11:19 AM   #20
dhanni848
Lieutenant
38
Rep
475
Posts

Drives: 06 330i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Nashville, TN

iTrader: (0)

I just checked online and the one that's $59.99 is the one I got. That was a waste if $10!!! Such is my luck though.
Appreciate 0
      04-16-2013, 11:25 PM   #21
psnt1ol
Lieutenant
psnt1ol's Avatar
31
Rep
547
Posts

Drives: e90
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: san francisco

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dhanni848 View Post
I read a lot on the m105 and looks like it pairs really well with the m205. After you posted I looked in m101 and it seems almost the same but not as deep cutting. I really need the cutting for my initial polishing. I definitely do not plan on using it much.

I will look into the sealants you suggested. Why do you say to stay away from the Meguiars? It's not that expensive either.

Thank you
M105 was originally developed for body shops (to be use with a rotary). The work cycle of the product is very short and it dusts pretty bad. It is not a product that is friendly to beginners. With a DA, you need to have a smaller work area or you might find yourself having a difficult time removing the product. Towel marring is an issue with some cars when removing M105 so invest in some good MF towels (not Costco).

M101 was designed for the European market and it was not intended for the U.S market. Meg finally gave in due to pressure from the U.S. Detailing Community. It was designed to be use with foam. The work cycle is much longer and it dust much less. The cut is comparable to M105.

With a more powerful machine ( i.e Flex 3401, Griot Garage), a LSP ready surface could be achieve with M101 in just a single step on some paint system. M105 generally requires a second step (M205 , Menzerna SF4000). With the machine you are getting, you most likely have to make more passes per section (6-8) so you do want a longer work cycle and hence M101.

Here is a question for you? Why do you think you need to start with these aggressive products? Unless your car is "Hammered" a medium polish like Menzerna SIP works great without the learning curve and all the subsequent steps to finish down.
__________________
What is absolute control???? Having the means and the abilities to exercise it at will but....chooses not to.
Appreciate 0
      04-17-2013, 03:58 PM   #22
dhanni848
Lieutenant
38
Rep
475
Posts

Drives: 06 330i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Nashville, TN

iTrader: (0)

To be honest I researched and watched some YouTube videos of using the products and they looked easy to use and made the paint look great. So that's what I went with. Plus my local auto zone had it.

Car is not destroyed but does have some bad spots that I want cleared up.
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:33 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST