[06E90Rostik]

Hello. I want to get my car polished before summer, will do a big winter clean-up. And I was looking at the Menzerna polishes. There are so much of them that I got confused on which one to get.

My car (Sparkling Graphite) doesn't have many scratches or swirl marks (I always washed it with mf mit), so I though getting a heavy compound would not be necessary.

So how about getting a PO91E (Intensive Polish) and finish with PO106FF? How is that combination? I just need some advice before spending any money, and btw I have a random-orbit polisher thing (if that determines the type of polish I should be using)

Thanks in advance

[Detailed Image]

You selected a great two step combination of Menzerna polishes. Intensive Polish is a great medium cut polish that I'll typically apply using an orange light cutting pad. Then follow up with PO106FF on a white pad for amazing depth and gloss and to remove any micro-marring or hazing left behind from IP. You could look into Super Intensive Polish (PO83) as an alternative to the regular IP, it will work longer, dust less and finish down nicer than regular IP. Since you're finishing with the PO106FF, the ability to finish down finer isn't an issue, it'd be more for convenience and easier workability primarily.

You certainly won't be disappointed with the IP / 106 combo. Be sure to keep us posted on how things turn out for you once you get a chance to detail your car.

George

[06E90Rostik]

Thanks for response, that helps a lot

[Nebster]

what is everyones opinion with the blackfire, i've read some things. I just ordered some stuff to try it this weekend but before i use it just wondering what everyone else thought.

[SpecC]

i suggest looking into power finish, PO203S. it's got about as much cut as SIP but finishes like 106FF/A. That coupled with PO85RD has become my favorite new combo for polishing

[Nebster]

sounds good i'll give them a try if i absolutely hate this blackfire stuff.

i've heard very good things about the power stuff.

[06E90Rostik]

I got my polisher out to see if it still works and then I noticed that it has a different plate for pads. My polisher uses bonnets, and as far as I can tell I will need pads for a proper polish.

So I looked at various detailing supplies websites and they all sell backing plates for pads, but could not find one for my model (I have a Craftsman 7-8in random orbit polisher/buffer).

So by looking at the pictures can you guys tell me what kind of backing plate will fit my machine? The diameter is 7 inches. and the hole inside, a ball-bearing, has a 5/16 of an inch diameter.

Thanks in advance

[06E90Rostik]

Anybody? I don't want to buy a wrong plate...

[SpecC]

the craftsman orbital you haven't really isn't good for anything except putting on wax

[06E90Rostik]

Originally Posted by SpecC

the craftsman orbital you haven't really isn't good for anything except putting on wax

So it won't polish out any scratches?

[g9sBMW]

Look into a Porter Cable or Flex polisher

[SpecC]

Originally Posted by 06E90Rostik

So it won't polish out any scratches?

it's not strong enough to polish out swirls effectively

[06E90Rostik]

OK, thanks guy. My big clean up plan is ruined

I was looking at these Makita polishers/sanders. I like the 9227C because it has this handle that goes all around. Is that polisher as good as PC/Flex, or I should look into those?

[SpecC]

Originally Posted by 06E90Rostik

OK, thanks guy. My big clean up plan is ruined

I was looking at these Makita polishers/sanders. I like the 9227C because it has this handle that goes all around. Is that polisher as good as PC/Flex, or I should look into those?

there's a huge difference between those!

the PC and Flex 3401(i think) are random orbital polishers that probably won't burn the paint. the drawback with that is that it doesn't work as fast or cut as well as the Makita.

Makita 9227c is a rotary polisher which CAN burn your paint if you aren't careful. I suggest researching the rotary polisher techniques before you actually try it on your car. If you do end up with this, don't be afraid to use it on your car first. Just keep the thing in motion the ENTIRE time or you WILL burn the paint. I started out with a polisher very similar to the makita and am going to buy one once mine breaks. It can be done, and you just need to take some time to get the feeling down.

[Houman21]

Get a makita it's cheaper than a flex and it's a true rotary so you can use it for other stuff as well like refinishing furniture. You can get it here and it comes with a pretty nice bag. You can get a 3m backing plate for another $40-$50. Then get your pads at detailed image. I wouldn't use the pads that come with the polisher on your car.

[06E90Rostik]

Appreciate the input guys. I did some searching, read some user reviews, looks like FLEX beats PC by a long shot. But that thing costs twice as much as PC/Makita.

[Houman21]

People are not going to deny that the flex is good - I just couldn't justify the cost. I did some research and read posts by a fellow forum member and a detailing guru (Picus)

Picus had nothing but good things to say about its reliability so I jumped on it. My neighbor has a bunch of old cars that he's working on, I asked him if I can practice on his
cars and went to town.

[SpecC]

when i started, a lot of people suggest i go to the junk yard to grab scrap panels to work on too

[06E90Rostik]

That's a great idea, I think our family's beater can be "polished"