Polish????

[LouieD]

Hey guys I just wanted to know what would be an okay type polish I can pick up at parts the store(or any store). I know it would be better to get one offline but I need to fully detail my car this weekend now that I have it back.

[GTScott]

You just had to add the part about being able to pick it up at the parts store. My knowledge of that stuff is a bit limited but I will give it a go and go through your options assuming you are hand applying this...

1) NXT - NXT's Tech Wax is not really a polish even though it reduces the appearance of scratches and marring. It contains a large amount of an oil-rich glaze filler. If you use this, your car will look great until it gets washed a time or two and all of the fillers are gone.

2) Meguairs Polish - The actual polish offered will vary by store. The Deep Crystal system is pretty good stuff for hand application. There are some other pro level polishes that some stores carry from Meguiars as well but it depends on your store. Meguairs cleaner wax (#6) is common and contains a chemical polish that can be decent but will not do anything for real scratches/swirls. If they have it, #9 Swirl Remover is pretty good for the Honda.

3) 3M - Some stores like NAPA and maybe even your normal store may carry this. There is a one step and a light compound that are both pretty good. If you go with the light compound, be careful as the Honda paint is pretty darn soft.

From my experience with Jeremy's car, I have found that just about any polish will remove medium scratches with little to no effort. On his car, I used Menzerna's reformulated Intensive Polish on the rotary and then cleaned it back up with Zaino ZAIO on the PC. It would be my assumption that a single run over the entire car with Zaino's AIO or ZPC would leave you a great finish. Another good option would be to use Menzerna FPII and then clean it up for your sealant. You just don't need anything that aggressive with the soft Honda paint from what I have seen so far. If you want to try any of these products, let me know and I will drop some in the mail for you or you are welcome to come raid my arsenal.

-GT

[LouieD]

Thanks Scott:goodjob: , I will def. check these products out. The reason why I couldn’t get anything offline is because I have to clean the entire car this weekend, I just got my car back this week and it needs a cleaning BAD!! But also because my friend is willing to help me out (I’m not too experienced when it comes to detailing) and he owns a Porter Cable system. That’s why I need something soon. I picked up the Maguire’s Clay kit and I need to find a suitable polish so I can remove the swirls from the car. Thanks again

[S2k Dude]

Zymol isn't too terrible either, the low end product line is available at Target.

[LagunaBlue]

:nopics:

Seriously, post up before/after



What does car wax have to do with being Polish?

[dvergar]

What do you think of the McGuires spray-on polish? I used some a couple of weeks ago, and with very little hand-buffing, it looked pretty good to me.

[GTScott]

One of my detailing buddies said that the new Mothers Polish (may be called Power or Performance) is pretty good stuff as well.

[REVS9K]

I though this thread was about :rolf::rolf::rolf:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/revs9k/Misc_S2kAtlanta/polish3_1.gif?t=1181241318

[LouieD]

Will def. post up some before/after pics just dont mind the paint chips and dings (man I wish I had my car for dent day) Also I will not be doing this all by hand keep in mind that I will have my friends PC and he will be helping me out (more like teaching me and letting me do it) I will def. check out the Zymol or the spray on polish, did anyone else have any experiance with this product?

[LouieD]

I though this thread was about :rolf::rolf::rolf:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/revs9k/Misc_S2kAtlanta/polish3_1.gif?t=1181241318
I just got it....duh ha ha ha ha:rolf: :rolf: :rolf: :laugh:

[GTScott]

I have used the Zymol and the spray on. Zymol makes a decent wax and sealant but I have never found their polishes to be all that great. As for the spray on, it is again rich is oils and therefore appears to be doing more than it really is. However, if you put it on routinely there is nothing wrong with that.

I skipped the PC part in your initial post. Just be sure to match the pad to your paint. Honda paint is soft. You do not need a heavy cut pad. I find the lightest polish pads can do wonders on Honda paint if used properly (white is *typically* the light polish pad from most outfits). Make sure to keep your pad nice and clean. Do not be afraid to lean into the PC a bit also. While the common thought process was always "let the machine do the work," I have found that a bit more pressure can give it a bit more bite.

As far as the OTC products go, I think that the Meguiars is probably your best polish for machine application.

Best of luck!

[Johnyboy]

Check out the articles on www.autogeek.net (http://www.autogeek.net). They have very good descriptions and how to's.

I recommend the NXT by Meguiars, as well. Especially if you follow with some layers of the spray wax and spray detailer.

I can't wait to have a garage again so I can shine up the bimmers. :)

[LouieD]

Check out the articles on www.autogeek.net (http://www.autogeek.net). They have very good descriptions and how to's.

I recommend the NXT by Meguiars, as well. Especially if you follow with some layers of the spray wax and spray detailer.

I can't wait to have a garage again so I can shine up the bimmers. :)
I do have a almost new can of turtle wax carnuba wax, I know its not the most expensive but after I polish you think it would be safe for our cars. I used it on my old car (which was a 96 neon) and it worked well but I think I kind of stepped up when it came to changing cars.:D

[Johnyboy]

I don't like carnuba waxes because they don't last very long in the sun down here. You can put a layer of carnuba over a layer of a polymer if you like the look.

[LouieD]

I will post some shots wait till you see the wheels I will throw some wax on those too cause ive heard that will help out with the brake dust.

[GTScott]

All of this talk of Turtle Wax and NXT is making me feel ill...next thing I know you guys will pull out the NuFinish. :)

[dvergar]

I just squirt dish detergent all over the car and go through the local automatic sandpaper scrub machine.

[Hoa]

I just squirt dish detergent all over the car and go through the local automatic sandpaper scrub machine.

tell me youre kidding :D

[GTScott]

I just squirt dish detergent all over the car and go through the local automatic sandpaper scrub machine.

Thank you - finally someone who is serious about their automotive finish. I find that BP Stations offer a wonderful wax/sealant that lasts for 6 years.

Detailing is 95% process and 5% product in my opinion. Any combination of gas station services and household detergent is tops in my book!

[LouieD]

All of this talk of Turtle Wax and NXT is making me feel ill...next thing I know you guys will pull out the NuFinish. :)
I know these are not the best products but I really cant wait till next weekend (which is when I will have the time) to wait for the products to come in the mail. This is just to clean for now afterwards I will buy the good stuff:goodjob:

[GTScott]

I know these are not the best products but I really cant wait till next weekend (which is when I will have the time) to wait for the products to come in the mail. This is just to clean for now afterwards I will buy the good stuff:goodjob:

I know, I was just giving others a hard time. While you may read pages and pages over on Autopia about how a perfect detail can't be done with over the counter products, I feel quite the opposite way. There are a ton of products out there that give you better control of what you are doing but in the end, whether $2 or $2000 a bottle, the stuff is all pretty similar.

Looking forward to seeing your results!

[S2k Dude]

Come to think of it, if you had called Carolina Shine before noon yesterday you could of had next day delivery (at no extra cost) of some Zaino products. Guess it's too late now. I need to wash and wax my car this weekend, you're welcome to come over and borrow some Zaino products since your also in Lawrenceville. We could Zaino two cars at once.

[afwfjustin]

All of this talk of Turtle Wax and NXT is making me feel ill...next thing I know you guys will pull out the NuFinish. :)

haha I was thinking the same thing. I was scared I'd see "Armor All" somewhere and have a stroke!

For store bought stuff, I recommend 3M polishes. If you can swing some internet bought stuff in the near future, Poorboy's Polishes are fantastic!

[LouieD]

Come to think of it, if you had called Carolina Shine before noon yesterday you could of had next day delivery (at no extra cost) of some Zaino products. Guess it's too late now. I need to wash and wax my car this weekend, you're welcome to come over and borrow some Zaino products since your also in Lawrenceville. We could Zaino two cars at once.
I def. appriciate the offer I will be going to a friends house for this because he will be helping me out and he also has the Porter Cable. Plus dont want to use up your good chemicals:D . Thanks for all the tips guys and the offers.!!

[EricKoske]

I used to only buy products by Mother's and Meguiars. Nothig but the best for my cars!

After I stumbled across Zaino and Poorboy's in threads on S2KI, and then tried some of them out, I now tend to think of Mother's and Meguiars and second-class products.

Still, if you're gonna get something from a parts store, they're going to be at the top of the really little heap you'll find there.

But seriously, head to http://www.zainobros.com and get one of the showcar detail kits ordered. Once you get a layer on your car, you'll be addicted.

Dunno where to purchase Poorboy's, but Justin will. He used that on my car when he detailed it and near as I can tell, it was identical to Zaino, down to the color and smell and the silky feeling on the paint afterward. Except the bottles were bigger and Justin says they're less expensive.

(Woah, wait.. "Carolina Shine"? "Next day delivery"? Please speak to me more about this tasty offer!)

[afwfjustin]

Poorboy's EXP sealant is what you're thinking of - and it's workable in layers along with Zaino. You'll get the same easy on and off application and great protection for months, at a cheaper price AND larger bottle.

www.autogeek.net and do a search for Poorboy's products. There are other great polishes and synthetic polymer sealants out there, but I have ZERO reason to stray from Poorboy's.

[S2k Dude]

(Woah, wait.. "Carolina Shine"? "Next day delivery"? Please speak to me more about this tasty offer!)

Yep, since North Carolina is in the same delivery region as Georgia you get one day ground shipping via UPS. So if you order before noon from Steve Treece at Carolina Shine you'll most likely get the package the next day. The online website is http://www.zainocharlotte.com/.

[GTScott]

If you want Poorboy's, let me know. I get a deal with them that is better than what Autogeek has. If interested, we can put together a group order. I buy a lot of their stuff (as some saw the other weekend) in 5-gallon containers.

The EX series and the Natty's Blue are both good selections for topping of a somewhat sterile sealant like Zaino.

[REVS9K]

If you want Poorboy's, let me know. I get a deal with them that is better than what Autogeek has. If interested, we can put together a group order.

GREAT IDEA :goodjob: I would be interested in trying them out.

[EricKoske]

Oh yeah, definitely sounds like a good idea. I'm running low on just about everything from my Show Car Detail Kit. I go through the detail spray and carwash concentrate like <something someone goes through really really fast, I can't think of anything>.

Also would like a group buy on those towels GTScott let me try out. Ohmygod those are awesome. Tons better than the microfibers you can pick up at Autozone or PepBoys.

[tonybell_57]

Also would like a group buy on those towels GTScott let me try out. Ohmygod those are awesome. Tons better than the microfibers you can pick up at Autozone or PepBoys.
I'm in. I need more microfiber towels. When are we doing this?

[afwfjustin]

If you want Poorboy's, let me know. I get a deal with them that is better than what Autogeek has. If interested, we can put together a group order. I buy a lot of their stuff (as some saw the other weekend) in 5-gallon containers.

The EX series and the Natty's Blue are both good selections for topping of a somewhat sterile sealant like Zaino.

Poorboy's in bulk... you have my undivided attention :)

[LITTLEELVISDAN]

I wash and wax a car, that's it. I like it shiny and swirl free. I do not want to spend 2 days layering on 4 coats of stuff each week. That's way too much work just to get water to bead up on the hood. I like the 4 step process. WASH, DRY, WAX, WIPE TO A SHINY FINISH. Does poorboy make a wipe on wipe off wax/polish that lasts for a month? NXT with all the oils is worthless to me. Sure it looks really shiny when you are done BUT the next day is dirty. The oil attracts dirt like a magnet. I used it twice and I am already looking for something better. I used to use "The Wax Shop" stuff with great results on any color but its hard to find anymore.

[GTScott]

I will start a new thread for putting together an order.

As for the DMT microfiber (Deluxe Mega Towel), if bought in a large enough order, they get down to only a few bucks a towel.

Again, I will start another thread for all of this.

-GT

[afwfjustin]

I wash and wax a car, that's it. I like it shiny and swirl free. I do not want to spend 2 days layering on 4 coats of stuff each week. That's way too much work just to get water to bead up on the hood. I like the 4 step process. WASH, DRY, WAX, WIPE TO A SHINY FINISH. Does poorboy make a wipe on wipe off wax/polish that lasts for a month? NXT with all the oils is worthless to me. Sure it looks really shiny when you are done BUT the next day is dirty. The oil attracts dirt like a magnet. I used it twice and I am already looking for something better. I used to use "The Wax Shop" stuff with great results on any color but its hard to find anymore.

You don't have to layer on 4 coats of stuff... I just use one synthetic sealant. But to just wax over a washed car... you're not getting the road grime, oxidation, and swirls out - you're just trapping them against your clear coat and under the wax layer.

Try the baggie trick after your next wash - I guarantee you'll find some startling results even on your new car. After you wash next time, take a plastic baggie and feel your car's clear coat through the plastic... It'll feel like sandpaper :D

[GTScott]

I wash and wax a car, that's it. I like it shiny and swirl free. I do not want to spend 2 days layering on 4 coats of stuff each week. That's way too much work just to get water to bead up on the hood. I like the 4 step process. WASH, DRY, WAX, WIPE TO A SHINY FINISH. Does poorboy make a wipe on wipe off wax/polish that lasts for a month? NXT with all the oils is worthless to me. Sure it looks really shiny when you are done BUT the next day is dirty. The oil attracts dirt like a magnet. I used it twice and I am already looking for something better. I used to use "The Wax Shop" stuff with great results on any color but its hard to find anymore.

If you want to devote a day to putting something on and not having to fool with it for months, you may be a candidate for Zaino. On a car the size of an S, the entire setup can be done in 3-4 hours MAX. The protection will last you a few months with no other labor. If you keep it up and use something on it every month or so, you may get even longer durations. The only downside to Zaino, in my opinion, is the look. It has a somewhat "plastic" or "sterile" look on darker cars (yes, even Z5Pro). Most people don't see this, but I do. If that bothers you, you can always top it with a sacrificial carnauba (Pinnacle Souveran, P21S, Natty's Blue) every month or two to warm up the look. When the carnauba breaks down, you are still left with the protection of the synthetic sealant. An additional downside that some people mention in regards to Zaino is the prep. Zaino tells you to clay, polish, wipedown, and then seal with 3 coats. This is really required by ANY procedure, Zaino just happens to mention it. Another issue some people have is the price. However, when you realize how thin this stuff really goes on, it is only a few pennies more expensive per application than anything else.

The Poorboy's EX-P is another good choice. It is a bit easier to apply. From my experince on daily drivers, you can get 6-8 weeks from two coats correctly applied. Sidenote on coats...when talking about coats here it is not to gain thickness but instead to gain 100% coverage.

A third option that some rave about but with which I have not had much luck is the Jeff's Werkstatt products. They take the high points of the two options listed above. However, I have never gotten the application just right.

I see good points with each method. I am in no way one of the folks who thinks that Zaino cures every disease. I fought it for a long time but finally gave it, tried it, and now I understand that it is a WONDERFUL product for any car that sees the light of day. That being said, my garage queen gets only Pinnacle Souveran and it gets it about once every 2-3 weeks.

-GT

[S2k Dude]

I've been very happy with Zaino, the "steril" look is probably the fact that the product claims to be "optically clear" so it's a very pure shine. I've read that carnuba leaves a yellowish tint but I see your point, the shine doesn't look the same as most other products but that's what I like about it.

I usually get 4-6 months of good protection with Zaino, it's really not much work overall. I've dumped all my other products and now just have a small shelf in the garage dedicated to mostly Zaino products. Some Zaino products are better than others but overall the product line is good, I've only been disappointed with the clay bar.

[LouieD]

Well I did the car wash this weekend and lets just say my arm is TIRED. My buddy backed out with helping me and using his PC and polishes. So i ended up just doing the wash then I returned the liquid clay kit and got the Meguries clay kit instead and that worked great. Once done with that I went over with the so called "cleaner wax" (whatever that is) and it turned out not too bad for a first timer. I will post up some pics but only got one before pic as the camera batteries died on me.

[afwfjustin]

Cleaner wax is a wax with some polishing abraisives in it as well. If you clayed properly, you won't need it :) I'll use it on mine when I'm feeling lazy though and don't want to clay or polish my car but is in need of some wax. I just set my PC to speed 1 and slap the cleaner wax over the car and wipe off with a moist MF towel.

[LouieD]

Cleaner wax is a wax with some polishing abraisives in it as well. If you clayed properly, you won't need it :) I'll use it on mine when I'm feeling lazy though and don't want to clay or polish my car but is in need of some wax. I just set my PC to speed 1 and slap the cleaner wax over the car and wipe off with a moist MF towel.
I thought I would clay and use the cleaner wax just cause it said "wax" but I knew its not the real thing. I just set my arm speed to 1 and it killed 4 hours later:rolf: :rolf:

[afwfjustin]

^I've been there! I was tired of my arm being sore and getting just "good" results and bought a machine! It stinks that your friend backed out...