Auto Geek Online Car Detailing and Car Care Products Discussion Forum. Learn tips and tricks on how to polish, car wax, remove swirls and more.

CakeDaddy · #1 08-21-2008, 08:12 PM

This is my first post and like most newbie’s, we start off with questions. I’ll post picks for some entertainment. I’m a huge 3M product fan and I'd like to know what you all think of my process. Any extra tips would be appreciated.

1st – Wash the car thoroughly
2nd – Dry the car with a leaf blower
3rd – 1200 Grit Extra Cut Compound with 3M, part num 06060 (as seen in pic)
4th – Swirl Mark Remover, part 06064 (as seen in pic)
5th - Ultra Fina SE Perfect 3000, part num 06068 (as seen in pic)

I’m using a DA buffer by Ryobi (6inch) Yes, I need to upgrade. Oh, my car is black. The Swirl Mark Remover was made for black car, so they say. I posted a shot of my rear quarter panel and it’s no the best , but I’ll get more.

ASPHALT ROCKET · #2 08-21-2008, 08:59 PM

I use the Extra cut and Ultrafina. The swirl remover isn't all that great. The have some of the best foam pads also, do you have any of those?

CakeDaddy · #3 08-21-2008, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASPHALT ROCKET

I use the Extra cut and Ultrafina. The swirl remover isn't all that great. The have some of the best foam pads also, do you have any of those?

I'm glad you chimed in. I've seen your black vette

, and no I'm using a ryobi 6 inch and the only pads Im using are the standard cloth and a foam finishing (lots of pads). I'm going to upgrade to some like the Porter Cable DA. I sorta agree the swirl mark remover is... so so and a real pain to remove, but oh well. thx

nrengle · #4 08-22-2008, 01:10 AM

You have a just orbital buffer then. You're not going to get too much correction out of that thing. You'll definitely want to step up to the PC, though for a few extra bucks the Flex is miles ahead...

CakeDaddy · #5 08-22-2008, 10:16 AM

I agree. I realized that my buffer wasn’t up to standard when I started reading here. I must say that the car looks better than when I first purchased it. Black cars exteriors are very hard to maintain, but I was fortunate enough to score some quality products (3M) and the rest was history. I’m in love with the car all over again. I use to hate coming out of the mall with that western sun beating across the rear quarter panel of my car and all that scratch and swirl looking directly at me, but not any more

I will be purchasing a PC of some sort and I’m sure this will cut my time down on my next project. My next project will be my wife’s Silver Mercedes.

killrwheels@autogeek · #6 08-23-2008, 09:40 AM

I dont like the 3M products specifically, and no meaning to step on anyones toes. I know the bodyshops all love and reccommend them, likely getting them at discounted rates. There just seems to be so many better products out there ...

Polishes -- Menzerna (specifically)

wagonproject · #7 08-23-2008, 11:35 AM

Yeah we use 3m at our shop. Were not pulling out expensive cars, but we do $60K + semi's and seem to get good results. I see you got some wizard product to! We use their cleaner and their quick detailer or wax (can't remember).

CakeDaddy · #8 08-23-2008, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagonproject

Yeah we use 3m at our shop. Were not pulling out expensive cars, but we do $60K + semi's and seem to get good results. I see you got some wizard product to! We use their cleaner and their quick detailer or wax (can't remember).

Yes... I have the wizards wash soap and the wizard shine master (seen in pic) It's pretty good, but I've been playing with that Meguairs(sp) tech wax. It really brings out that oily black sine on the car.