Menzerna 3 step process needed?

[YankeeFan]

Daughter has an 2006 black Elantra that I want to work on as it has gone through years of sitting outside with all sorts of scratches, swirls, you name it. Thought of going with 2400 first (maybe 400 in some areas), then finishing off with 3500. Is a middle step needed prior to 3500? If yes, what to use?

[Ancient1]

You should be fine. I have went from both 300 and 400 directly to 3500 or even 3800 with great results.

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Based on the description of the car, I would jump right into FG400 as a starting point in a test spot. SF3500 will clear up any hazing left behind from FG400.

What machine and pads will you be using?

[Paul A.]

I just did an Elantra recently and found the paint very soft. I might want to try a mid polish on a softer pad at first just to test the paint and go from there. The paint I had recently only got HD Speed all around with a white LC Hybrid pad and it corrected significantly. From your description of the paint condition I wouldn't be afraid to jump up to HCC 400 but, again, I might start a test with that product on a softer pad as well. If it's as soft as the one I had I would guess a 2 step correction would be doable.

I wouldn't be surprised if the 2400 corrects that paint but would play with pad aggressiveness (starting soft and advancing up to cutting) to fully evaluate what it might be able to do. A test of 3500 after should tell you if you can improve upon what's left. I have never personally found a need for anything in between 2400 and 3500. For that matter, I go from 400 directly to 3500 for stellar results.

Just some thoughts from my experience recently with a Hyundai Elantra. Your's may react differently but I would want to test it out first thinking it might be soft.

[RSW]

Have you guys tried running over an area with the 400 till it really breaks down, then wiping off most the residue and going over the same area again with just the residue left in your pad, essentially, the worn out 400 as a finishing polish?

This works really well with the Makita PO5000C and the Lake Country Orange foam pad, at least it does for me, your mileage will vary.

RSW

[nine]

It was a busy day

[Paul A.]

RSW, yes I have. I have tried almost everything with 400 and it amazes me every time.

[2wookies]

The finish with 400 is truly incredible, first time I used it with a MF cut pad I was anticipating a haze that I'd have to follow with a polish...WRONG! I did anyways since I was going to do a ceramic coat but wasn't needed.


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[Octopiston]

400 with a mf pad finishes like a polish. You'll probably find you only need 1 step with it.

[RSW]

I just ordered the Lake Country firmer foam pads and I'm looking forward to trying them with 400 and the PO5000C Monday. I'll let you know how it goes.

RSW

[YankeeFan]

Everything worked out well. Decided to start with SIP (orange pad) and then 106P (white pad) with rotary and finialized with PO85 (blue pad) with DA. Took out about 95% of scratches and all swirls that plaqued the car throughout and brought gloss back nicely. Will seal and wax in 2 weeks when daughter is back in town.

[Ernie Mccracken]

Is there ANY discernible difference between a 2 and 3 step?

[Paul A.]

Good to hear YF. Sounds like you're like me and still have some of the old labelled Menz bottles laying around. To sorta translate for the new labels...(if I remember them right) basically 2400 followed by 3500 and finished with 3800!

Ernie, in my experience, with the new abrasives available now it's pretty easy to get away with a 2 step and with some of the cleaner waxes (AIO's) and even Menz HCC 400, 1 steps may be enough.