Best polish to use before ceramic coating?

[RMarkJr]

Ok here I am again! So I have just chemically decontaminated my car and clay bar the whole thing... twice.

I am about to move on to the polishing step. I haven't decided if I am going to do a two step polish or a single step like a finishing polish only.

However, my question is what is the best polish to finish it with when getting it ready for a ceramic coating. I do have Menzerna SF3500, HD Polish+, and Megs M205.

In another thread someone brought up a water soluble polish from Gtechniq and didn't think that even with a couple of panel wipes with IPA that it would remove the oils from the polish. Are there any other polishes out there that would be recommended to kinda prep the paint for a ceramic coating?

Thanks again!

If it matters it is a 2015 Honda Accord Metallic Grey. The coating is going to be GTechniq CSL topped eith EXOv3

[itsgn]

I don't think anything that will not be removed by clay and IPA could interfere with the bonding process of the ceramic coating, as that thing itself (whatever it might be) will also be chemically resistant and heavily bonded to the paint. That said I don't think any kind of polishing oil from a fresh polish pass could survive a concentrated (>30%) IPA wipe. What's more important is to use a virgin microfiber towel, so it picks up everything that's been dissolved by the alcohol, and leaves nothing on the surface. Also go panel by panel with the wipe, and do it just right prior to coating the next panel, as a surprisingly large amounts of dust and pollens can settle on the paint surface in a short time.

As for the polish, I'd use what works best for you and gives you the best results in terms of gloss and depth (obviously to be checked after an IPA wipe). The ones you listed are all "real" (as in "abrasive") polishes, and even though they might contain some fillers, those should be removed by the IPA wipe.

Unless your car has been polished to perfection previously, a two step correction is recommended, as any scratches and swirls you leave in the paint will be preserved by, and also visible through the ceramic coating. And with the coating now on you'll have a harder time to correct them later on, and would have to remove (polish away) and re-apply the coating, to do that.

Also, take note, that the coating will somewhat darken your paint and also take some of the metallic flare. That said in the case of greys, the darkening effect is usually perceived positive (even though subject of personal preference, of course) as it will shift the shade more towards black, and will because of that enhance the the glossy and "wet" looking appearance of the ceramic coating.

[The Guz]

Use what you have. Try HD Polish or M205. Have plenty of towels to prep the surface with IPA. M205 may require an additional wipe down but otherwise you will be fine with either of those two options.

[MattPersman]

Would use the HD you have followed by a panel wipe with some sort of grease/wax remover from the “body shop” section of the auto parts store


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[Rsurfer]

Doesn't GTechniq make a panel wipe? Stick with the same family.

[Dereksdtail]

Essence


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[Rsurfer]

Essence


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That should also work as it serves as a primer for a ceramic coating.

[RMarkJr]

Doesn't GTechniq make a panel wipe? Stick with the same family.

Ya they do. But I think that most panel wipes are really just IPA. I'm not sure what else they could have in there that would really make a difference. One said IPA and lubricants, which Im not that concerned about really if thats the only difference.

[Klasse Act]

I used Optimum hyper polish and experienced eye watering results...seriously[emoji23]

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[The Guz]

Doesn't GTechniq make a panel wipe? Stick with the same family.

Yeah they do. But since he is ready to start polishing then if it were me I would just use what he has on hand. Sounds like this is a weekend project that he wants to get done this weekend.


Essence


That should also work as it serves as a primer for a ceramic coating.

Posting this from the sister site from a member that had issues with Essence and GTechniq.

https://www.autopia.org/forums/detailing-product-reviews/188613-holy-sheet-hood-test-rip.html?highlight=


Ya they do. But I think that most panel wipes are really just IPA. I'm not sure what else they could have in there that would really make a difference. One said IPA and lubricants, which Im not that concerned about really if thats the only difference.

Use what you have and next time you can invest in one of the prep sprays. IPA should be just fine.

[PouncingPanzer]

Which ever one works best for you! Could use one that plays well with SiO2, like Essence. I like Sonax Pro Finish myself.

[RMarkJr]

Use what you have and next time you can invest in one of the prep sprays. IPA should be just fine.


Here is a thought .. what ratio of IPA should I use for a wipe down? I think the one I got mixed right now it at about 12%. I think I have seen somewhere that it needs to be at least 30% for a wipe down to remove oils.

[The Guz]

Here is a thought .. what ratio of IPA should I use for a wipe down? I think the one I got mixed right now it at about 12%. I think I have seen somewhere that it needs to be at least 30% for a wipe down to remove oils.

I think around 10-15% is fine.

[Eldorado2k]

I think around 10-15% is fine.

What percent IPA should 1 buy to dilute 15% IPA to 85% water?
25%-50%-90% IPA?

[The Guz]

What percent IPA should 1 buy to dilute 15% IPA to 85% water?
25%-50%-90% IPA?

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/2009-2016-how-articles-mike-phillips/31183-how-mix-ipa-inspecting-correction-results.html