I want to improve the exterior appearance

[daved]

I have a 2009 dark red Honda (kids call it maroon). I have used Zaino products since the car was new. Currently the paint has some minor swirls. I have been thinking about going to a wax. A little research indicates I should use some sort of polish to remove swirls, then a sealant, followed by wax. Does this sound correct?

I could ask what is the best product to use-but I don't want to get into this. I like a nice looking car, but I am not a fanatic.

Can the above be done without a buffer?

Thanks for any help.

Dave

[SeaJay's]

It can be done without a buffer but it A LOT of work to do by hand.

You would need to use a polish and there are tons of different products out there that will remove swirls.

A sealant followed by a wax is my method, but some people prefer to use just a sealant or just a wax. The main difference between a wax and a sealant is the durability. Typically a sealant will outlast a wax. So, many people use a sealant for the durability and top it off with a nice wax.

[indianaryan]

You need a product that will "abrade" the surface. A sealant won't take the swirls out. A wax on top of the sealant is optional, but your process is correct. Start with a less aggressive polish, then move to something more aggressive if that doesn't get them all out. I've heard good things about M105 and M205, so you might start with the M205 (less aggressive) first and see how that works for you.

You can get swirls out by hand, but it will take quite a bit longer and be prepared for your arms to fall off. It's a workout.

[Bobby B.]

I would recommend using a DA Polisher with the Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover and the Finishing Glaze to correct the paint surface. Once the paint surface has been corrected apply a thin coat of the Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant. Once the sealant fully cures than apply a thin coat of the Carnauba Wax. The Wolfgang Fuzion or the Pinnacle Souveran Paste Wax is perfect for dark colored cars.

[indianaryan]

Here (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-charts-graphs/19746-very-comprehensive-compound-chart.html) is a good chart that shows the aggressiveness of several polishers and compounds.

You might want to read this (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/28505-use-least-aggressive-product-get-job-done.html) also. It has a lot of good information on what you're trying to accomplish.

[jimmyjam]

I have a 2009 dark red Honda (kids call it maroon). I have used Zaino products since the car was new. Currently the paint has some minor swirls. I have been thinking about going to a wax. A little research indicates I should use some sort of polish to remove swirls, then a sealant, followed by wax. Does this sound correct?

I could ask what is the best product to use-but I don't want to get into this. I like a nice looking car, but I am not a fanatic.

Can the above be done without a buffer?

Thanks for any help.

Dave
Sorry, we're all fanatics here!!! Im the MANWelcome Daved :xyxthumbs:

[jimmyjam]

I would recommend using a DA Polisher with the Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover and the Finishing Glaze to correct the paint surface. Once the paint surface has been corrected apply a thin coat of the Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant. Once the sealant fully cures than apply a thin coat of the Carnauba Wax. The Wolfgang Fuzion or the Pinnacle Souveran Paste Wax is perfect for dark colored cars.
:iagree::iagree::iagree:

[tuscarora dave]

Welcome to AG!! For working by hand I suggest you read this article by Mike Phillips where he shows how to work by hand VS. Machine. This way you can decide which way you want to go and will have an idea of what products and tools you will need to achieve the desired results. The paint on your Honda will likely be softer and a little easier to work with than the car Mike used for this article. Here's the link to the article. http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/20257-man-versus-machine.html Good luck and Happy Holidays.

[daved]

Thanks all for the assistance. Figured out M105 and M205 pertain to Meguiar products. What is a DA polisher?

[SeaJay's]

DA stands for Dual Action...such as the Flex or the Porter Cable. You'll get use to the abbreviations.

Might want to do some research on swirl removal in the forum. You'll come up with tons of info to give you a better idea of how to tackle the job.

[Shane731]

Lots of good info. Here's some starters:

Auto Detailing Facts, auto detailing Tips, How to detailing Guides, how to polish, how to wax, DIY detailing, do it yourself guides (http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html)

How-To Videos (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-car-garage-how-videos/26575-video-list-autogeek-s-show-car-garage-videos-mike-phillips.html)

How-To Articles (http://tinyurl.com/y9gcarg)