Can you recommend me a good paint cleaner?

[96Lude]

Hi everyone,

I am looking for a good paint cleaner that is easy to work with and can remove minor swirls as well.

I use Menzerna PO203 when a client is paying for a 1 step.

What I am looking for now is something I can quickly polish the car with after claying, before I wax, just to remove any clay bar lubricant residue that might still be on the paint and brighten it up a bit.

I have used M205 which is easy to work with, however is there something better you can suggest? Ideally not something with diminishing abrasives since they need to be worked longer, and I don't need something with protection already in it, since I am applying a coat of wax as another step already.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[toycar18]

Any fine polish should work like Menzerna 85RD.

Pre-Wax Cleaners are designed specifically for paint prep between clay and wax/sealant:

Prima Amigo (http://www.autogeek.net/prima-amigo-cleanser.html) is awesome stuff. It is new and doesn't have a ton of feedback like pinnacle does. Has super fine polish , preps the paint, also fills in fine scratches. Unlike any other filler it is solvent based so it lasts a long time and is more compatible with sealants and waxes. This is my favorite

Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion (http://www.autogeek.net/pinpainclean.html) is similar to Prima Amigo but the fillers are water based so they don't last as long. This is probably the forum favorite.

Wolfgang Pre-Wax Polish Enhancer (http://www.autogeek.net/wg2000.html) is another good one but most prefer Pinnacle over WG on the forum.

[toycar18]

Here is the article Mike Phillips would add

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/28519-benefits-light-paint-cleaner-cleansing-lotion-pre-wax-cleaner.html

[Ted S.]

P21s makes a stand alone paint cleanser, but KAIO has chemical cleaners if you want a one-step polish, cleanser, and sealant. (But you definately want to top the KAIO), but with KAIO, the cut is pad dependant.

P21S Gloss Enhancing Paintwork Cleanser car polish - This pre-wax cleaner and polish is a German blend of quality ingredients that will make wax (http://www.autogeek.net/p2paincleanl.html)

Klasse ALL-IN-ONE Auto Polish, Klasse All In One, klasse aio, Acrylic polish (http://www.autogeek.net/klasseallinone.html)

You could always go with a cleaner wax as well, which is kinda what KAIO is, but Meg's has one available OTC if I'm not mistaken.
Im the MAN

[Ted S.]

XMT 360 and another one (Optimum, I think) are pretty popular all in ones on this site.

[Josh@BR]

I'd highly recommend Optimum Polish II for what your describing you need. That's what I use for all of my 2 step paint buffing(Polish then seal). It has amazing work time and removes moderate swirls and other paint defects. Its technically a Polish and not a paint cleaner though which I prefer when doing two step processes. Xmt360 and klasse aio leave behind protection so there probably not what your looking for. I feel any aio or paint cleaner wont cut as good as a good medium cut Polish. Just my opinion:)

[Meticulous-Detail]

Hi everyone,

I am looking for a good paint cleaner that is easy to work with and can remove minor swirls as well.

I use Menzerna PO203 when a client is paying for a 1 step.

What I am looking for now is something I can quickly polish the car with after claying, before I wax, just to remove any clay bar lubricant residue that might still be on the paint and brighten it up a bit.

I have used M205 which is easy to work with, however is there something better you can suggest? Ideally not something with diminishing abrasives since they need to be worked longer, and I don't need something with protection already in it, since I am applying a coat of wax as another step already.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Megs 205 gets my vote. Have you tried it with different pads? I usually like white or orange.

[96Lude]

I'd highly recommend Optimum Polish II for what your describing you need. That's what I use for all of my 2 step paint buffing(Polish then seal). It has amazing work time and removes moderate swirls and other paint defects. Its technically a Polish and not a paint cleaner though which I prefer when doing two step processes. Xmt360 and klasse aio leave behind protection so there probably not what your looking for. I feel any aio or paint cleaner wont cut as good as a good medium cut Polish. Just my opinion:)

I'm not really doing a 2 step.

What I am doing is: Wash+Clay+Wax

I just want to go over the paint quickly with a DA polisher before waxing, however if you think Optimum Polish II is good for this step, I will give it a try.


Megs 205 gets my vote. Have you tried it with different pads? I usually like white or orange.

I have used M205 with white LC pads, I didn't have any issues with it, however people are always mentioning how it has so many oils in it etc. that I figured maybe I should try something else.

I don't want to wipe down the car with anything like IPA before waxing.