Polish, Glaze, Sealants, not sure where to start

[Grifftech]

I am trying to find a good combination for my car. I have a few light swirls left on the car and some random fine scratches I am trying to work out.

Once I get done with that I am not sure on the proper polish then glaze to use to give me that perfect bed to apply my wax to get the best wet and glossy shine.

Any tips would be appreciated,

Thanks,
Chris

[SATracker]

From what I understand about the whole process, the polish or polishes you choose to use will remove the swirls. Some scratches may have to stay, it depends on how deep they are. Mike Phillips has said that removing some scratches may actually do more damage because they're so deep.
It depends on how you use the term, "glaze". In this forum somewhere are a few threads which talk about the term, glaze- depending on the manufacturer. I go straight to sealant or wax after polishing.

[silverfox]

Without seeing your paint...I would suggest a really good AIO or Cleaner-wax that has some abrasives in it to take care of the light swirls, cleans the paint, and if you want...can lay down some protection. I would seriously (after you clay) to consider Blackfire Total polish & Seal (white pad) topped with Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant (blue or red pad or by hand).

I like glazes..in fact I don't feel that I have totally finished a multi-step process unless I put down a nice glaze after polishing and before sealing...but in your case, its sounds like it would be be best to keep it simple and get fantastic results with just 2 easy steps...and not get bogged down in a long process...especially for a daily driver.

I don't think you are looking for a 90%+ correction. If you are, then a multi-step process is in order assuming you have lots of time to do it.

[BobbyG]

Hi Chris,

Finish preparation is unfortunately underestimated. This is "the" basis for every show car shine. Car polishing before waxing is the trick behind attaining and maintaining that sought after showroom finish on your car. The preparation prior to applying a sealant and wax is paramount to success.....

For me there are a few polishes that stand out in the crowd producing simply stunning results..



Menzerna Super Finish PO106FA (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-super-nano-polish.html)
Meguiar's #205 Ultra Finishing Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-finishing-polish.html)
BLACKFIRE Scratch Resistant Clear Finishing Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-src-finishing-polish.html)


Here's a few 1-Step products that shouldn't be overlooked. Mike Phillips was kind enough to put this list together and I keep it tucked away for reference....:props:

Cleaner/Waxes


Menzerna Sealing Wax APO 60 (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-sealing-wax.html)
Collinite Paste Sapphire Auto Wax #73SS (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-sapphire-73ss.html)
Mothers California Gold Original Formula Carnauba Cleaner Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/motcalgolorf.html)
Poorboy’s World Polish with Carnauba (BLUE) (http://www.autogeek.net/poorboys-polish-blue.html)
Poorboy's World Polish with 100% Carnauba (http://www.autogeek.net/pbpwc12.html)
Collinite Liquid Sapphire Auto Wax SS216 (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-sapphire-wax-ss126.html)
Dodo Juice Need For Speed Cleaner Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/cleaner-wax-polish-500.html)


Cleaner/Sealants


XMT 360 All In One Cleaner Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/xmt-360.html)
Griot's Garage One-Step Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-one-step-sealant.html)
Klasse All-In-One Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/klasseallinone.html)
Duragloss Polish & Cleaner 101 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-polish---cleaner.html)
Finish Kare 215 One Step Cleaner & Surface Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/finish-kare-215--cleaner-wax.html)
Finish Kare 2180 Ultra Poly Wipe Sealant Conditioner (http://www.autogeek.net/finish-kare-2180-paint-sealant.html)
Optimum Poli-Seal (http://www.autogeek.net/poli-seal.html)
Mother's FX Synwax Paste (http://www.autogeek.net/mothers-fx-synwax-paste-wax.html)
Mother's FX Synwax Liquid (http://www.autogeek.net/mo20016.html)
Mother's Reflections Advanced Car Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/mo10016.html)
3M One Step Cleaner Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/3m39006.html)


Hybrid Cleaner Waxes/Sealants


Meguiar's Mirror Glaze #6 Cleaner/Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/meg6clean.html)
Duragloss Total Performance Polish (TPP) # 105 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-total-performance-polish.html)
Meguiar's M20 Polymer Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/meg20polseal.html)
Meguiar's ColorX (http://www.autogeek.net/g11816.html)
Meguiar's M66 Quick Detailer (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-quick-detailer-.html)
Meguiar's D151 Paint Reconditioning Cream (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-paint-reconditioning-cream-d151.html)
1Z Einszett Metallic Polish Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/1z-einzett-polish-wax.html)
Duragloss Wet Look Paste Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-paste-wax-104.html)

[Grifftech]

Hi Chris,

Finish preparation is unfortunately underestimated. This is "the" basis for every show car shine. Car polishing before waxing is the trick behind attaining and maintaining that sought after showroom finish on your car. The preparation prior to applying a sealant and wax is paramount to success.....

For me there are a few polishes that stand out in the crowd producing simply stunning results..



Menzerna Super Finish PO106FA (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-super-nano-polish.html)
Meguiars #105 Ultra-Cut Compound (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-finishing-polish.html)
BLACKFIRE Scratch Resistant Clear Finishing Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-src-finishing-polish.html)

Here's a few 1-Step products that shouldn't be overlooked. Mike Phillips was kind enough to put this list together and I keep it tucked away for reference....:props:

Cleaner/Waxes


Menzerna Sealing Wax APO 60 (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-sealing-wax.html)
Collinite Paste Sapphire Auto Wax #73SS (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-sapphire-73ss.html)
Mothers California Gold Original Formula Carnauba Cleaner Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/motcalgolorf.html)
Poorboy’s World Polish with Carnauba (BLUE) (http://www.autogeek.net/poorboys-polish-blue.html)
Poorboy's World Polish with 100% Carnauba (http://www.autogeek.net/pbpwc12.html)
Collinite Liquid Sapphire Auto Wax SS216 (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-sapphire-wax-ss126.html)
Dodo Juice Need For Speed Cleaner Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/cleaner-wax-polish-500.html)

Cleaner/Sealants


XMT 360 All In One Cleaner Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/xmt-360.html)
Griot's Garage One-Step Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-one-step-sealant.html)
Klasse All-In-One Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/klasseallinone.html)
Duragloss Polish & Cleaner 101 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-polish---cleaner.html)
Finish Kare 215 One Step Cleaner & Surface Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/finish-kare-215--cleaner-wax.html)
Finish Kare 2180 Ultra Poly Wipe Sealant Conditioner (http://www.autogeek.net/finish-kare-2180-paint-sealant.html)
Optimum Poli-Seal (http://www.autogeek.net/poli-seal.html)
Mother's FX Synwax Paste (http://www.autogeek.net/mothers-fx-synwax-paste-wax.html)
Mother's FX Synwax Liquid (http://www.autogeek.net/mo20016.html)
Mother's Reflections Advanced Car Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/mo10016.html)
3M One Step Cleaner Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/3m39006.html)

Hybrid Cleaner Waxes/Sealants


Meguiar's Mirror Glaze #6 Cleaner/Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/meg6clean.html)
Duragloss Total Performance Polish (TPP) # 105 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-total-performance-polish.html)
Meguiar's M20 Polymer Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/meg20polseal.html)
Meguiar's ColorX (http://www.autogeek.net/g11816.html)
Meguiar's M66 Quick Detailer (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-quick-detailer-.html)
Meguiar's D151 Paint Reconditioning Cream (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-paint-reconditioning-cream-d151.html)
1Z Einszett Metallic Polish Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/1z-einzett-polish-wax.html)
Duragloss Wet Look Paste Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-paste-wax-104.html)



OMG thank you for the AMAZING information!!

[Grifftech]

Hi Chris,

Finish preparation is unfortunately underestimated. This is "the" basis for every show car shine. Car polishing before waxing is the trick behind attaining and maintaining that sought after showroom finish on your car. The preparation prior to applying a sealant and wax is paramount to success.....

For me there are a few polishes that stand out in the crowd producing simply stunning results..



Menzerna Super Finish PO106FA (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-super-nano-polish.html)
Meguiars #105 Ultra-Cut Compound (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-finishing-polish.html)
BLACKFIRE Scratch Resistant Clear Finishing Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-src-finishing-polish.html)

Here's a few 1-Step products that shouldn't be overlooked. Mike Phillips was kind enough to put this list together and I keep it tucked away for reference....:props:

Cleaner/Waxes


Menzerna Sealing Wax APO 60 (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-sealing-wax.html)
Collinite Paste Sapphire Auto Wax #73SS (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-sapphire-73ss.html)
Mothers California Gold Original Formula Carnauba Cleaner Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/motcalgolorf.html)
Poorboy’s World Polish with Carnauba (BLUE) (http://www.autogeek.net/poorboys-polish-blue.html)
Poorboy's World Polish with 100% Carnauba (http://www.autogeek.net/pbpwc12.html)
Collinite Liquid Sapphire Auto Wax SS216 (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-sapphire-wax-ss126.html)
Dodo Juice Need For Speed Cleaner Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/cleaner-wax-polish-500.html)

Cleaner/Sealants


XMT 360 All In One Cleaner Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/xmt-360.html)
Griot's Garage One-Step Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-one-step-sealant.html)
Klasse All-In-One Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/klasseallinone.html)
Duragloss Polish & Cleaner 101 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-polish---cleaner.html)
Finish Kare 215 One Step Cleaner & Surface Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/finish-kare-215--cleaner-wax.html)
Finish Kare 2180 Ultra Poly Wipe Sealant Conditioner (http://www.autogeek.net/finish-kare-2180-paint-sealant.html)
Optimum Poli-Seal (http://www.autogeek.net/poli-seal.html)
Mother's FX Synwax Paste (http://www.autogeek.net/mothers-fx-synwax-paste-wax.html)
Mother's FX Synwax Liquid (http://www.autogeek.net/mo20016.html)
Mother's Reflections Advanced Car Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/mo10016.html)
3M One Step Cleaner Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/3m39006.html)

Hybrid Cleaner Waxes/Sealants


Meguiar's Mirror Glaze #6 Cleaner/Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/meg6clean.html)
Duragloss Total Performance Polish (TPP) # 105 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-total-performance-polish.html)
Meguiar's M20 Polymer Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/meg20polseal.html)
Meguiar's ColorX (http://www.autogeek.net/g11816.html)
Meguiar's M66 Quick Detailer (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-quick-detailer-.html)
Meguiar's D151 Paint Reconditioning Cream (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-paint-reconditioning-cream-d151.html)
1Z Einszett Metallic Polish Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/1z-einzett-polish-wax.html)
Duragloss Wet Look Paste Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-paste-wax-104.html)



With the above three polishes you mentioned would it be good to follow them up with something like Meguiar's Ultra Polish #205?

[Mike Phillips]

With the above three polishes you mentioned would it be good to follow them up with something like Meguiar's Ultra Polish #205?


No... the Menzerna PO106FA now called SF 4000 will finish out nicer than M205 on most paints...


Menzerna - New Names and Product Numbers (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/products-guides/47067-menzerna-new-names-product-numbers.html)



:xyxthumbs:

[Mike Phillips]

I am trying to find a good combination for my car. I have a few light swirls left on the car and some random fine scratches I am trying to work out.

Once I get done with that I am not sure on the proper polish then glaze to use to give me that perfect bed to apply my wax to get the best wet and glossy shine.

Any tips would be appreciated,

Thanks,
Chris


See this article...


Words mean things... just ask any Lawyer...

Word Definitions - Compounds, Polishes, Glazes, Paint Cleaners and Waxes (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/39020-word-definitions-compounds-polishes-glazes-paint-cleaners-waxes.html)



:)

[Grifftech]

No... the Menzerna PO106FA now called SF 4000 will finish out nicer than M205 on most paints...


Menzerna - New Names and Product Numbers (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/products-guides/47067-menzerna-new-names-product-numbers.html)



:xyxthumbs:


What about the SF 4500?

Where would Blackfire Gloss enhancing polish fall into all this.

I do like the Blackfire line of stuff

[Mike Phillips]

I am trying to find a good combination for my car. I have a few light swirls left on the car and some random fine scratches I am trying to work out.

Once I get done with that I am not sure on the proper polish then glaze to use to give me that perfect bed to apply my wax to get the best wet and glossy shine.

Any tips would be appreciated,

Thanks,
Chris


Correction and Polishing
You need/want the below for the correction steps and the polishing steps...

A good compound
A good medium cut polish
A good fine cut polish
A good ultra fine cut polish (optional)

For the above, you can pick a single brand or mix and match. I tend to like to use products from a single line because then there's a synergistic chemical compatibility, by this I mean, the chemist that makes the compound knows best how to make the follow-up polish because he knows what he put inside the compound. Same goes for the waxes and/or sealants and/or coatings.

Some people like to free wheel, that is mix and match... some don't. Any of the popular brands talked about here if used correctly will create stunning results safely.


Sealing the paint
Then, after the correction and polishing steps you need either a car wax, synthetic paint sealant or a coating. You don't need all three, just one. Some people like to do something called topping, and if you want you can do that but you don't have to...


Check out these article in the below order...

3-Categories: Waxes, Paint Sealants and Coatings (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/34185-3-categories-waxes-paint-sealants-coatings.html)

Topping - Definition - How to Top also called Topping (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/40089-topping-definition-how-top-also-called-topping.html)

A tip for working with waxes, paint sealants or coatings that are new to you (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/37279-tip-working-waxes-paint-sealants-coatings-new-you.html)



:xyxthumbs:

[Mike Phillips]

What about the SF 4500?


Bobby listed PO106FA and then you referenced it in your post so my follow-up related to it.

The SF 4500 is an ultra fine polish, if you have any level of below surface defects yet to remove then you'll need something more aggressive than the SF 4500


SF 4500 is considered one of the best ultra fine cut finishing polishes available and I think it should be in every paint polisher's arsenal of tools.



:xyxthumbs:

[Grifftech]

Oh man, now I am interested in the CQuartz... wow so much to think about and absorb! I think if I spent a weekend properly prepping the paint and then do the CQuartz I may be set. A lot to think about

[Grifftech]

Bobby listed PO106FA and then you referenced it in your post so my follow-up related to it.

The SF 4500 is an ultra fine polish, if you have any level of below surface defects yet to remove then you'll need something more aggressive than the SF 4500


SF 4500 is considered one of the best ultra fine cut finishing polishes available and I think it should be in every paint polisher's arsenal of tools.



:xyxthumbs:

What two Menzerna polishes would you recommend for me? I have the usual halo and swirls and some fine random scratches.

I like the SF4500, but seems to be out of stock. Would the SF 400 be a good substitute. Which polish should I use before I go with the SF 4000 or SF 4500?

I plan on going with the Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant after polish then the Blackfire Midnight Sun, and maybe down the orad give the CQuartz a try.

Thanks for all your help

[BobbyG]

Hi Chris,

Finish preparation is unfortunately underestimated. This is "the" basis for every show car shine. Car polishing before waxing is the trick behind attaining and maintaining that sought after showroom finish on your car. The preparation prior to applying a sealant and wax is paramount to success.....

For me there are a few polishes that stand out in the crowd producing simply stunning results..

Meguiar's #105 Ultra-Cut Compound (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-finishing-polish.html)




As a general note:

In creating the Meguiar's #205 Ultra Finishing Polish link I've inadvertently typed in the wrong description. The link is correct and if clicked on will take you to the intended product. I've asked for the description for the Meguiar's M105 be changed to reflect the correct test thus matching the link....Meguiar's #205 Ultra Finishing Polish.

Sorry for the confusion and my fingers apologize too....:doh: :dunno:

[Mustang81]

I don't want to steal 2011Mustang5.0's thunder here, but my car sounds like it's in almost the same condition. Lots of minor swirls and some random fine scratches. It also has some touchup paint areas. I'm thinking of going with the BF Duo Kit. Would the BFSRC be overkill for minor swirls and scratches? I'd be following up with BFWD and probably some Midnight Sun.

I would be using it with an 5.5 inch LC Orange Pad and LC White Pad with a Griot's DA.