Looking for some advice on my black 335i

[pmg]

First off I should introduce myself. I'm fairly new to detailing. I had a Griots garage polisher but it was stolen a few weeks ago. I have polished my 06 M5(Interlagos Blue), 07 335i(black), and my 06 Mini cooper S(gray). I was able to get rid of swirl marks on all the cars but could never get the color to pop and look wet like I wanted.

I just picked up a 2011 335i (black). My goal is to get a very wet look and only reapply every couple months. Looking to do a full paint correction and wondering if the product I'm looking to get is the best I can get for the money and what I'm looking to achieve.

My plan:
Get the Griots garage bundle that includes
Griot's Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher
8 oz. Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover 3.0
8 oz. Wolfgang Finishing Glaze 3.0
CCS Orange Light Cutting Foam Pad, 6.5 inches
CCS White Polishing Foam Pad, 6.5 inches
CCS Blue Finessing Foam Pad, 6.5 inches
2 Microfiber Polishing Towels (16 x 16 inches)
Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion
BLACKFIRE BlackICE Hybrid Montan Sealant Wax


Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[Rmd]

Looks like a good setup. I would go with flat pads over CCS with WG polishes but that is somewhat a preference thing. The one change you should make is the MF towels - you will need a lot more than two. I would start with about a dozen. The AG 530's or 600's work great for removing compounds, polishes and wax.

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Hi, welcome to AGO.

Your list looks good. I would pick up the hydro tech pads in 5.5" and a 5" backing plate over the CCS pads as they are better suited to the Wolfgang polishes IMO. Also you are going to need more towels.

Is this the wet looking shine you are after?
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/63301-review-blackfire-blackice-wax-you-have-been-waiting.html

[Radarryan]

Your list looks good. I would pick up the hydro tech pads in 5.5" and a 5" backing plate over the CCS pads as they are better suited to the Wolfgang polishes IMO.

I've got to agree with Mike here. When using anything that is random orbital, rather than dual action (FLEX 3401), the smaller the pad, the better the results you are going to get. Also, from experience, the HydroTech pads are much better than the CCS pads. When I first bought my polisher, I bought the package with 5.5" CCS pads because I thought they were the "best", plus they were the ones in all of the packages. I wholly regret it. I know that people with rotary polishers or who use SMAT products rather than DAT may prefer the CCS pads.

The Wolfgang polishes, which are developed by Menzerna (my favorite polish company) are DAT and water-based. If you're still struggling on which ones to get, do a little more research between them. If you don't want to do HydroTech pads, at least look at LC flat pads. They are pretty much the same as the CCS, just without the CCS pockets. Regardless, go with 5.5" with a 5" backing plate.

Hope this helps. Happy detailing!

[supercharged]

Bmw jet black paint is supersoft. If you're not carefull - paint marring is guaranteed. You plan looks like a good set up, but I personally like to follow up WG total.swirl remover with Sonax PF - it finishes down even better then WG finishing polishes and leaves no dust. Then I would consider using Pinnacle All surface coating to really protect the paint. Coating is a must for BMW paint!

[Desertnate]

I just noticed the comment about "only reapply every few months". I'm not sure how durable that wax will be. For increased durablility, you might want to put a sealant between the polish and the wax. Since you're going with the Wolfgang polishes, their sealant might be a good choice.

[KneeDragr]

First off I should introduce myself. I'm fairly new to detailing. I had a Griots garage polisher but it was stolen a few weeks ago. I have polished my 06 M5(Interlagos Blue), 07 335i(black), and my 06 Mini cooper S(gray). I was able to get rid of swirl marks on all the cars but could never get the color to pop and look wet like I wanted.

I just picked up a 2011 335i (black). My goal is to get a very wet look and only reapply every couple months. Looking to do a full paint correction and wondering if the product I'm looking to get is the best I can get for the money and what I'm looking to achieve.

My plan:
Get the Griots garage bundle that includes
Griot's Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher
8 oz. Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover 3.0
8 oz. Wolfgang Finishing Glaze 3.0
CCS Orange Light Cutting Foam Pad, 6.5 inches
CCS White Polishing Foam Pad, 6.5 inches
CCS Blue Finessing Foam Pad, 6.5 inches
2 Microfiber Polishing Towels (16 x 16 inches)
Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion
BLACKFIRE BlackICE Hybrid Montan Sealant Wax


Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

For me personally, I like the cut of the Lake County MF pads over foam, and I really like them with Meg. Ultimate Compound. 2 passes and they finish great - you dont even really need a finishing polish unless you are going for the ultimate wet look, in which case I would suggest Carpro Reflect.

Id do something like this instead.

Meg. Ultimate Compound ( compound )
CarPro Reflect ( finishing polish )

LC Mf Pads 5.5" ( correction )
LC HydroTech Blue 5.5" ( finish ).

[custmsprty]

First off I should introduce myself. I'm fairly new to detailing. I had a Griots garage polisher but it was stolen a few weeks ago. I have polished my 06 M5(Interlagos Blue), 07 335i(black), and my 06 Mini cooper S(gray). I was able to get rid of swirl marks on all the cars but could never get the color to pop and look wet like I wanted.

I just picked up a 2011 335i (black). My goal is to get a very wet look and only reapply every couple months. Looking to do a full paint correction and wondering if the product I'm looking to get is the best I can get for the money and what I'm looking to achieve.

My plan:
Get the Griots garage bundle that includes
Griot's Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher
8 oz. Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover 3.0
8 oz. Wolfgang Finishing Glaze 3.0
CCS Orange Light Cutting Foam Pad, 6.5 inches
CCS White Polishing Foam Pad, 6.5 inches
CCS Blue Finessing Foam Pad, 6.5 inches
2 Microfiber Polishing Towels (16 x 16 inches)
Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion
BLACKFIRE BlackICE Hybrid Montan Sealant Wax


Thanks in advance for any suggestions.


Looks like a great plan, the only thing I would add is the Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant Prior to the Black Ice, I have recently used this on my black car, it's an awesome combo. Also you will definitely need more than 2 towels. More like atleast 10.

Here's a 335i I did over the summer. The second pic is Blackfire Wet Diamond topped with Black Ice.

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/BMW335i1_zps1df46e1a.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/BMW335i1_zps1df46e1a.jpg.html)

http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w421/custmsprty/blackfireblackice_zps027b12f0.jpg (http://s1075.photobucket.com/user/custmsprty/media/blackfireblackice_zps027b12f0.jpg.html)

[Mike Phillips]

Looks like a good setup. I would go with flat pads over CCS




Hi, welcome to AGO.

Your list looks good. I would pick up the hydro tech pads in 5.5" and a 5" backing plate over the CCS pads as they are better suited to the Wolfgang polishes IMO.





In my how-to book I recommend the 5.5" Flat Pads for most people for most products, they rotate better, longer on a dual action polisher than larger and thicker foam pads.

This means you'll be able to work more efficeintly at removing swirls and get the job done faster. See sig line for my book in different versions.


Here's a Beemer I did recently and topped with Blackfire BlackICE. The paint was incredibly wiped out but it dd come out a tick better....


Review: Wolfgang Uber Compound (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/new-car-care-products/70068-review-wolfgang-uber-compound.html)


Swirl City
Here's the same car as I move around to the front of the hood to capture the sun reflecting off the hood.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2039/1995_BMW_325i_001.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2039/1995_BMW_325i_002.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2039/1995_BMW_325i_003.jpg





Beauty shots...

We did this in three steps and the difference is night and day...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2039/1995_BMW_325i_020.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2039/1995_BMW_325i_021.jpg


Hard to believe this is a 1995 BMW!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/2039/1995_BMW_325i_022.jpg


:xyxthumbs:

[vet]

Welcome!

[pmg]

Based off your recommendations I think I will skip on the kit and just piece together the stuff i need. I will stay with the griot's buffer, wolfgang polishes, and Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion.

I need to do "A LOT" of research on the pads. I have only used the griot's orange and red pads(Came with the last kit i purchased). I have no idea what the differences are. If anyone could direct me to a good read I would appreciate it.

I read that the BLACKFIRE BlackICE Hybrid Montan Sealant Wax should last up to 5 months. Is this just marketing BS? in the past I have used a sealant and wax so I'm not apposed to doing it that way if needed.

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

You have some reading to do.

Menzerna and Lake Country pads
Menzerna Polish & Lake Country Pad Reference Guide NEW! - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detail-institute-presented-autopia-carcare-com/41571-menzerna-polish-lake-country-pad-reference-guide-new.html)

Hydro tech pads
Lake Country Hydro-Tech Pad Aggressiveness Chart - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detail-institute-presented-autopia-carcare-com/39316-lake-country-hydro-tech-pad-aggressiveness-chart.html#post434095)

CCS pads
Lake Country CCS Pad Aggressiveness Chart - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detail-institute-presented-autopia-carcare-com/39169-lake-country-ccs-pad-aggressiveness-chart.html)

Comparision chart
Lake Country All Wool & Foam Comparison Chart - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detail-institute-presented-autopia-carcare-com/39417-lake-country-all-wool-foam-comparison-chart.html)

Cutting pad comparision
The DA Cutting Pad Show Down - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detail-institute-presented-autopia-carcare-com/43194-da-cutting-pad-show-down.html)

The difference between DAT and SMAT products.
The Difference Between Diminishing and Non-Diminishing Abrasive Polishes - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detail-institute-presented-autopia-carcare-com/40223-difference-between-diminishing-non-diminishing-abrasive-polishes.html)


Why would BlackICE be labled as marketing BS?

[Mike Phillips]

Read through this article, it shows and has links to both the backing plates and the pads...

I wrote it for all the people that buy a Porter Cable, Meguiar's G110v2 or a Griot's DA Polisher because NO MATTER which model you purchase, everyone will also have to purchase a 5" backing plate for their particular tool and the pads that go with it.


5 inch Backing Plates on Meguiar's, Griot's and Porter Cable DA Polishers (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-tools-accessories/48668-5-inch-backing-plates-meguiar-s-griot-s-porter-cable-da-polishers.html)


From left to right...

Factory Griot's 6" BP, Lake Country 5" BP, Meguiar's 5" BP and 5" Black Heavy Duty BP
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1423/5inchbackingpatesonDAPs001.jpg



Click on the link above and you'll find everything you need to know about getting the right backing plate and pads for your GG polisher.




:dblthumb2:

[pmg]

You have some reading to do.

Menzerna and Lake Country pads
Menzerna Polish & Lake Country Pad Reference Guide NEW! - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detail-institute-presented-autopia-carcare-com/41571-menzerna-polish-lake-country-pad-reference-guide-new.html)

Hydro tech pads
Lake Country Hydro-Tech Pad Aggressiveness Chart - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detail-institute-presented-autopia-carcare-com/39316-lake-country-hydro-tech-pad-aggressiveness-chart.html#post434095)

CCS pads
Lake Country CCS Pad Aggressiveness Chart - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detail-institute-presented-autopia-carcare-com/39169-lake-country-ccs-pad-aggressiveness-chart.html)

Comparision chart
Lake Country All Wool & Foam Comparison Chart - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detail-institute-presented-autopia-carcare-com/39417-lake-country-all-wool-foam-comparison-chart.html)

Cutting pad comparision
The DA Cutting Pad Show Down - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detail-institute-presented-autopia-carcare-com/43194-da-cutting-pad-show-down.html)

The difference between DAT and SMAT products.
The Difference Between Diminishing and Non-Diminishing Abrasive Polishes - Autopia Forums - Auto Detailing & Car Care Discussion Forum (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detail-institute-presented-autopia-carcare-com/40223-difference-between-diminishing-non-diminishing-abrasive-polishes.html)


Why would BlackICE be labled as marketing BS?
I stated that i would be reapplying every few months(more than likely every month but at the least every three months if i get busy). and a couple people said if I'm going that long I need a sealant. It says in the Blackice description that it last up to five months. If that is true I shouldn't need a sealant.

[pmg]

First off thank you to everyone that chimed in and gave me some links to look at. I think I have my list down.

Griots 6" polisher
DA 5" backing plate
Meguirs DA microfiber cutting discs 5" (for cutting)
CCS green finishing pads 5.5" (for polishing)
Pinnacle paintwork cleansing lotion (pre wax cleaner)
Blackfire Duo
Blackfire blackice sealant wax
perfect microfiber starter kit


The only thing I still cant figure out is if a sealant is needed. I have a sealant but would like to skip that step if it is not necessary. Does anyone know how long the blackice will last per application? It says it will last up to 5 months. I will typically reapply every month but I have a baby on the way and that might make it difficult at times. Might go as long as 3 months between reapplications. Any insight would be great!!!
Thanks in advance.