I LOVE ESSENCE - what is the most aggressive step I can use before it?

[dnoraker]

I virtually always use Essence for standard AIO detail jobs now, unless they're just selling the car, then it's a waste. It always works well for incredible gloss, even with one slow pass for coverage and light defect removal. I always use the CarPro Gloss pad to ensure there is no micro-marring, and to keep it simple.

I've used as aggressive as Megs D300 and a Megs microfiber cutting pad and followed with Essence, using multiple slow passes to make sure I removed the compound haze. I'm not sure if this will work on every paint, nor am I sure that Essence isn't just filling the compound haze.

I have used Megs M205 with either a Megs MF finishing pad or foam polishing pad, which has decent cut on a Rupes, but not enough for the more swirled vehicles. But, I know I can easily finish with a single pass of Essence and not worry about micro-marring from M205. M205 with a polishing pad doesn't leave much micro-marring, if any, and the MF pad often does.

I'm almost always using a Rupes Big Foot 21mm. I also have a Makita rotary and a few other DAs.

I currently own these compounds: M105, D300, FG400
I currently own these pads: both Megs MF (including the thin extra cut), Megs yellow polishing (thin), CarPro Gloss

[Zubair]

Essence will clean up after the compounds you have, it doesn't have enough cut to clean up after SHC300 though where SF4000 can.

[Justin at Final Inspection]

I have used Essence with a white LC pro thin pad after boss fast correcting cream and a microfiber cutting pad. Using my g21.

[Zelfiris]

Is essence more difficult to remove from polishing pads than the standard compound/polish residue?

[dnoraker]

I would imagine it wouldn't clean up after a compound with Megs double-sided twisted wool pad. I use that on jobs with heavier swirls, especially if it went through a brush wash a lot and if I'm trying to get it nearly defect-free for a coating job. If I use this step to start, I usually follow with D300 and Megs MF 5" cutting pad with a Griots DA so I can get up to edges more easily take care of the wool pad swirls.

When starting with a compound, how many passes do you do and at what speed? The instructional video I watched for Essence shows one overlapping section pass but very slow. I use that process for an AIO job or if I polished with M205 first, as I'm just trying to clear any micro-marring. When I followed a compound, I did a couple extra passes a little faster just in case I wasn't cleaning up with the first pass.

[dnoraker]

Is essence more difficult to remove from polishing pads than the standard compound/polish residue?

I throw them in the wash right after using and don't let it dry in there. If if I can't run the wash load right away, I either throw it in a bucket with water and APC, or I start the washer filling with detergent and just don't let it go into its agitating cycle until I get all the towels and pads I used. That seems to work fine, and worth the hassle for the amazing gloss and protection.

[Zelfiris]

I throw them in the wash right after using and don't let it dry in there. If if I can't run the wash load right away, I either throw it in a bucket with water and APC, or I start the washer filling with detergent and just don't let it go into its agitating cycle until I get all the towels and pads I used. That seems to work fine, and worth the hassle for the amazing gloss and protection.

Thanks dnoraker!

I do the same for regular polishing - throw a gunk up pad into a bucket of water with APC (or pad detergent). Essence will work well for me

[RaskyR1]

You should be fine following up most compounds used with a MF or foam pad on the Rupes as long as you're work it long enough. If you step up to wool on the rotary I would do and intermediate step.

If I use Essence on a Finest coating job I always finish it down first, then Essence more as a primer.

I did a quickie on my truck about 8 months ago with Essence and a MF pad, which should leave DA haze in the paint and it hasn't start showing through yet, which is impressive.

[dnoraker]

You should be fine following up most compounds used with a MF or foam pad on the Rupes as long as you're work it long enough. If you step up to wool on the rotary I would do and intermediate step.

If I use Essence on a Finest coating job I always finish it down first, then Essence more as a primer.

I did a quickie on my truck about 8 months ago with Essence and a MF pad, which should leave DA haze in the paint and it hasn't start showing through yet, which is impressive.

Sounds good.

I also have finished it down with M205 on either a mf or foam pad when I'm going to coat, and used the Essence as a primer. Just one slow section pass. I'm hoping to get the final coat of CQ on the Burb today and get the minivan done this week.

[RPM_BR]

Nice info presented here. I just got mine today. I was thinking using it as a topper or coating and sealant primer, since it is so expensive.
Best regards