Did a one step polishing, and...

**spike** · 05-10-2010, 01:04 AM

So I did a one step for a friend today on a white 2001 Ford Escort ZX2. I tried to use what I had on hand to do it with, and just for experimentation I used Megs Speed Glaze #80 for the polish. The paint seemed smooth for such an old car, and I didn't have a lot of time to spend on it because she needed her car back, so I skipped the clay bar. So, no pics, but I know you guys will know exactly what I'm talking about...

First washed with ONR, then taped up and used Speed Glaze with Flex 3401 and a white CCS pad. I did a "test spot" on the hood, then pulled out into the sun to compare. What I saw was that the swirls were slightly less, but they were still there. So I used the orange CCS pad, and it took most of the swirls off, but the finish looked like there was some hazing and I didn't think it finished down very well left like that (in my rookie detailer opinion). So I just did the whole car with the white pad, because I was trying to do only a one step polish because of time constraints. What I got was cleaner, slicker paint, and some of the swirls were removed, but a whole lot were left. Of course I realize that the car is old and not well-maintained, and that's why it has lots of swirls on it, but sheesh. I thought I could at least put a dent in them! But it looked like I didn't do much to remove them. I'm sure it's because my product choice was not the greatest for the job. But the paint did get "squeaky" clean! My LSP was Collinite 845.

Questions:
I've been reading lots of threads about one step polishes, and these are the 2 that keep standing out: XMT 360, and Optimum Poli-Seal. I want to buy one of these for jobs like I just did.

1. Which one removes more swirls?

2. What pad should I use for the XMT 360 and the Poli-seal? Do they both finish down nicely with CCS orange, or do you always use a CCS white pad for one-step corrections? I read something about a green pad in one of the threads. Is that a better choice?

3. And is it normal to only get rid of some of the swirls on a one-step, but not get rid of most of them? I assume so, but I at least thought I could get rid of more than I did. It almost looks like I didn't do any polishing! But I am still new to polishing, and using different products, so maybe I didn't use the M80 correctly. Here's what I did: Used CCS white and polished for about 4 mins per section with several section passes. It was hard to see when the polish had broken down on the white car, so I just timed everything. I was afraid I was going to be buffing it dry, so I only polished for 4 mins per section.

4. Please tell me how you do your one steps? With what product/pads? Wanting to learn more!!

Thanks in advance, guys. I know there are a lot of questions here, but I didn't want to start multiple threads...

**WRAPT C5Z06** · 05-10-2010, 01:21 AM

I have some of the same questions as you...

Subscribing.

Some have reported that Meg's D151 is a good 1-stepper...

**Lasthope05** · 05-10-2010, 01:32 AM

I find M80 to be fully capable to remove light to moderate swirls. Maybe the paint you were working on was hard or the swirls were really deep. If you are looking for a good one step with really good correction capabilities go with Megs D151. While xmt 360 and poli-seal are good AIO products I find they dont really do much in the swirl removal department. Menzerna power finish is good single step polish as is M105/white . Really, since you are following up with a wax, you can basically use any type of medium polish you like. e.g. Opt polish II, M205, Megs D151, Menz power finish, Menz SIP,...etc.

I dont necessarily have a favorite. I have them all and I just use whatever I'm in the mood for but I do stick with a white pad for single steps.

**spike** · 05-10-2010, 05:54 AM

I just realized that "one step" means a cleaner, polish and wax all in one, and not a single polish topped with a wax per se. But when I detail the cars for my friends, I always want the most longevity I can get out of the LSP (because I only do it twice a yr), so the way I do one steps is just a one step polish, then top with an LSP.

So I guess I'm asking about a single, good polish that will finish down LSP ready and get rid of lots of swirls (I know it can't remove them all), and asking about the one step AIO's like XMT 360 and Optimum Poli-seal. I do want to learn about both kinds. Does the protection that the 360 and Poli-seal offer last a while? How about if you use one of those, and you top with an LSP. Will it give extra protection that will last 6 mos or so?

**rwisejr** · 05-10-2010, 06:07 AM

My go to one stepper's are Menz power finish or Megs D151. Then you can top with what ever lsp you desire.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 05-10-2010, 07:16 AM

Originally Posted by rwisejr

My go to one stepper's are Menz power finish or Megs D151. Then you can top with what ever lsp you desire.

I still have a bunch of Meg's M66 along with some D151; those are my go-to products still.

**WRAPT C5Z06** · 05-10-2010, 08:37 AM

How about a tangeringe hydrotech pad for 1 steppers? Cut almost as good as an orange, but finish like a white pad.

**spike** · 05-10-2010, 05:46 PM

So looks like Megs D151 keeps coming up as a favorite one step...I really need to look into that stuff...

BTW, how well does the D151 finish with an orange CCS pad? Can it finish LSP ready? Or will it leave hazing that requires a second step with a finishing polish? The swirls I am trying to remove are pretty heavy, so I need the more cutting ability of the orange pad.

**WRAPT C5Z06** · 05-10-2010, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by spike

So looks like Megs D151 keeps coming up as a favorite one step...I really need to look into that stuff...

BTW, how well does the D151 finish with an orange CCS pad? Can it finish LSP ready? Or will it leave hazing that requires a second step with a finishing polish? The swirls I am trying to remove are pretty heavy, so I need the more cutting ability of the orange pad.

Orange pad will leave behind micro-marring, but since you're working with white paint, it may not be noticeable. Plus, the wax in the D151 might help cover micro-marring, too.