Making metallic grey audi paint pop

[techaview]

Here the story.... Have ventured into car detailing about 3 months ago when I change my ride to audi a4. Used my existing sealant (duragloss 605/105) sealant and follow the claybar process, all by hand. My ride looks cleaner and shiner but not wet enough after using sonax Xtreme full protect as my LSP. All by using hand. What happened next is reading autogeek forum and learn about machine polishing...hence gotten myself a PC with menzerna fg400 to remove all the swirls.

With my first attempt, I managed to remove most of the swirl mark but some rids remain. I just used fg400 with mf Bns mf pad as a one step. I proceed to finish off with duragloss 601/105. At this stage it seem that the paint looks slightly better than my old method by hand except for swirl mark.

Am I expecting too much? Or should I use additional step like sf4000/sf4500 to finish off with deeper and better gloss? I currently have sf2500 with me. Will it help? Or should I change my sealant to another type and try? Currently only have duragloss but intending to order bfwd or powelock.... Cheers

[Evan.J]

Here is an article that Mike wrote up about making a metallic paint pop vs muting.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...?highlight=Pop

[CamaroSS27]

I also think using a polish like sf4500 would really bring out the gloss of the paint.

[techaview]

Today did a sonax xtreme full protection waxing. This is my LSP and last application of the wax as it has run out. Boy am surprise that it really bring out the wetness and make my paint job pop. Definitely not as good as those pro but am satisfied with the result. A paint prep job using DA vs hand really make s lot of diff! At least my few months of learning and purchasing of DA doesn't goes down the drain. Sorry for my crappy iPhone pic and taken during evening.....