Compound and then Wax (no polish)?

**MJT** · 09-08-2013, 10:51 PM

Hi guys, just wondering if when having compounded a car (m105) if I can then jump to the waxing stage instead of the in between polishing stage. I know the polish gives a deep gloss look but to be honest the wax seems to do that as well. Am I right in saying that? Obviously the wax is primarily there to protect the car but it always seems to give the car that added gloss look. So why polish in between the compounding stage and the wax stage?

Thanks!

**Setec Astronomy** · 09-08-2013, 10:53 PM

It depends on the car, the color, what you are looking for. M105 finishes pretty well, so on hard paint, lighter colors, etc. you may do fine going to wax without an intermediate step.

**MJT** · 09-08-2013, 11:33 PM

Would you suggest on a black car then that the polishing stage becomes more important?

**Jomax** · 09-08-2013, 11:35 PM

In my experience, you must use a polish on black paint. Very, very, rarely will a compound finish black to perfection.

**Wheelzntoys** · 09-08-2013, 11:37 PM

This shows you pics after M105, micromarring. Requires a polishing to finish.

Deep Gloss Auto Salon Test: Optimum Compound II vs M105

**StuDLei** · 09-08-2013, 11:39 PM

Also, you might be really surprised at how hazy your paint actually looks after 105 if you're viewing it in the right light. A Brinkmann might really shed some light on the situation.. pardon the pun.

**cmoneyinc** · 09-08-2013, 11:43 PM

Black is the least forgiving color, but it would also depend on the hardness/softness of the paint on the car you are working on.

The simplest answer is just to check your work after the compounding stage with proper lighting. If there is any micro-marring or hazing from the compounding stage, then use a finishing polish before your wax/sealant. If you check your work after compounding stage and there doesn't seem to be any compounding related marring and you are happy with the level of clarity, then you can move directly to the wax or sealant.

**MJT** · 09-09-2013, 12:48 AM

OK, so am I right in thinking the main reason for following m105 with polish is to actually take out swirls etc left by the m105?

**davey g-force** · 09-09-2013, 01:27 AM

Originally Posted by MJT

OK, so am I right in thinking the main reason for following m105 with polish is to actually take out swirls etc left by the m105?

Yep, that's right.

After compounding, I just do a test spot with a finishing polish. I look at the two areas (compound only and compound + polish) side by side. If I can see a difference, I'll go ahead and polish the entire car. If not, I'll go straight to LSP.

**HateSwirls** · 09-09-2013, 05:45 AM

You'll be much happier if you follow up with the 205, it really finishes off nicely.
I have a black car and can see a big difference after using the 205.
If the car isn't too bad and you can get away using a white pad and 105 then maybe you'd get it to finish nicely.