How To: Have Fun Polishing Exhaust w/P21S & Wolfgang

[Nick McKees37]

Have you ever come across something that works so well you often wonder how you ever went without it? If you're pressing enough in your search for continuous improvement in everything that you actively participate in, sooner than later you can take the feeling of contentedness and toss it out the window. That's how I felt the first time I cracked open the lid to a certain German car care product that with its inviting scent alone, piqued my interest enough to crack my knuckles, turn off the TV, and write about it.

The product I'm referring to is manufactured by none other than P21S, a German manufacturer of premium car care products. P21S researches, develops and manufactures car care products that far exceed the expectations of detailing enthusiasts and even the automotive manufacturers themselves. Waxes, wheel cleaners and other automotive surface care products manufactured by P21S are a quintessential example of the good stuff. The good stuff is represented by products that perform exceedingly well in their intended use.

Surely you thought I was talking about P21S's flagship product, 100% Carnauba Wax. With its 100% Brazilian wax that's sought after by the most discriminating car care enthusiasts, I could indulge in this premium carnauba paste wax on a daily basis and even write about it in my sleep, but I'd much rather talk about a more run-of-the-mill product, aptly named Polishing Soap. Polishing Soap, by P21S, is a revolutionary product that will not only delight your sense of smell, but will also shed new light on metal polishing and how it can actually be fun.

The only time I would normally associate fun and exhaust in the same sentence is after spending a day ripping out the restrictor plates in my soon-to-own 2022 Porsche 911 GT3. While I will continue to check off the dates on my calender until that day arrives, products such as P21S Polishing Soap make polishing metal, specifically exhaust tips, an enjoyable, pleasant past time. It's like applying a coat of Pinnacle Souveran to your obsidian black pearl AMG; by no means is it considered a chore any longer. Grab a pen and take notes because I'm about to shed some light on yet another reason why caring for your vehicle can be enjoyable.



As you can see on the CLS63 AMG that I'll be demonstrating this product on, even a car that's virtually brand new still has a build up of exhaust soot and other gunk that regular cleaning simply will not remove. It can be easy to look past such a small detail because the CLS63 AMG, with its twin-turbocharged hand-built 5.5 liter V8 pumping out 550 horsepower and 590 ft lbs of torque is such a masterpiece in and of itself that when I'm around such a vehicle, the only thought that goes through my mind is driving it! However, in a proper detail, no small detail should be overlooked.

First and foremost, P21S Polishing Soap couldn't possibly be any easier to use. Included with the product is a nice little note explaining how to use it along with a coarse yellow foam scrubbing sponge. The coarse yellow foam scrubbing sponge provides the necessary bite to help break up dirt and oxidation on metal surfaces.

Note: P21S Polishing Soap is not intended for clear coated or painted finishes.

Before polishing any surface with the sponge, you need to soften it up first and make it pliable by running it under a stream of water.

After the sponge is saturated, wring out the excess water so the sponge is damp. You're not at the beach so there is no need to show off your guns for this step because you don't want to wring out all the water as it plays a role in activating the polishing soap itself.

While firmly holding the coarse yellow scrub sponge, rub it across the polishing soap until you create a thick, rich lather. Prepared to have your sense of smell overwhelmed with joy as this product smells great.

This part can be a little messy, so if you're a hand model part time you might want to consider wearing gloves. While firmly holding the sponge, scrub the exhaust tips until the exhaust soot and oxidation is free and clear. Depending on the condition of the metal that you're polishing, this step only takes a minute or two.

After you're satisfied with the results, clean the area using a clean, soft microfiber towel.

Tip: Use a dedicated towel for your wheels and exhaust as you don't want cross contamination to occur with the towels you use on your paint.

Another thing I like about P21S Polishing Soap, besides the invigorating scent and how well it works, is the fact that clean up is near effortless once you're finished using it for the day.

As you can see, the coarse yellow scrub sponge is dirty and there is no way you want to store it in this state.

Rinse it out real well and then wring out all the excess water.

Tada! Looks new again!

Simply place the sponge back inside the lid and screw it on the jar.

Ready for another day!

By now you're probably wondering where are the after shots of the exhaust tips?! Control yourself, as polishing the exhaust is only the first step. While using P21S Polishing Soap is a pleasure and by no means a chore, in the art of detailing and car care your goal is to move forward. To keep the exhaust looking new and protected, I opted to apply a thin, even coat of Wolfgang's MetallWerk Concours Metal Sealant.

Wolfgang MetallWerk Concours Metal Sealant is an acrylic sealant designed exclusively for metal surfaces. Its non-abrasive, water-based formula is safe on all metal surfaces including clear coated, painted, anodized, polished and even bare metals. While it has the bragging rights on paper, the shine and protection that it provides really speaks for itself and like the P21S Polishing Soap, it couldn't possibly be any easier to use.

Wolfgang MetallWerk Concours Metal Sealant should be applied using a poly-foam applicator. If you're working on a large surface such as a diamond plate tool box, you can even take advantage of your dual action polisher and apply the sealant using a foam finishing pad.

Apply a thin, even coat and let the sealant dry to a haze. I've found that it usually takes ten to fifteen minutes for the sealant to haze over, which gives you plenty of time to read another chapter in your new-found favorite book, The Art of Detailing.

After the sealant dries to a haze, buff off the residue using a clean, dry, soft microfiber towel. I like to wrap the towel around the exhaust tips as I buff to ensure the product is removed from all the hard to reach spots. It's kind of like polishing a bowling ball doing it this way, except fun.

Warning: You may want to adjust the settings on your computer monitor because what you're about to see is far beyond what the adjective shiny was ever intended to describe.

It's kind of like turning on your bedroom lights first thing in the morning isn't it? Takes a minute to adjust! As you can see, P21S Polishing Soap and Wolfgang MetallWerk Concours Metal Sealant go together like Moe and Larry or AMG and performance. Neither of these two products cost a lot of money and both are simple to use and require no special tools or years of experience to master. Not only do they get the job done, but they make such a simple task that would seem boring to most, fun and enjoyable.

P21S Auto Care Products

Wolfgang MetallWerk Aluminum Polishing Products

[ScottB]

It is indeed a must have product ... I use it often and impressed.

[Hoytman]

For several months now I've wanted to try this product. Love the writing style Nick.

[Twister]

I was couriers about this... Thanks for posting Nick. I'll have to add this to my next order

[Shane731]

Nice writeup Nick!









Soooooooooooo, when are you gonna write a book?

[PAR Detailing]

Nice write up Nick. This is a must have products, for the price I guarentee it is worth it. I have used it on wheels, exhaust tips, and motorcycles. I am more and more amazed by this product each time I use it.

[ArkayoDeetayo]

Great review as always Nick. I should always ignore when you post these reviews. I was never tempted to buy a metal polish soap or sealant. Don't think I ever needed it. After reading your reviews and seeing the results speak for itself. I MUST HAVE IT! You keep draining my wallet Autogeek!

I already see next week's VIP.

WG Metal Sealant 8oz
P21S Metal Polish Soap 10.6oz
Mike's Detail Book
Sample pack of Nitrate Gloves
2 Polyfoam applicator pads
3 dedicated dark-colored microfibers

combo pack for $50!

[tw33k2514]

I do love when you do a review....but my girlfriend, and my bank account...well

[SameGuy]

Very cool. OK, it works on soot and grime. How about tarnish and discoloration on stainless exhausts?

[Nick McKees37]

It was a fun article to write and I'm glad everyone enjoyed it.

Very cool. OK, it works on soot and grime. How about tarnish and discoloration on stainless exhausts?

It will work on tarnished metals, but for discoloration it probably won't be too effective as it is not super abrasive.

I should also make note how little product I actually used. Below is a picture of the container after I finished polishing.

Good thing there is plenty left because I will be using this stuff every chance I get.