1st Time DA Polish Project - Shadow Black Mustang

[The Guz]

I haven't decided on which carnauba to use for the last step. Is it feasible to put carnauba on top of 3D? Thank you.

Any AIO/cleaner wax can be topped with a wax or sealant with no issues.

[SWETM]

Pinnacle Souveran Paste Wax

Here you have the Souverän wax in 3oz jar.

Sometimes it's just fun to try out other products. The 3 you listed is great waxes so you will be fine with those. And there are many waxes to try out LOL. Also down the road if you want to go with more longer lasting sealants and coating products there are a lot of them that is really great too. Spray on and wipe off products you get the ease of use with. A great ceramic coating last around 2 years if you properly maintain it and don't swirl it up with a bad washing and drying technique. So there are many different abilities that you value and which will suit you. The most popping of the finish you get from polishing it.

[69385vette]

My 67 GTO arrived chock full of swirls and holograms. I applied Souveran by hand to the single stage paint after DA compounding and polishing. As I removed the Souveran, the deep shine was amazing. The car absolutely glows in the sunshine. I get positive comments every time I show it. Souveran doesn't have the longevity of some of other products since it is a true "Show Car" Wax. It's expensive, but worth every penny in my opinion. If you decide to try the Souveran, be sure to let it thoroughly dry before wiping off to get the best bond to the surface.

[PaulMys]

Any particular colors I should 'stock up' on for this job? Orange is the main one I need right? But will I also need green & white for polishing passes (to soften the abrasiveness with subsequent passes) or even blue or black for the wax phase (if I choose to not apply via hand)?

Orange and white are what I have the most of as they are ones that cut the best with a polish.

I have 12 of each, but you could get by with 4-5 to start.

Blue, black, and even red for jeweling/waxing. You only need a couple of these.

[gatornek]

Decided on Collins 915.

Also ordered my 5 inch backing plate, and a bunch of 5.5 LC CSS pads.
And I added to that (6) Supreme 530 Microfiber towels.

I was looking for hand applicator pads in case the Collins did not come with one, but couldn't find any on AGO shop.

Thanks again everyone, I will keep you posted as I further gather my materials and get down to the nitty gritty.

[SWETM]

Decided on Collins 915.

Also ordered my 5 inch backing plate, and a bunch of 5.5 LC CSS pads.
And I added to that (6) Supreme 530 Microfiber towels.

I was looking for hand applicator pads in case the Collins did not come with one, but couldn't find any on AGO shop.

Thanks again everyone, I will keep you posted as I further gather my materials and get down to the nitty gritty.

Think you will be very satisfied with the 915. Apply to a panel at the time and wipe it off. And as with most Collinite waxes you apply as thin as possible. So do not let it to fully dry on the paint or it can be a little more hard to remove. Some use a damp foam applicator to get it to apply thin and evenly.

[gatornek]

So obviously, the part that terrifies me the most is actually using a machine DA polisher, with "cutting pads", and a "cutting agent" on my car. I do understand that technique is everything and I have been watching a lot of the swirl remover videos to fully understand Mike's concepts on section passes, overlap, and "R" motion (do I have that right?).

The basic premise is pick a small spot, use your product, buff it off, and inspect the results. Swirls still there? Go more aggressive with either a more aggressively cutting pad, or cutting agent. Swirls gone? Then you are on your way to getting your system down pat.

But how do I know that I'm not starting at a place that is ALREADY MORE AGGRESSIVE than where "I'm at"? Is it possible that using a Orange Lake Country CSS pads with 3D Speed and a DA, might actually leave scratches behind, that weren't there before??? Since Orange is where I'll be starting, I want to make sure I'm clear here.

Thanks!

[PaulMys]

Start with a white pad......

[Goonie75]

If its Speed you are using, I agree with Paul. It's an AIO and if using an AIO then you dont want to go around 63x with orange and white pads.

If using orange then white might as well use a dedicated compound and polish.

I too use more orange and white than anything. Wool and MF as well for tougher jobs, etc. Some black for fun...

The polishing is cross hatch... not just 'R's.... r, l, r, l, r, l, up, down, up, down, overlapping....

Good luck and post some pics later!...

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[Paul A.]

Absolutely start with white pads but don't fear orange pads if you need it.