What would you do?

[Hype1147]

Hi guys/gals,

i have a 2013 Lexus GS350 in liquid platinum. I've taken good care of the paint since I had it and it's in good shape now. The paint definitely hides most all imperfections. After reading the 5 step process I just wanted to know what product would be most beneficial for me to get an even better shine. Since the paint is largely swirl/scratch free (from what I can see) I was thinking of using the M205 for my polish step. The only other issue is I do not have a DA and I really want to try doing the polish step without one but I don't know if that's plain crazy. I just heard the M205 is pretty forgiving and easy to work with by hand.

So based on your experiences in here, what polish would be best since I think I'm correct in saying I can skip the compound given the condition of the car right?

i really appreciate any and all insight, I can try and upload pictures as well.

[Nick Winn]

Re: What would you do?

It is difficult to get light colors to look deep or "wet." What we can achieve with light colors is create some serious high gloss, brighten up the paint or in other words make the paint "pop." A great way to do this is to use any product with cleaning ability like one of our cleaner/polishes, like M205 Ultra Finishing Polish. The cleaning ability along with the product's polishing oils complete this task of increasing gloss on light colors very well. (and increasing gloss & depth for dark colors 2)

You should certainly notice a difference applying the product by hand, but we have to be honest especially for this exact task of trying to create some serious brightness to a light color, if you are really trying to get the absolute best results, those are going to come from using a machine. To reiterate, you should absolutely notice a difference applying by hand, and you may be satisfied with the difference, but side by side, if we were to compare, hand vs machine, for this exact task, we would imagine you would notice a difference in gloss on the side done by machine.

If working by hand we would suggest a soft foam applicator pad like our X3070 Soft Foam Applicator Pad and removing with a microfiber towel like our X2020 Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel.

Don't forget to follow with your favorite protectant after.

Hope this helps!

[Hype1147]

Re: What would you do?

Thanks so much for the response Nick! Looks like I'll be getting a DA and some M205.

To clarify, it's ok to skip the M105 compound step since the paint does not need major imperfection removal? I guess I can expect the M205 to remove some light imperfections purely as a bonus since the paint hides most everything well, and help brighten as you said.

[Nick Winn]

Re: What would you do?

Thanks so much for the response Nick! Looks like I'll be getting a DA and some M205.

To clarify, it's ok to skip the M105 compound step since the paint does not need major imperfection removal? I guess I can expect the M205 to remove some light imperfections purely as a bonus since the paint hides most everything well, and help brighten as you said.

You are welcome!

Yes it OK to skip the compound step. Below are further recommendations for this process:

Wash
Evaluate

• Bonded contaminants - when the paint is clean and dry by, feel the paint with your hand (especially the horizontal surfaces of the car). If the paint feels rough, you will want to use a clay bar to remove the bonded contaminants

• next evaluate for any "below surface defects" or defects which are "within" the clear coat paint. This is done by inspecting the paint under good lighting like direct sunlight, florescent lights, or an LED light source.

Perform a test spot

• Depending on the severity of defects and if they are truly only light defects, M205 on one of our DFP5 5 Inch Yellow Polishing Discs applied on a dual action polisher is a good starting point.
• Work in the shade on a cool surface, perform a test spot, wipe off residue, and inspect your results with good lighting

If M205 did not remove all the defects to your satisfaction, our Ultimate Compound applied with a separate DFP5 is a good next step up. Perform a test again in your test spot, and then inspect.

[Hype1147]

Re: What would you do?

After watching multiple videos, I think I'm just too nervous to polish myself for fear of messing up an already good thing. I'm sure it could be better but knowing me, I'll leave swirls or something :/

[Nick Winn]

Re: What would you do?

It's up to you but dual action polishers are easy to learn and do not leave swirls marks like rotary polisher machines. More information on the different machines used for paint and pictures from our Saturday Detailing 101 Classes can be referenced below:

Beginners Guide to the different types of paint polishing tools

Pictures from our Saturday Detailing 101 Classes

[Don]

Re: What would you do?

It's up to you but dual action polishers are easy to learn and do not leave swirls marks like rotary polisher machines. More information on the different machines used for paint and pictures from our Saturday Detailing 101 Classes can be referenced below:

Beginners Guide to the different types of paint polishing tools

Pictures from our Saturday Detailing 101 Classes

After watching multiple videos, I think I'm just too nervous to polish myself for fear of messing up an already good thing. I'm sure it could be better but knowing me, I'll leave swirls or something :/

Like Nicholas alluded to, a PC style polisher is practically idiot-proof, (I'm the idiot, and I'm the proof)

As it's been said in the past many times: "About the only way to hurt your paint with a (RO polisher) Porter Cable, is to slam it into the car."

[Hype1147]

Re: What would you do?

Ahhhh, after seeing Don's comments as well as Nick's, I went ahead and ordered myself a complete PC kit from chemical guys as well as some of the M205 (least aggressive first). Here goes nothing! I'll update with some before and after pics once it's completed.

In the meantime, could someone point me in the right direction of how to apply the polish on the car/how much pressure/speed etc? (I know about priming the pad) I tried searching and there's so many different approaches. I'm also still new so I might have overlooked where that information is.

Thanks again

[Hype1147]

Re: What would you do?

One last thing I'm sorry. The steps I have are as follows, let me know if that's accurate.

1. Dawn-type wash (remove wax)
2. Clay
3. Polish
4. Wax (I only have basic Megs cleaner wax, is that ok?)

[Top Gear]

Re: What would you do?

You did the right thing, and the polish (UP) will amaze you as one of the finest products available. There are different types of polishing approaches, using different pads, speeds, and hand pressure. For a first time, take an easy to reach and easy to see area that's washed as you would normally wash (do not use Dawn!), and perhaps also clayed. Put three dots of product on the pad, place the polishing or finishing pad on the paint and turn on the machine at a medium speed, moving it in a pattern. It is highly unlikely you will create swirls if that area is properly cleared. Instead, the polishing oils will saturate the paint and create a stunning shine. Work the area for a few passes or patterns, then wipe off without buffing. That area is ready for wax, which is there to protect the polish work (the cleaner-wax is the secret of your success thus far). From there, continue with other areas. Do not try to polish the entire car and wax the entire car, unless you're quite sure you can do it with consistency before nightfall.

Prepare to be wowed

[The Guz]

Re: What would you do?

One last thing I'm sorry. The steps I have are as follows, let me know if that's accurate.

1. Dawn-type wash (remove wax)
2. Clay
3. Polish
4. Wax (I only have basic Megs cleaner wax, is that ok?)

Save dawn for the dishes. Everything else looks fine. But if you are going to use a cleaner wax then save the polish for another time. The cleaner wax is an all in one product that cleans, polishes and protects in one step. It will remove the polishing oils left by whichever polish you use. It will save you some time if you wash, clay, cleaner wax.

[Hype1147]

Re: What would you do?

Thanks Guz! Pure wax for me after I polish this time. In reading more, is it ok for me to use a basic lube that comes with a clay kit before polish? I've seen people saying the car needs to be completely stripped before polish, that's why I mentioned the dawn soap earlier.

[Nick Winn]

Re: What would you do?

Thanks Guz! Pure wax for me after I polish this time. In reading more, is it ok for me to use a basic lube that comes with a clay kit before polish? I've seen people saying the car needs to be completely stripped before polish, that's why I mentioned the dawn soap earlier.

It is not necessary to use an aggressive soap or cleaner after the clay step to "strip" the paint. You can go straight to your polish step after claying.

Save dawn for the dishes. Everything else looks fine. But if you are going to use a cleaner wax then save the polish for another time. The cleaner wax is an all in one product that cleans, polishes and protects in one step. It will remove the polishing oils left by whichever polish you use. It will save you some time if you wash, clay, cleaner wax.

We would also agree to go with a wax with no cleaners like our Ultimate Wax.

[Top Gear]

Re: What would you do?

Since when does a cleaner-wax replace or remove a polish?? For example, the DAMF system includes a polish and a cleaner-wax, and the cleaner-wax simply does not remove polishing oils from the compound or the polish, even if I do two wax passes. I doubt any of the other cleaner-waxes would, either. All they do is provide a very minor abrasion, and only if they are worked with the pad.

[Hype1147]

Re: What would you do?

Figured I would update with a few before pics so you guys know what I'm working with. The pics of the hood were after cleaning up a few isolated scratches with ScratchX2.0. In shot of the trunk you'll be able to see the imperfection on the trunk lid and maybe offer some suggestions if the M205/white pad combo is not needed.