Polishing a car!

[AAPete]

OK feel a right pratt posting this but I refuse to muck up my new car!
I have only been driving for 2 years therefore no experience in regards polishing , so I have a good bottle of polish what next?
What clothes etc!

 

[Ade]

Nothing Abrasive, use a lint free cloth and whatever you do do not rub too hard! With the wrong kind of polish (e.g. 'T cut') you can start to lessen the thickness of the paint layer which over time...........

Don't wear clothes with studs or buckles as when leaning over the car to reach those hard to get at places you risk scratching the paint work.

Avoid mechanical polishing as overdoing it can also cause damage, leave that type of polishing to the pro's.

When you've finished polishing the paintwork, take the trouble to clean the window rubbers etc to remove the overspill of polish. Don't use a nail brush though as this tends to leave fine scratches. Invest in a top qualilty chamois leather to finish. This will finish the car off a treat and leave that sharp, clean look.

Auto Glym is one of the better makes of polish but I'm sure other members will have their preferences.

 

[Spike]

You know, you have a good point that I haver never seen mentioned here before.

One does tend to lean all over the car when polishing so clothing does matter. Personally, i find it such hard work that you wouldnt want to be wearing much more than a T-shirt.

I think the key components are good quality (carnuba based) polish and lots and lots of clean microfibre cloths.

If you are really keen, invest in a Porter cable - there are no substitutes.

 

[Ade]

Spike

From bitter experience. Scatched my wing with a belt buckle leaning into engine compartment. Sickening moment!

Ade

 

[Ade]

Spike

Looked on Porter Cable's UK Web site and can't find a polisher! Weird.

Where did you get yours from and how much?

Ade

 

[Spike]

I personally dont have one yet but if you pop on over to Mbclub and read the thread below it tells all. (u may need to register)

http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=8035&highlight=porter+cable

 

[nasher]

I always use a proper wax and not the liquid stuff. I think the scratches come from allowing the wax to dry hard then wiping it off. It's easier when it's dry, but probably doesn't do the paint any good and leaves hard deposits on your rag.

I always found "dads old pants" to be the best and softest cloths, just make sure they've been washed.

 

[webby]

I agree with Ade, the best polish on the market is Autoglym, costs a forture but it's worth it!

I've been using it for years on my cars, motorbikes etc, it seems great for all types of paint.

Webby

 

[190]

Machine Mart does polishers at a fraction of the price of Porter Cable. Click the link below they are all over the country.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/ranges.asp?g=115&r=2115

 

[Spike]

Machine Mart does polishers at a fraction of the price of Porter Cable. Click the link below they are all over the country.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/ranges.asp?g=115&r=2115

Machine mart *DO NOT* do random orbitol polishers [sigh]

 

[nasher]

This was my last major polishing exercise...

 

[LNM]

Any recommendations from Spike about polishing should be taken very seriously. Look at the pics of his merc on General + "how much for respray" He is very unlikely to do anything to damage that paint job !!

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=39

I'm considering getting mine done !!!

 

[rr19991029]

After trying probably everything on the market, I currently use Meguiars.

Hightly Recommended....

Robin

 

[Spike]

After trying probably everything on the market, I currently use Meguiars.

Hightly Recommended....

Robin

Meguires has a high Carnuba content so yes, amongst the very best there is.

 

[peterchurch]

Hi
Does anyone know if Zymol or Mer are abbrasive polishes ?
while Im asking I have lots of very fine particles of tar / tree sap all over my car can anyone recommend a good technique to remove them? I normaly use zipwax and warm water to clean the car...

Best regards,

Peter

 

[Spike]

Mer is abrasive and full of harsh chemicals - I personally would steer clear.

I would use a clay bar on the whole car to strip all the contaminents off and then use a top quality wax to protect afterwards.

Both Zymol and Meguiars stock what you need - expensive, yes but you do get what you pay for & the resultant finish will be worth all the hard work.

 

[peterchurch]

I know that I am opening myself up to abuse with this question but ....

What do i do with a clay bar?

come on do your worst

 

[Spike]

Its not obvious what to do since few people use it but the link below tells all

http://www.zymol.com/lehm-cla.htm

 

[landover]

Lehm Klay 2™ Zymol products offer a complete Automotive Enhancement system to keep your car in showroom condition. The Zymol Hand-Crafted™ system contains natural washing, cleaning and feeding products. Zymol uses nutritive oils to replace the oils originally found in your car's finish without the use of harsh chemicals or abrasives. This product is excellent I use it on my cars and gives a mirror finish.

 

[190]

Lehm Klay 2? Zymol products offer a complete Automotive Enhancement system to keep your car in showroom condition. The Zymol Hand-Crafted? system contains natural washing, cleaning and feeding products. Zymol uses nutritive oils to replace the oils originally found in your car's finish without the use of harsh chemicals or abrasives. This product is excellent I use it on my cars and gives a mirror finish.

Where can I purchase these products in Glasgow you seem to know a lot about them