I've been using Meguiars car wash since i got my car. I'm pretty happy with that but I was wondering what a good polish was. I used Nu-Finish polish the only time I ever polished my mustang. It looked pretty nice, but I was wondering if there was anything better out there. Also, does the power ball do a good job with the polish. It took me forever to do it last time. I just used a rag. Like i said, forever! Another thing I was wondering about was what kind of polish to use on my wheels and tires. The tire polish i just ran out of had the worst applicator ever, and i didnt see good results with the spray on tire polish I have either. My wheels are powder coated. What would be a good polish for them?
I would get a good polish like Optimum polish, ObsessiveDetail light, Menzerna Final PolishII or maybe some Poorboy's ProPolish. There are plenty of products out there and plenty of places on the internet. Try looking at the sponsors of this site. Justin carry's great products that will compete with any products out there.
Also, I'd suggest you get some nice plush microfiber towels, microfiber drying towels and some nice wash mitts. There are several types of wash mitts out there and nearly everyone has their favorite ( Chenile, microfiber, sheepskin, and sponges). Pick one you like and use a two bucket method to wash your car.
This can be an expensive habit as you want it to be. The main thing is. Find something that you like that gives you the results you want and stick with it.
I like my powerball on wheels. I polish them a couple times a year and use OD Wheel Guard on them. You can use a OTC wax to protect them also. Optimum Opti-Seal is really good on wheels as well as your paint.
Get a claybar kit and use it on your car. You'll be suprised of all the crap thats imbedded in your paint
Posts: 2015
Joined: 9/24/2006 From: Wake Forest, NC Status: offline
My favorite polishes are the Menzerna PO83 (Super Intensive Polish) for heavy swirls, and the Menzerna PO106ff (Nano Polish) for a final polish. If you find something better than them, you let me know and I'll buy some. You do want to get a polisher though, something like the Porter Cable 7424. You can get one here: http://www.obsessivedetail.com/Buffer.html
For cleaning the wheels, I'm into Chemical Guys products these days, and they make a wonderful wheel wax. There are a lot of good choices to clean them though. P21S Wheel Cleaner Gel, Megs Wheel Brightner, and CG makes a good wheel degreaser. All will do a great job.
Posts: 2015
Joined: 9/24/2006 From: Wake Forest, NC Status: offline
quote:
ORIGINAL: Cooter
PO85RD- Menzerna is also really nice. Its got a nice gloss!
It is, but take a look at the PO106ff. It will give you the same shine but will cut a little better. I know that sounds contradictory, but it's been tested time and time again and many respected detailers have claimed that there is no difference in the shine.
The PO106ff though, being that it cuts better, can be used as the only polish on a car with only minor swirls or need for a shine. I keep the PO83 and the PO106ff, the 106ff is good for cars that only need very light polishing, and if I need any more, I step up to the 83 followed by the 106ff.
Thanks for the feedback guys, I think I'm going to pick up a powerball and some of that wheel polish too. The last polish i used still has some shine on the body but the wheels are making the car look bad!
the best tire shine ever is called Ardex...stuff works awesome and lasts forever..it keeps the shine for weeks, even through rain and a wash....it will come off completely after the second wash- its hard to get though
I was looking at buffers also. That porter cable buffer is 145.00. That's like twice the price of most other ones? Why is that one soo great? Is it really worth it?
Posts: 2405
Joined: 10/4/2004 From: Westville, IL Status: offline
For tires you can't go wrong with the Optimum Tire Shine or the Optimum Opti Gel, it just depends on if you like a spray or gel. They both dry to the touch and aren't greasy.
For your powder coated wheels my Wheel Seal will work great, this cleans, shines and protects. Brake dust will come off with ease.
The Porter Cable is so popular because it is a lot higher speed than the cheap over the counter buffers, but you don't have to worry about damaging the paint with it. It is a lot safer to use than a circular polisher. You can be a beginner and get excellent results with the PC.
If you decide to get a PC I give members here a $10 discount off any of the kits plus 10% off of any products or accessories.
That sounds great. I'll probably be putting in an order for some of those products soon. Thanks again to all the feedback and I'm Assuming JUZstang is Justin. You should be giving these guys commision for backing the products. lol
One more question tho. Does the Tire Spray really work as good as the gel? I dont mind getting my hands dirty if the tires will have a deeper shine, but if the spray works just as well, I wouldnt see any point in using the gel.
The tire shine works nice. Pretty easy to apply. Just spray it on a applicator of your choice and apply it to the tires. It last pretty good. I'm not sure if it would last as long as a gel, cuz, I've never used gels. The tire shine is good as with pretty much any Optimum product. Justins Silk Shine can be used on tires and wheel wells. I regulate this stuff to just interior prefferably it leaves a terrific matte finish. The smell is great. I'd wash my clothes in it if i could!!
Thats good to hear. The gel can get really messy, at least the one i used did. It was really the applicator that was the problem tho. BTW i responded to your PM a little while ago, but it didnt appear in my sent folder. ??? Dont know if you got it or not.
Where are you buying your Menzerna products from? I've been thinking about getting some of them. I've had good results with all of my current products but I keep hearing amazing things about Menzerna so I'm going to just spend the money. I've got too many damn products.
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