Polish Cutting Capabilities Question

C

cotandem

New member
First, I want to thank everyone who participates on this forum. I have been quietly reading and learning from you over the past six months on how to properly prep and detail a car. My wife thinks I have developed an obsessive issue.... With that being said, next weekend I am taking my first swing at doing it right. Although not new to detailing, I have not been doing prep work or using the best/right polishes or waxes in the past. Kinda like playing golf with a hockey stick. The ball ultimately got to the hole, but it was ugly along the way. I have the tools in the form of PC random and the complete Zaino package I got for Christmas. Our 2001 Passat wants to be my guinea pig before proceeding to the 2004 325i and finally the 2001 Boxster.



Yes there is a question in all this! I have purchased ZPC, Optimum polish and Sonus SFX-1 to work on a variety of small but noticeable (in the right light) swirl marks. I understand I need to start with the least cutting power and work up as needed. In your opinions, what is the order of these three from least cutting ability to most. I have pads in a rainbow of colors, again thanks to everyone's advice. See what my wife means about a developing obsession?? Thank you again to everyone and your input on this forum. Have a great weekend!
 
Optimum Polish, ZPC, then SFX-1 I think, in order from least to greatest. I would try Optimum on a polishing pad first, then move to a cutting pad, as I find it works nicely when used with a cutting pad. And being that it is your first time with a PC, I am just forewarning you that it will take you much longer than expected, and you probably won't get the results you expect right away. Just take your time, move the polisher slow, and apply decent pressure, but not so much that the machine gets bogged down.
 
I've not used the Sonus product but do use OP and ZPC frequently. Obviously pictures would help immensely here but lacking them here's my take.



I love ZPC and you mentioned you'll be finishing with Z polish so this might be a time saver for you. I would try ZPC with an orange LC pad first and crank it up to about 5 on the dial. Work it slowly and after each section check for results. Many people try one pass on a section and when they don't see immediate results change to a different product or more agressive pad. That, in my opinion, is too hasty a practice. I've worked ZPC with an orange pad on a section up to 3-4 times before changing to something more serious. You might be able to make gradaul results with multiple passes of the same combo and get what you want. If after say 2 passes on a section you don't see any significant reduction in the swirls I would try the OP next and the same approach - up to 2 passes to gauge effectiveness. If after the second pass you see some diminshing action try a 3rd and then maybe a 4th. I like to gradually reduce to the point necessary and not get too agressive right off the bat.



Now you might have serious swirls that will need more serious cut. I just read a description of the Sonus SFX-1 and it talks about 1200 grit removal so it sounded to me to be the the most agressive cut product of the 3 you have. IMO I'd save that for last in your attempts but again I have not used the product.



Then again, bigpoppa had his order OP, ZPC and SFX-1 and might be based on his experience. In any event that's 2 of us who would list the Sonus as most agressive so I'd probably save that for last if you're not satisfied. OP and ZPC are fairly close and could very well be interchangeable in your case.



Finally, don't be afraid of the PC. I suggest a speed of 5 but I spin mine at 6 all the time to get slightly more heat going. Even at that speed you're not going to jeopardize your paint or subject it to possible problems. You'll very quickly get comfortable with this machine and be able to handle it with ease in no time. I would suggest finishing with the ZPC and a polishing pad to prep for Zaino polish or, if you don't do that, I'd wipe down with iso alc/water spritzes and a MF to clean the paint of anything that might inhibit the Z polish bonding - not sure what OP and Sonus might leave behind in the way of residual stuff. Zaino polish likes to bond to perfectly clean clearcoat paint.



Good luck and let us know how you make out. If you do get to the Sonus I'd be interested in hearing your experience with it.
 
I'm agreeing with Puckman. I would initially go with the ZPC since you're continuing with the Zaino. and use pads and speed to give you a little more aggressiveness if you need it..then consider another product if that isn't working out
 
I agree also. Zaino zpc is truely amazing polish. The finish it leaves is flawless with extreme gloss when used on speed 6 on a pc. I have even used a yellow lc pad with excellent results. Then top it with z5 pro and you will be extremely happy!



His system is pretty easy and is my favorite so far! Look at my avatar!
 
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