I'm still relatively new to the PC and the last couple times I've used 1Z Metallic PolishWax with good results:

PolishWax

Should I be following that up with a straight up wax like Glanz Wax, or is the PolishWax alone good enough?

Glanz Wax

Which color pad should I use to apply these products? White for the polish and grey for the wax?

I'm open to suggestions for other products, but I'm getting comfortable with these and really like the fact that they don't white-out the plastic trim.

 

You can just use the Polish wax if you want, and call it quits. Or you can top with the Glanz wax after the surface has been prepped by other means. The difference between the two is in the amount of prep work needed to get a smooth finish. The polish wax has a lot of solvents and some mechanical abrasives in it (even though they may advertise none) to clean the surface. So it does more "polishing" and cleaning and prep work.

The Glanz wax requires more prep work to clean and polish the surface with another product before sealing it in.

Both are good sealants. I prefer other brands somewhat, but certainly have nothing bad to say about them. If you have them and like them, go for one or the other.

As far as the PC pads, use the slowest speed and the softest pad. It depends on the manufacturer as to what color that is but usually it is the black pad or the blue pad (Lake Country Mfg). They are VERY soft and flexible. Comparing them by feel should be obvious.

Hope this helps.

 

I'm getting a Porter Cable polisher this week. It comes with lamb wool pads, will that work for polishing NXT. Or should I be looking for something else?

Oh Porter Cable just got bought by Delta tools, I'm getting a good price on it as I guess Delta wants to get rid of the old stock.

 

No. Lambs wool is for heavy cutting only. You need to get some soft foam.

 

Great thanks Brad, knew you would know

 

Can you elaborate on the prep needed before applying the Glanz? Clay and a regular polish, then Glanz, or something like that?

What brands would you recommend? I like stuff that buffs off easily, and doesn't white-out plastic trim.

Thanks for the advice.

 

OMG--toss that backing plate and pads that come with the PC! Hmm, didn't realize they were bought out. So it's gonna be called a D now instead of a PC??

Get a velcro backing plate and appropriate pads. Curious what kind of price are you getting?? Down here the PC's can be had for as little as US$90 depending on when you buy it.

Richard

 

It totally depends upon what state the paint is in. Before we exhaust ouselves with scenarios what is your paint like? Big scratches? Just little mars? Noticible swirls? Looks new, but just want to prep for wax? Has it ever been polished before? How does it "feel"? Etc.

 

Not sure of the price yet, but I figure $125 CND, so about the same as your price.

Will look into new backing plates and pads when I get it.

Thanks for the heads up

 

The Mini had mirco scratches/swirls mostly but they are all but gone now. Some more serious scratches on the hatch that were greatly improved with the Polish Wax. Left to my own devices I was planning on hitting the hatch with what I think is the next more aggresive 1Z polish in the green can.

This was the first time I polished it. It defanitly needs to be clayed, and I will do that before waxing again. It feels 'bumpy' in spots from what I'm guessing are contaminants that the clay will pick up.

Car #2 is an Audi that "Looks new, but just want to prep for wax?". If you have a scenario for that one I'd appreciate hearing it as well. I used the Polish Wax on it about a week ago.

 

It sounds like Polish Wax was the right move for most of the MINI's issues, you can see what it does, just light duty. And it has some fillers too, so some of what you think is removed will eventually show up again. The 1Z Green can is a good abrasive. Not super coarse, but much more so than the polish. It will "remove" swirls permanently. But it does take some working. If you are using a PC I would use a medium cutting (white) pad and a speed of 4 to 5. For a higher luster you can either use a finer polish or a softer pad and repeat this process. It won't take much time.

For the Audi, it sounds like all you need it the Polish Wax. If the finish looks good no further work is necessary. Polish Wax provides protection. If you want to change brands then the next step depends on what brand you choose. Any carnauba can just be layered right over the more durable 1Z.

 

If the Polish Wax is acceptable as a final step I think I'll stick with it since it's working.

Is it safe to use that on a regular basis? Does it remove too much of the finish for regular use?

 

Sure. It's pretty durable and won't need to be applied that often. Check your beading and slickness. (And use a quick detailer to boost the shine occasionally. I use it after every wash.) It has mainly solvent cleaners and not much abrasives. Very safe.