I tried a search on this, but couldn't really find what I was looking for. I bought this autoglym set from MyMini before I found NAM. I've used the resin polish once and it was ok. However, I didn't clay bar or anything beforehand. I've been using the wash that came with it since. I've read that it's more abrasive than most polishes. Is that bad?

I'm new to all this, so forgive me.
I want to try to claybar and all for the first time this weekend. Poor Hobbes has to live on the street, so he really needs it. It seems on here that most people use Maguier's products, Sonus, or Zaino. Hobbes has some pretty serious swirl marks :( that I'd like to get rid of.

So what are your thoughts on autoglym? I either want to use what I already have, or go somewhere local and get something else. But I could always put it off until next weekend, and order some Sonus stuff (but there's an Auotcross next weekend and Hobbes needs to look his best). And what about the Zymol that they sell almost everywhere now? This is all so confusing!

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of car care! Don't worry, it's very confusing now but it will become clearer with time...

The AutoGlym Resin Polish is completely non-abrasive, so you don't have to worry about that. (In fact, I don't think any of their products are abrasive)

You could liken it most to Klasse AIO (which is referred to often on this forum) in terms of its contents and purpose. It contains paint cleansers, fillers/concealers, and a polymer wax. So, it cleans gunk buildup off the paint, conceals the light scratches/swirls and adds a bit of protection. Klasse is a little easier to work with and imparts a little different look, but many feel that the AutoGlym does a slightly better job of concealing and filling.

As long as you don't mind leaving the swirls for another day, I would continue to use the AG resin polish. Although it won't remove swirls, it'll conceal the lighter ones for now. You'll need an abrasive to remove the swirls (and very likely a PC, aka Porter Cable polisher, or Cyclo polisher). Do a search on this forum for more about that topic or PM/email me directly for help.

Incidentally, regarding AG's resin name, most polymer/synthetic waxes contain resins. Their naming choice is AutoGlym's way of distinguishing it from a carnauba based wax (as it contains no carnauba).

Claying will help as a prep step to the AG resin polish- for both polymer bonding and for the final appearance/feel. However, be aware that clay does not and cannot remove swirls. (very few absolutes in car care, but this is one of them!) The purpose of clay is to safely remove embedded particles from the paint and particles which are strongly adhered to the paint. The particles can be lots of things... from brake or rail dust, to environmental pollutants, to mineral deposits from water (like sprinkler systems!).



Finally, regarding Zymol:
Zymol has two product lines: their "consumer" level and their "premium" level. Anything you find in a mass market store (ie auto part store or discount store like WalMart), will be from their consumer line. Zymol does not allow the selling of their premium line in any mass market store. They're very strict on that.

The consumer line stuff tends to be fairly diluted and ineffective, in my (and the vast majority of other users) opinion. In a pinch, they might be better than nothing but that's about it.

Their premium stuff is made of the very best in raw materials. I think that some of it, although good quality, is overpriced. In many cases, there is another brand at a better price which works and/or looks better. They do have some really cool unique products, such as Seal (for rubber seal hydration). Unfortunately, I have been extremely impressed by their Estate Glazes in the over $300 range. Then again, I didn't say I think they are worth that price though either! Anyway, their premium stuff can only be found at specialty retailers or online.

-Heather

 

Thank you so much for the thorough reply!

I went ahead and spent the day Sunday with the autoglym. I clay barred first, and did a coat of the Super Resin polish, and a coat of the Extra Gloss Protection. I did it all by hand, as I don't have PC yet. It was tough, but most of the swirl marks are gone. Hobbes looks AMAZING!!! I took pictures, I just have to resize and upload them all.

Thanks again for the response. I want to try some of the Prima stuff from you guys next.

 

Glad it worked out well for you! The resin polish does have some really good concealers, as you've now seen in action.

Just remember that you haven't actually removed the swirls, just hidden them for now.

I look forward to seeing some pics!

-Heather