Correct way to apply polish / wax

[camhabib]

Today was one of the first nicer days we've had in MA in a while so I decided to take a little time to do a nice detail. I gave the car a thorough wash, clayed it, and then proceeded to polish in preparation for a coat of wax. This was my first time doing the polishing / waxing myself. While the car is relatively new, there is some swirls and marring. I recently picked up the set of 1z products (all three polishes plus the wax) and decided to give them a go.

I started out with the Metallic PolishWax. I applied a quarter size to a hand foam applicator pad and began to work it into the top of the trunk. I started off with relatively light pressure, but didn't really notice any improvement. I tried applying more pressure but still no improvement. I let the polish dry and buffed out and followed with Paint Polish, again starting out lightly and moving toward more pressure, and again no significant improvement. I didn't want to use the Extra or use the orbital I had since I wasn't sure if I was doing something incorrectly or if it just takes a little more elbow grease and time then I was giving it.

I was assuming that I would see complete removal of all swirl marks since the paint is in pretty good condition, but saw only the removal of the lightest and most minor marks. If anyone could give me some tips or a generally summary of what I should be expecting or do, that would be great. Thanks.

[Euro_Addict]

It will be VERY hard to remove swirls in the paint by hand. Use your PC next time. Just start off slow till you get comfortable using it. You won't harm your paint. Also, start w/ the lightest pad and most non abrassive polish. Work your way up if you need more aggressive polish/pad.

[Mike @ einszett]

Hi Cam,

You'll definitely want to start off with Paint Polish. Metallic PolishWax is used when the paint is in new or like-new condition - so either the paint is well maintained or it's been treated by the other polishes prior and is being used as a final step. In your case, we need to go with the latter... you need to fix the paint first.

The work required to remove the swirls will depend on how severe the swirl marks are. But you'll definitely want to work with Paint Polish. Since it seems that the foam applicator pad is inneffective, my suggestion to you is to step up with a 100% plush cotton towel - and I mean plush as in thick pile (long fibers). Don't use those thin, bulk towels you can get at the auto store or Costco. It may seem like overkill to use a really soft towel but it will be your best option. You can purchase a good one at Target (get the hand towel size and remove the tags before using so you won't scratch the paint).

With the paintwork surface cool and out of direct sunlight, pour about a quarter size amount on the towel and apply in an up and down motion. Use moderate pressure (don't lean your body into it and don't glide either). Just a nice, even pressure. Apply this amount of polish to about a third of a body panel. Keep polishing until the polish virtually disappears. Then I would recommend taking a clean, soft microfiber towel and buffing off the residue. Inspect the surface and see if the results are achieved. If not, you'll need to reapply again.

Repeat this process until you complete the car.

If this process is not effective, take Extra in combination with the foam applicator pad. The foam pad will ease the aggressiveness of Extra. Don't worry about Extra's abrasives, they break down quickly for easy cutting control. Repeat the same up and down, moderate pressure process as Paint Polish. If effective, apply to the whole car.

If Extra worked better for you, you'll have to follow it up with an application of Paint Polish to bring out the best possible depth.

At this point you can skip to Glanz Wax and you'll be finished.

Six months from now, you can go straight to Metallic Polish Wax since the paint should still be in good condition and then follow with Glanz Wax. You can keep Paint Polish for future swirl marks and Extra for spot removing fine scratches such as fingernail scratches under door handles.

Speaking of swirls, make sure you're not introducing more swirls in the future. They usually come as a result of bad washing and drying techniques. For information on good washing/drying techniques to avoid swirls, check out this article: http://www.1z-usa.com/education_washing.html

Let us know how it turns out. If you need further help, let me know!

Thank you,