Final Buff

rdransman

rdransman

Promoted Users
I am buffing 4000-1 Universal Clear with 4003-4 slow activator, shot about three weeks ago.

1) Wet sanded with 800-1000-1500, followed by orbital wet Trizact 3000 and 5000.
2) Buffed with 3M Perfect-It #05973 Rubbing Compound with a Schlegel soup bowl pad until scratches were gone.
3) Buffed with 3M Perfect-It #05996 Foam Polishing Pad Glaze with Perfect-It black waffle pad.

I had to go back to the Rubbing Compound for a few scratches, then repeated #3 above, in those areas. I'm really happy with distinctiveness of image and gloss, but can it look even better? ...or am I done?

Also, how long should I wait before applying wax?
 
I have talked to high end shops that figure close to 80 hours to buff a job, like a piece of metal the more you buff it should get better.

Use pure carnuba wax anytime you want all other waxes i give it six months of driving to be safe.
 
Barry said:
I have talked to high end shops that figure close to 80 hours to buff a job, like a piece of metal the more you buff it should get better.

Use pure carnuba wax anytime you want all other waxes i give it six months of driving to be safe.
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Thanks, Barry. I have half of a gallon of Cargroom #24 Pure Carnuba wax. I'll use that when I'm ready.

I don't mind the work. Just don't know what to use after step #3, above. What do you guys use for your final buff before wax?
 
If you want to see if all the scratches are really gone, put the panel outside in direct sunlight. This panel looked great inside but there will still fine scratches as can be seen in this picture.
Left Trunk Lid 2.JPG


I like to finish off with Menzerna SF-3800 on polishing pad. It can be worked a long time and will remove those fine scratches.
 
Someone here uses Windex after "final" buff to remove all residue from scratches if any to see them better.
My question- amonia free or regular?
 
shine said:
3m is full of fillers. toss it and get real compound.
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OK. So what do I switch to? What is your opinion of Presta? (...and I can just see a firestorm brewing, but please, unless something really is inferior or hasn't worked for you, let's all leave the negative stuff behind and tell me what HAS worked.) :~)
 
Windex and Sprayway and W&G remover - OH MY! Decisions, decisions...

I'm still wondering if I should use a better/finer compound now that I've used the 3M polishing glaze. Any suggestions?
 
'68 Coronet R/T said:
If you want to see if all the scratches are really gone, put the panel outside in direct sunlight. This panel looked great inside but there will still fine scratches as can be seen in this picture.
View attachment 6443

I like to finish off with Menzerna SF-3800 on polishing pad. It can be worked a long time and will remove those fine scratches.
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Great tip. I've been using an LED light and it seems to work well. I'll try the sunlight if we ever get any again. (It's been raining near Cincinnati for 2 days.)
 
rdransman said:
Windex and Sprayway and W&G remover - OH MY! Decisions, decisions...

I'm still wondering if I should use a better/finer compound now that I've used the 3M polishing glaze. Any suggestions?
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I use Sprayway for pre-cleaning.
 
I think I like the chemical guys #36 and #38 on those final buffs . There is a ton of ideas/opinions in some older threads - I studied them cause of the finishes I wanted to obtain. As far as seeing scratches , I’m the opposite of coronet R/T . I always buff under my fluorescents and then when I think I’m done- I go get my halogens on a stand and shine them on there . That will show you what you missed. If you can get it free of scratches under halogen spot lights then it’s done.
 
Dave C 5 said:
I think I like the chemical guys #36 and #38 on those final buffs . There is a ton of ideas/opinions in some older threads - I studied them cause of the finishes I wanted to obtain. As far as seeing scratches , I’m the opposite of coronet R/T . I always buff under my fluorescents and then when I think I’m done- I go get my halogens on a stand and shine them on there . That will show you what you missed. If you can get it free of scratches under halogen spot lights then it’s done.
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Thanks, Dave. I'm inclined to agree with you on the halogens. In 1982 I showed my '55 outside all summer and even won a couple of best paint awards (lacquer - did I say I was an old guy?). Then I showed indoors under the halogens and was in for the shock of my life. It was embarrassing.

I'll check out The Chemical Guys. Just went to their website to learn a little more.

I have seen references to compounds in other threads here, but it's tough to search for them and get the big picture. I'll spend a little more time doing that.
 
i've used presta with good results. tried it when CG changed their compounds once years ago. i'd used them for over 30 years. once i tried the V-series i never looked back .
 
Dave C 5 said:
I think I like the chemical guys #36 and #38 on those final buffs . There is a ton of ideas/opinions in some older threads - I studied them cause of the finishes I wanted to obtain. As far as seeing scratches , I’m the opposite of coronet R/T . I always buff under my fluorescents and then when I think I’m done- I go get my halogens on a stand and shine them on there . That will show you what you missed. If you can get it free of scratches under halogen spot lights then it’s done.
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Yes, I should've mentioned the halogen lights as I have also used them. The final test will be direct sunlight as that is where most people will see it.

I have also tried the Chemical Guys products and like them a lot. Meguairs has their M-100 product which is more like the Chemical Guys product than their own M-105.

Bottom line is that there are many products that will work, you just have to find what you are comfortable with.
 
I use Sprayway pre and post polish. Saw someone talk about it in one of my many searches on here and have come to really like it.

For fine polishing I personally like Menzerna slightly more than anything else I've tried.

I will have to try the halogen light tip. The sun is so far south and now with daylight savings time starting it will be dark by 5:30.
 
'68 Coronet R/T said:
Yes, I should've mentioned the halogen lights as I have also used them. The final test will be direct sunlight as that is where most people will see it.

I have also tried the Chemical Guys products and like them a lot. Meguairs has their M-100 product which is more like the Chemical Guys product than their own M-105.

Bottom line is that there are many products that will work, you just have to find what you are comfortable with.
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I agree on the direct sunlight. I think a lot depends on the color as to where it looks best/worst.

Good to know on the Meguiars. For whatever reason, I think of them as more of a commodity rather than a specialty product. Probably wrong.
 
sprint_9 said:
I use Sprayway pre and post polish. Saw someone talk about it in one of my many searches on here and have come to really like it.

For fine polishing I personally like Menzerna slightly more than anything else I've tried.

I will have to try the halogen light tip. The sun is so far south and now with daylight savings time starting it will be dark by 5:30.
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Thanks, Sprint_9. I'm just concerned that I should be using something between my 3M polish and the Sprayway to get the shine up even more. It does look awful good now though. Nice looking truck, BTW!
 
shine said:
i've used presta with good results. tried it when CG changed their compounds once years ago. i'd used them for over 30 years. once i tried the V-series i never looked back .
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I have the Presta Ultra Cutting Compound that I'll be using next, now that I've run out of the 3M #05973. I've got a call into Presta to see which other products they recommend for the best finish regardless of hours. I still haven't ruled out The Chemical Guys, or others. Still listening and learning...
 
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