I know a good deal about detailing, however i'm not a major OCD so I would like to hear some recommendations of polishes to use. I ran a search and theres a few threads I studied but would like some more advice.

I basically have minimal swirling and i'm planning a big detail in the next couple weeks so i'm getting ready. What would you guys suggest for me to get? As I said I have just minimal swirling, and would like to apply by hand due to I prefer hand waxing and such ( even though its a PITA after awhile ). And what type of applicator should I use? I would like to spend lightly too, not looking to buy a real expensive polish, just want to get the job done right & affordable.

In my search I found this thread about Adams Polishes and was very impressed by the result of this guys hood, though my swirls aren't as bad as his before shot is.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/3164840-post2.html

Thanks.

EDIT:

Also, Could I get some recommendations for a good chrome polish? I'm currently using Mothers Chrome Polish on my bumpers and tips and i'm not real pleased with it.

 

As for polishes, really Meguiar's #81 (really light polish), Meguiar's #80 (your workhorse, middle of the road, finishes down fine enough to go straight to LSP) and Meguiar's #83 (as aggressive as you can go with a DA, needs to be followed up by #80).

Use those if you are going to use a DA. If you are going to do by hand, I would honestly suggest Meguiar's Deep Crystal Step 1 - Paint Cleaner. Very mild but work it aggressive enough, you'll get things done.

I've also heard of people using Meguiar's M105 by hand with great results. I've been meaning to order a sample of this to try out on isolated scratches.

As far as applicators go, The only one I use Meguiar's yellow applicator pads, they are great for doing heavy work down to LSP application.

There are a ton of great polishes out there, I just use Meguiar's because I've had great success with them, and they are most of the time readily available. Even my local NAPA sells a few of their Mirror Glaze Products.(professional line like #81,#80, #83).

Hope this helps.

 

I have used the Adams Swirl and Haze remover and the Adams Revive polish by hand with very good results. I really like the Adams products because they can be used in sun or shade. I do not have a garage or even a good shady spot to in which to detail. The Adams products go on and come off very easily even if they are applied in direct sun.

BTW, I also use Adams MF applicators.

 

don't mean to jack the thread, but how well would ScratchX followed by a polish like #80 do for swirls and light scratches (all done by hand)?

 

If you're not using a DA than #80 is not going to be a good product choice. Otherwise that's my go to product, along with Merzena's stuff, but they are pretty pricey. If you're planning on doing things by hand use the Meguiars A Line. The "Crystal" line-up that can be found at Autozone and the like. Follow up with your choice of sealant plus carnuba. My recommendation for a good OTC set-up would be is using NXT as a sealant, topped with Meguiars Gold Class.

 

alright, thanks thump. i kinda figured a DA would be best for that but wasn't sure. one more thing..would it be pointless to scratchX the entire vehicle, following up with ColorX, and then a good polish like the Meguiars DC polish. Then top with NXT or whatever wax and sealant? Or would the ColorX do nothing there?

sorry Darren, don't mean to jack your thread. but, check out the Meguiars forum too for tips, theres a lot of good info and how to articles to be had there. Even if you dont use their products, they usually give you basic steps. I'd imagine a good process for light swirls would be a good cleaner followed with a polish and topped with a sealant. They have a good explanation of this in their How To.. section over there. I think foam applicators would work best too

 

I'm not too familiar with the A-Line aka the consumer line-up so I could be wrong. However, I'm going to say that I think Scratch-X is going to be more aggressive than the "Deep Cystal Polish" so if that's not cutting it than you could move to Scratch-X or use it as spot treatment as well as using the polish.

 

I always used Eagle One Never Dull on my tips until I tried NXT All Metal Polish. This stuff is the bomb. I even used it on my wife's vehicle that has the stock exhaust tip. I polished it 4 times consecutively and each time it became shinier and shiner until it almost looked like it was chrome (07 Saturn ).

 

The Deep Crystal polish is a pure polish with no cut to it. The Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner is what you want to remove the scratches. From my experience, ScratchX is great for small isolated scratches, but would be a BEAR to work the entire vehicle, DC Paint Cleaner is very user friendly. I've used the Deep Crystal Process with success. I personally prefer to use the Paint Cleaner, then straight to NXT 2.0.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll be looking into the Crystal Polish system and some Adams for kicks. I'll swap the mothers polsih and try Meg's All Metal Polysh out. No worries on thread hi-jacking Cotedog.