Machine polishers,

[Sisson]

Ever since i got my Ibiza, ive washed it by hand and polished/waxed it by hand aswell,

I started off by using Meguirs NXT Tech wax but have recently changed to Their 3-step range, ( paint prep, Paint polish, Carnuba wax) Now don't get me wrong their products are good but i still have fine swirls in the car when the sun comes out,

Now, is this due to me not buffing/polishing the car properly/enough or do i need to use a different product? or maybe even buy a machine polisher?

How long should i leave wax/polish on for before buffing it off?? 2 mins or 20 mins?

Is the PC polisher worth the £200 dollars (including pads) or will a machine from Halfords do?

I want to change products to Carlack 68 SG and Carlack 68 LLS soon, (when they're in stock) will these get rid of all swirls or is a mcahine polisher the only way to get rid of them???


Sorry for all the questions

Many Thanks

Adam

[mark@carsparkle]

Products such as Car-Lack68SC and Car-Lack68 LLS will hide swirls to some degree by 'blunting' the edges but it will not eliminate swirls. Your best bet would be to use a decent polish such as PoorBoys SSR 2.5 followed by a much lighter abrasive such as SSR 1 to remove any hazing caused by the polish. Once complete you could finish off by giving it the gloss look by applying CL68SC.

Using a RO such as the PC7424 is not mandatory but it does make life a lot easier and it does give you the freedom to use different combos quicker to get the best result. Example, I would always recommend using the lightest polish available and if that does not do the trick go up a level to remove the swirls. Once the swirls are satisfactorily removed then you would drop back down to a light polish to polish the paintwork back to its original glossy look.

An alternative to Poorboys SSR 1 would be Car-Lack68 Restore Polish. I would advise that Car-Lack68 Scratch remover is too abrasive and should only be used for deep scratches.

If I were you however, I would buy a bonnet / pannel from a scrappy and practice first! :)

Best regards,

Mark Barnes