I have just finished off my bottle of Meguiars Scratch X, and have been looking at what to replace it with. I have no machine as yet ( well I do, but only one from Halfords, them big old things, £20ish), so think it will be all hand polishing for now.

Reading the thread by PolishBliss, I may try the Menzerna Int Polish, but then was stuck for what wax to use after, maybe the BlackFire Ivory Carnauba Wax?.

Thing is though the Meg's Scratch X has done a pretty good job in removing some of the swirls(within reason, guess its not a major cutting product), so I am wondering if this new combi I'm thinking about buying will be a step forward?, or is the only sensible way in getting a proper machine like the G220 from Meguiars?.

Thanks for any replies in advance,
Daz.

 

Personally I'd get saving for a nice DA polisher Like the Megs G220 or PC from the states.
I dont feel as good a finish is achievable by hand and machining is the way forward if you are serious.
Menzerna do a great range of polishes and the IP (intensive polish) will deal with most swirls coupled with the right pad.

Best wishes

Tim

 

I hope you're good at it Tim, cos i'm hoping to arrange for you to sort my car out in a few months time..LOL!!!
FMS said you'd see me right...!!

 

Looking at PolishBliss's guide for hand polishing I think I am at that stage, where the best has been achieved with out a machine.

 

Darren you're extremely limited to what you can do with swirls by hand. If you feel you will be comfortable using a machine then the G220 is no doubt the one to get. Unfortunately your colour will show swirls more than the lighter colours. Just remember your washing and drying techniques are crucial to keep the dreaded swirls at bay.

 

I've finally got the hose pipe and and running again (needed new connection-leaking), so now i soak the car with water to hopefully dislodge some of the dirt, then do the old 2 bucket method, using a good shampoo, then rinse.

Could my leather be a problem though, its a very good quality one from Meguiars, but don't you guys use things like water magnets?

Looking at the foam lances to maybe dislodge more dirt before rubbing it?

 

poorboys waffle weave towel for me better than the megs leather and megs waffle towel ive used in the past hope this helps...

 

2 bucket with Meguiars Lambswool Wash Mitt, rinse thoroughly then 'sheet' the water using an open ended hose followed by Poorboys Waffle Weave. Some people foam first but I'm not 100% convinced on this unless the car is extremely dirty i.e. not been washed for a month in the winter time.

 

I use mild tfr soak, rinse, SSF with lance then rinse, then I reach for the 2 buckets, wash mitt and grit guards!
I dry using a drying towel not chamois.
If you do insist on using a waterblade (not that I recommend it) then soak it in hot water 1st as it will soften it considerably.

Tim

 

Found this useless for the car but the Mrs likes it for the house windows!

 

Think I'll bin the waterblade then. Then get one of these Poorboys Waffle Weave. This may help with the swirl reduction in the future.

These Polishing machines are a fair old expense though

 

I'm with you on that one, I found them to be pants

 

Cheapest way of masking swirls is Autoglym super resin polish, it has a natural filler that will reduce the swirls a lot.
I applied AGP with the white side of a german applicator, gave it a coat of AG Extra gloss protection and sealed it in with Megs nxt gen wax.
Looks great even in the sunlight.
Admittidely I did go down the Menzerna route as advised by PB a few months back but its bloody hard work and gave about 70% correction.