First time using a powered buffer
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 27,713
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From: I take pictures. Cincinnati, Ohio
First time using a powered buffer
The porter cable XL pad kit I ordered from Autogeek will be here on Friday. I've never used one before.
I would like to do a full exterior cleaning on my 2002 BMW. Its not in bad shape at all but there are your normal circles from regular washings. There is something at the bottom of the side of the car directly behind the front where that seems to flake off (weird).
Anyways. I hav NXT to use and I got the 3M swiral remover. Sheould I pick up a paint cleaner from Autozone and use that first, then the 3M then the NXT all with the porter cable?
I would like to do a full exterior cleaning on my 2002 BMW. Its not in bad shape at all but there are your normal circles from regular washings. There is something at the bottom of the side of the car directly behind the front where that seems to flake off (weird).
Anyways. I hav NXT to use and I got the 3M swiral remover. Sheould I pick up a paint cleaner from Autozone and use that first, then the 3M then the NXT all with the porter cable?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,739
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From: New Port Richey Florida
Not sure which 3M swirl remover you bought but if I was doing it,
I would
Wash and dry the car thoroughly
Use the 3M
Then use the NXT
Since NXT is a synthetic, I'm not sure how much of an advantage it would be to apply/remove it with a buffer. I've always done it by hand. I'm sure others who have tried it both ways will comment.
I would
Wash and dry the car thoroughly
Use the 3M
Then use the NXT
Since NXT is a synthetic, I'm not sure how much of an advantage it would be to apply/remove it with a buffer. I've always done it by hand. I'm sure others who have tried it both ways will comment.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 8,744
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From: The King of Bling
St. Jude Donor '10
I would pick up a good Scratch and Swirl Remover like 3M 39009 or Menzerna FPII or Zaino Fusion (ZPC). Go over the entire car with a polishing pad with your speed set at 5.5.
Then I would follow up with your favorite LSP. I prefer Zaino for is deep wet and reflective look and durability it gives me. Unless you really enjoy waxing your car often I would stay away from NXT or a carnuaba based since they are known for their lack of durability. There are other sealants out there that are pretty good like Klasse or even Rejex, I suggest you try a few and find the one you like the best.
Then I would follow up with your favorite LSP. I prefer Zaino for is deep wet and reflective look and durability it gives me. Unless you really enjoy waxing your car often I would stay away from NXT or a carnuaba based since they are known for their lack of durability. There are other sealants out there that are pretty good like Klasse or even Rejex, I suggest you try a few and find the one you like the best.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 11
From: Lewes DE
my own variation on the above:
you'll have really astounding results with the above, the only problem being that the hand glaze with NXT will only look fantastic for about 2 weeks. But that's how I would do it, with products easily available at any auto zone or NAPA. There's no sense in applying NXT by machine - you'll do better and waste less product if done by hand.
- wash and dry
- if swirl removal is your aim, use 3M 39002, orange pad, and speed 5.5.
- when the polish flashes to clear, wipe off and inspect. If you swirls are stilll there, go over the area again with a new round of polish
- it could take two hours to reduce the swirls on the hood and trunk alone, using a PC on hard Vette clearcoat, so be patient.
- when satisfied with your results, wash again to remove any oils, and any polishing debris
- Here's a good place to apply 3M imperial hand glaze (by hand of course)
- then apply NXT (by hand).
you'll have really astounding results with the above, the only problem being that the hand glaze with NXT will only look fantastic for about 2 weeks. But that's how I would do it, with products easily available at any auto zone or NAPA. There's no sense in applying NXT by machine - you'll do better and waste less product if done by hand.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,208
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by bugman
my own variation on the above:
you'll have really astounding results with the above, the only problem being that the hand glaze with NXT will only look fantastic for about 2 weeks. But that's how I would do it, with products easily available at any auto zone or NAPA. There's no sense in applying NXT by machine - you'll do better and waste less product if done by hand.
- wash and dry
- if swirl removal is your aim, use 3M 39002, orange pad, and speed 5.5.
- when the polish flashes to clear, wipe off and inspect. If you swirls are stilll there, go over the area again with a new round of polish
- it could take two hours to reduce the swirls on the hood and trunk alone, using a PC on hard Vette clearcoat, so be patient.
- when satisfied with your results, wash again to remove any oils, and any polishing debris
- Here's a good place to apply 3M imperial hand glaze (by hand of course)
- then apply NXT (by hand).
you'll have really astounding results with the above, the only problem being that the hand glaze with NXT will only look fantastic for about 2 weeks. But that's how I would do it, with products easily available at any auto zone or NAPA. There's no sense in applying NXT by machine - you'll do better and waste less product if done by hand.
