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      03-20-2021, 02:30 PM   #19
carseatsm5
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Drives: 2020 M5
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: CA

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Quote:
Originally Posted by ///WeissBisBlau View Post
This is where I’m at. I had the pro carbon spoiler installed at the dealer, and they have butchered my trunk lid, right up to the spoiler. Pretty sure there is at least one scratch through the clear back there.

I am a TOTAL newb (as in, all this talk about all these different pads and polishes and polishers is making my head spin!), but want to give this a try, and see if I can’t make my trunk lid look like yours! I do have SOME level of mechanical aptitude, so I’m pretty sure I can do it. I just can’t get straight on exactly what I need to start off with. I’ve been to the autopia.org forums, but quite frankly don’t trust it, as some of the posts on there are approaching 20 yrs. old now! Surely some of that information has been superseded by newer technologies by now. Besides that, I can never pin down just exactly what it is that I need to know, and then find some good threads on it.

First things first, I know I need a polisher, and from all I am reading, a dual-action one is the way to go. Several people have said good things about the Griot’s Garage machines. Can anyone confirm or possibly redirect? I realize there are lots of different criteria, but what I need is a good polisher, that is good for even a beginner, but possibly give me room to grow, yet reasonably priced, and still very effective.

Then, I know I need some pads. This is where things are really starting to make my head spin. I am seeing all kinds of different manufacturer names, all kinds of different “colors”, and all kinds of different “cut”. Let me throw out what I think I know, here, and I am happy to accept correction if I am mistaken. “Cut” is how strong the pad is, somewhat like “grit” for sandpaper (yes, I really am THAT much of a newb, but I want to learn, so please go easy!). Then, each of these manufacturers has their own different cut level, identified by the different color of their pads, for a light, medium, or heavy job. My car is basically brand new, but it does have—as I mentioned—a couple scratches near the spoiler, and then when I shine a light on the rest of the trunk lid, I can see other various swirl marks which manifest, though it appears nothing crazy. I have Tanzanite Blue, so I would really love to polish it up really well, then put a sealant on it, so those blue sparkles will really come out!

Next, I assume is which polish I actually use. Here again, I have no idea what manufacturer, what strength, etc, so in light of the above information about my car, I am happy to take suggestions. My hope is that this might develop into an enjoyable new hobby for me, but I really need some help, and I have been searching all over for one particular thread which lays it all out, and I can’t seem to find that. So, any help and or advice is appreciated. Sorry, OP, not intending to hijack, but maybe since this all applies to your original query, others might find it useful as well.

As for my sealant, I am seriously thinking of Wolfgang SiO2, as I’ve heard it gives a nice long-lasting seal. I am fine with applying 2-3 times per year. I do not think I am ready yet to apply ceramic, and I know I am not going to pay to have that done, at this point. I was quoted $10,000 for a full paint correction and ceramic coating! No thanks!
I like your enthusiasm because I’m right there with you.

I would recommend an Adam’s kit because it’s very beginner friendly but also the machine and products are high enough quality to grow with you. Maybe Griots has same I’ve also heard that brand mentioned in a similar vein. Adam’s also has a very easy-to-follow video series and an active forum where company reps are extremely responsive if you have questions (like I had).

Pan the Organizer was mentioned earlier as a super YouTube channel for all things detailing with an infinite number of product reviews. You could spend a month going down that rabbit hole. I’ve found it’s very easy to become a product junkie and buy every new chemical you see reviewed which frankly isn’t too big a deal because most of the stuff is cheap. Realistically the chemicals are very similar across brands for sealants and ceramics so unless you’re extremely discerning I very much doubt you can go wrong.

My general observation is that years ago this was a much more specialized skill where detailers were mainly using rotary buffers that generate more heat and can damage the paint easily if you don’t know what you’re doing. Now the dual action machines and consumer-grade systems are very safe and very effective for our “guy in his garage” purposes so don’t stress too much. If you just pick a good brand and start with their system you’ll find the process easy and I’m sure will be pleased with the results. Worked for me.

Adam’s kit: https://adamspolishes.com/collection...-polishing-kit

Adam’s polishing video series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...-96Shcyb3VyUDy

Pan Polishing for beginners:


Pan “best of 2020” products video:
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