Question about 3M products

[Zophos]

Hi guys,

Since the only thing available here is 3M I want to ask you which compuonds should i get? I want to use them after 2000grit wet sanding in order to achieve a mirror-like finish.

I'm a little bit confused due to the hundrets of different products. I've been looking at the 09375 and 09376 but I'm not sure they are the right ones to go with.

Edited July 31, 2014 by Zophos

[Quick GMC]

I am not certain, but I believe their rubbing compound will be aggressive, for removing slight damage, this will leave swirl scratches.

this looks like a good one

http://www.autogeek.net/3m-rubbing-compound-16oz.html

After that, you can use a glaze or wax. I like the glazes, they bring out the dark, rich color of most paints. Waxes will work. On a model I doubt there is much difference. A wax will protect it a little more I think, if you plan on it being handled a little bit.

[Ace-Garageguy]

I have consistent great results with 3M Perfect-It Machine Polish #06064, rubbed by hand. This is MUCH finer than rubbing compound.

Their Ultrafine Machine Polish #06068 is also excellent, and may work better for you on dark colors, though it cuts slower because it's finer.

I also typically sand up to 12,000 grit before polishing. I recommend these very fine sanding pads from Micro-Mesh.

This is what you can expect after just a light polish. The car still needs to be final-sanded and re-polished in this shot.

Edited August 1, 2014 by Ace-Garageguy

[Zophos]

Аs far as I understood i should use a fine polish not a wax. Is that right or should i first wet sand then polish and at the end apply wax?

The one that is available here is that one http://www.amazon.co.uk/3M-Perfect-Machine-Polish-09376/dp/B004TQOCS2 . Is it the equivalent of the ones your are using? The only differance seems to be that the one you are talking about is ultrafine.

Edited August 1, 2014 by Zophos

[Ace-Garageguy]

Yes, you are correct. Sand, polish and last, wax. Wax is entirely optional. Some builders like to wax, some don't.

And yes, the 3M product you show there should work fine. It's a slightly newer product line than the one I use, but it's basically the same thing.

[jbwelda]

get one of those micromesh kits and be sure to go all the way to the 12000 grit, then put on some wax and you will be amazed.

jb

[Ace-Garageguy]

Yes, a 12,000 grit final-sanding is almost as glossy as a polished surface, but I'd personally still go the extra step and polish it. Even at 12.000, there's still a hint of dullness or haze from microscopic sanding scratches...in my experience, anyway.

[Zophos]

Am I going to achieve a good result if I wet sand with 2000 then polish with both 3m products and finally wax?

[Ace-Garageguy]

Am I going to achieve a good result if I wet sand with 2000 then polish with both 3m products and finally wax?

Yes, you can. If you only go to 2000, you'll have to do more polishing to get rid of all the fine sanding scratches, but you can do it. It will just take more time to polish.

2000 is usually as fine as anybody bothers to go on real cars, but you can use a machine to rapidly polish the scratches away on a real car.

Patience with your hand-polishing WILL pay off.