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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Hi - what's the best and least aggressive product to use on these?
I already have the power drill with foam attachment pads - just not sure which least aggressive product to use because I don't want to create more swirls, etc
Thanks!
Automotive parking light Tire Grille Automotive lighting Automotive tire
 

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Hi - what's the best and least aggressive product to use on these?
I already have the power drill with foam attachment pads - just not sure which least aggressive product to use because I don't want to create more swirls, etc
Thanks!
Power drill? The wheels are likely clearcoat. You need an orbital, not a drill with the lightest pad and a fine grit. Go ask in autopia or autogeek. Dont use a drill, bad idea.
 

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Thats a sander.


If you want to detail your car you need an orbital like this


Then you need pads like these



White is probably right but you need to read. Then you need to decide which polish you like and the grit, start reading


I suggest you discuss in the auto detailing forums where this is their obsession like auto geek or autopia. You have a lot to learn. You probably need more than two color pads, two different grits. But once you learn, you will have the skill forever and never pay a penny to an auto detailer.

Good luck and don't use that drill thing. You can burn through the clear coat. Get a real orbital.

You can also go over to Griots and start learning there.
 

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For wheels, a rotary polisher like the one you have will work well. You don't need a DA polisher nor can you use one with 1" backing plate and 3-4" extension that you want to use on wheels.

Try to find a 1" backing plate with an extension that will work with your polisher. Then a selection of pads. I like the pads that flare out to 1.5" inches for extra protection should you tap the backing plate against a perpendicular surface. You can then switch to a 3" pad for a final sweep once the 1" parts are done.

I have a cordless Milwaukee like the Ryobi one and it works great. When I bought my Macan, I used it on all the wheels and finer plastic parts on the rear tail lights and such to remove scratches. They also sell DA attachments for those drill type polishers. I found one that works with the Milwaukee thread and it works nicely with a 3" or even 5" backing plate.

There's a lot of finer polishes out there but my latest favorite is Rupes DA Fine. On a lighter pad, its gentle for a jeweled finish but also can cut on a heavier pad. Stick with foam pads to keep the polish at the least aggressive level. No need to go crazy on RPM, keep that fairly low to prevent heat buildup and let the pad and polish do its magic.

Most important to avoid unwanted damage if you are a beginner:

1. Keep the rpm low
2. Use lighter foam pads
3. Use a finer polish
4. Don't stay in the same spot for more than a second, keep it moving.
5. Beware not to hit anything with backing pad, that can mar a finish quickly.
 

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Discussion Starter · #6 ·
For wheels, a rotary polisher like the one you have will work well. You don't need a DA polisher nor can you use one with 1" backing plate and 3-4" extension that you want to use on wheels.

Try to find a 1" backing plate with an extension that will work with your polisher. Then a selection of pads. I like the pads that flare out to 1.5" inches for extra protection should you tap the backing plate against a perpendicular surface.

I have a cordless Milwaukee like the Ryobi one and it works great. When I bought my Macan, I used it on all the wheels and finer plastic parts on the rear tail lights and such to remove scratches. They also sell DA attachments for those drill type polishers, I found one that works with the Milwaukee thread and it works nicely with a 3" or even 5" backing plate.

There's a lot of finer polishes out there but my latest favorite is Rupes DA Fine. On a lighter pad, its gentle for a jeweled finish but also can cut on a heavier pad. Stick with foam pads to keep the polish at the least aggressive level. No need to go crazy on RPM, keep that fairly low to prevent heat buildup and let the pad and polish do its magic.

Wow great info thanks!
 

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Thats a sander.

It has a polisher setting, right in the name. It spins the same, just not as good for large jobs or daily use.

as others stated, start with the least abrasive and see if you get there. Does it catch your fingernail? If so you can make it less noticeable but likely not like me without taking some other steps.
 

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Ok thanks - was trying to decide between these two products for the very light swirls on the rim - thanks.
Both will serve you well for this purpose. I used M205 for many years and that's what I switched from when I went with the Rupes DA Fine. I haven't tried that specific Menzerna but I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up on my garage and I'm sure I would like it.
 

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True, but the next step is the new person is going to use it on the paint. After all, its is called a "polisher".
Probably. I did the same 20 years ago when I first got into detailing, and I took off some paint down to the primer on my single stage red Volvo. At least it was very shiny primer and little did I know that decades later that would be the highly desirable chalk color!

It sucked at first but it also gave me the opportunity to practice and build skills with repainting that I still use to this day for chips or other small damage.

I didn't have YouTube or forums for guidance so I learned by doing. With the info out there today and even from this thread it's a lot more likely a beginner would have a better, safer experience.
 

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I didn't have YouTube or forums for guidance so I learned by doing. With the info out there today and even from this thread it's a lot more likely a beginner would have a better, safer experience.
exactly right. BTW, Menzena is great. 3500 is fine, they also have 3800. Those might not be enough grit. If not you back up to 2500 or lower. But its just polish. You still need to use wheel wax or what Menzerna calls Powerlock as a synthetic finish. Polish is just polish. It doesn't protect anything.
 

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Discussion Starter · #18 ·
So of these foam pads - which one to use for the finest polish outcome?

 

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So of these foam pads - which one to use for the finest polish outcome?


then find it on Amazon
 
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