chuhsi

I have a Menzerna set and use it with my PC with 3 different color pads. I'm still a detailing beginner.

1 Menzerna Power Gloss Compound 16oz
1 Menzerna Power Finish 16oz
1 Menzerna Super Finish 16oz

When polishing a car for the first time, should I really use all 3 polishes with all 3 color pads? Or can I do something like use either Power Gloss or Power Finish depending on paint condition and finish with Super Finish? And maybe just use Super Finish for quarterly maintenance?

Using 3 polishes and finishing with 1-2 coats of wax takes me way too long

Thanks

wanabe

it does depend on your paint condition...

after you wash and dry the car, inspect it under really good light. you will be able to see how bad your swirls are and then can decide which steps to take. if the car has never been polished there is a decent chance that it will need more work than after you polish it the first time.

no matter how much time you give it, you should see improvement. you just wouldnt want to use a strong polish (compounds, like power gloss) without following it up (or you could have some haze).

if you just want to do a test with not a lot of time, use your super finish first... then next time you polish go more aggressive followed by less-

and yes, you can use a more aggressive one followed by your super finish.

Boosted_Talon

I agree with wanabe. Power gloss is a VERY harsh compound to use, and you must follow it up with a finishing compound, or the car will look very dull. Atleast that is my experience with it. The most I have really needed is Menzerna Intensive Polish with an orange pad, and I have done some absolutely horrible cars. If you have time, always finish up with a finishing compound (micro polish or P085RD), it will have more of a gloss.

Hope that helps a little. Remember to always clay before buffing too.

chuhsi

This is super helpful.

Can I generally go with Power Gloss then Super Finish or Power Finish then Super Finish instead of using all 3 in order?

And yes, I'm washing and claying before

G

You do not need to use all 3 in order.

Boosted_Talon

Like G said, no need to use all 3 in order. IF you decide you absolutely have to use power gloss, use it, then follow it up with a finishing polish. No need to do the power gloss, intensive polish, then finishing polish. All you're doing is eating more clear coat for no reason. I'll post up pictures of a red S2k I did, and it was done with Menzerna Intensive polish, then Micro polish, topped with Werkstat Acrylic Jett Trigger, then P21S. Give me a minute and I'll try to post a few in here.

Boosted_Talon

Sorry it took so long for me to get these up.

The whole car had been washed and clayed. You can see where I buffed. All was done with Menzerna Intensive Polish and a Uber orange pad (PC7424xp)


Mirror before:


Mirror 50/50:


Trunk before:


Trunk 50/50: