3M polish

[MudbogPete]

I bought a used 97 that had some super fine washing brush scratches in the paint. I picked up this 3M 'Finnesse it' polishing compound and it worked great !!

It is super fine and meant to be used with a professional buffer. It doesn't even feel gritty, but it cleaned the paint up super shiney.

I then used some 3M glaze and then straight carnuba wax as a top coat. The truck looks absolutely brand new again. It is a big difference from where I started.

Lots of work, but well worth it !! I will post some pics later. :artist:

 

[jharris2]

Did you clay the finish before waxing/polishing? I found that claying makes an incredible difference in the finish.

Also, you might try Zaino's polish -- I used Meguiar's for years but Zaino's converted me. The 4Runner and our 1997 Camry look like mirrors.

 

[MudbogPete]

Did you clay the finish before waxing/polishing? I found that claying makes an incredible difference in the finish.

Also, you might try Zaino's polish -- I used Meguiar's for years but Zaino's converted me. The 4Runner and our 1997 Camry look like mirrors.

No, I didn't clay. What exactly does that do ? Where do you get the clay ?

I will have to try it and the Zaino's too.

 

[jharris2]

Claying removes surface contaminants and makes the base very smooth before you wax or polish. You can get it at auto shops in the same section where they keep the wax, or online, etc.

I used Mother's brand only because I couldn't find anything else at the time and didn't want to postpone the project. Cost was under $20 at Pep Boys.

It took about an hour each to clay the 4Runner and our Camry. Made a huge difference in the feel of the surface, even on a brand new 4Runner. It was an amazing difference on the Camry.

Would recommend you wait until the next time you're ready to polish or wax, then strip the existing wax. Just wash with liquid dishwashing detergent (we had Dawn and it worked fine) and the wax is gone. After you dry the car, use the clay according to the instructions -- you must use something to lubricate the surface (which is included in the box). When you're done claying, wash again (regular car wash soap is fine) to remove any residue or dirt. Then polish or wax as usual.

If you need to do multiple vehicles, it's probably better to complete one vehicle at a time.

Personally, I'm not sure I plan to clay each time I polish (every 6 months or so). Instead, a little judgement may be needed.

By the way, the Zaino's web site is http://www.zainobros.com. Another brand favored by 4Runner owners is Griot's at http://www.griotsgarage.com.

 

[MudbogPete]

Thanks. I will have to try that out.