Single Stage Paint issues

[ninety15.0]

Hey guys...I washed my car up the other day and after all the washin and waxing it still looked like a$$. I need somethin to brighten up the single stage paint without goin through it. I am having the car painted next spring but for the time being i need to do something. I am pretty good with a var. spd buffer and polishing compounds but i have only used them on clear coated cars and dont currently have it with me down here in SC. Whats the best route for adding a little shine to the old pony...she's lookin a little lame.

 

[bsedwebt70-5.0]

I like to use NON-ABRASIVE polishes - my favorite is sold in automotive paint supply stores - it looks like Pepto-Bismol - it is called synthetic cutting compound. You can also get a swirl remover to do the same thing. They take almost no paint off but remove the oxidation. I like to polish by hand anywhere near a body line and only LIGHTLY use a buffer on slow speed. After finishing up with the cutting compound I use NuFinish liquid in the orange bottle to give it the finishing touch so you can see your reflection in that 15 year old acrylic enamel paint. I have also airbrushed in lots of small marks over the years with some pre-mixed paint from the local auto paint supplier - they will mix it to match if you bring the car to them and then just add the blending agents, hardener, etc... and put a little in a cheap air brush and shoot just the damaged area and feather it out. After letting it cure for 3 days lightly wet sand the area out with some 1000 grit and then finish off with 2000 grit wet sand and lightly rub it with a high gloss finishing glaze sold in auto paint supply stores - BOY does it really POP! after you are done!

 

[backfocus]

You can still buff the car just don't hold it on a spot, and start with a medium cut and good pad. Just clay barring it will help alot. I see you have a red car, and from my exprenice the clay and a good couple coats of wax are time well spent. I use some stuff that is getting hard to find, but is awsome for my red 90, it is called "Wet" made by Eagle One. I have used alot of different waxes but, on the red "Wet" is great.

 

[ninety15.0]

Thanks guys those are some good suggestions. I have always wondered about that nu-finish stuff b/c i have heard mixed reviews. I think i may try either the synth. cutter or the clay bar....followed by nu-finish or a couple coats of good wax. thanks for the info guys

 

[rdharper02]

You need a polish without a silicone base. The majority of your swirl removers ets will lack the silicone agent. Think of it as an even finer sand paper. Just read the back of the bottle. I have some 3m stuff but a buddy just got a bottle for half the price I paid through his local NAPA. Same stuff most people use on the clear for multi stage paint.

 

[68keyblr]

3M Hand or Machine Glaze. Does wonders.

 

[Boss 351]

wet sand? glaze, polish, wax... I did mine (original clear coat) and it turned out great. I only burned the paint in one spot but it was my first time wet sanding a painted surface. A 1 stage paint job is pretty hard to burn through...