DeanB Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 I need MLOC's advice. I have recently bought a new daily driver, a darkish blue BMW. It's in good nick but it is 6 years old and the paintwork is a bit dull, there are some swirls etc. What I want is to get the paint in good condition so I can set about applying a couple of coats of good wax. My question is, how do I do it? What products do I need? Is it a good idea to get some sort of mechanical polisher, and if so what type? Bearing in mind I am a novice and don't want to do any damage and I only really want to spend a day on it. I don't want to go mad. Thanks in advance for your help guys. Dean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukevx Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 Paintwork is pretty hard on a BMW, you won't get rid of the swirls by hand. 2 options, mask them with a polish that contains some filler which will give a slight short term improvement or give it a machine polish to remove the swirls. I've got a couple of DA machines but only finishing pads (as VX/Lotus paint is soft as shite!) welcome to borrow one but you would need to buy a medium cut/ swirl removal pad. So long as the car is properly cleaned (and ideally clayed) you need to be totally hamfisted to mess it up with a DA polisher. Good few hours with that then a decent wax/sealent should see it right. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanB Posted February 25, 2017 Author Share Posted February 25, 2017 Thanks Luke. So I should be claying it before polishing it with the DA? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lukevx Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 Given it's probably never been done in 6 years I would . Just buy a cheap Chinese clay cloth and chuck it afterwards https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311618142213 Quicker than a bar and will get the worst of it off. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanB Posted February 25, 2017 Author Share Posted February 25, 2017 Thanks Luke Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil S1 Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 I bought this kit for my first attempt with a machine polisher, as Luke says using a dual action polisher you shouldn't go far wrong.. http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing-machines/das-6-pro-dual-action-polisher/das-6-pro-dual-action-polisher-menzerna-intro-kit/prod_720.html I reckon I'd allow a full weekend though including washing and claying beforehand....if you're not going mad on it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daveb99 Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 Spot on advice here from Luke and Phil. I have the DAS 6 Pro DA too and have used it on the S160, only once as it didn't need any more than that. I'd echo what Luke has said re pads/compounds, and also it can help to moisten the pads first. Definitely clay it beforehand too. The good thing is that BMW paint is very hard so there's plenty of scope for increasing the abrasion with the pads/compounds. What kind of beemer did you go for Dean? I bought a 6 yr old 525d six-pot tourer last year (F11) and it is a great motor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanB Posted February 25, 2017 Author Share Posted February 25, 2017 Thanks Phil and Dave. The motor is a 320d m sport touring with 50k miles and I absolutely love it. It's the perfect daily commute and family bus. So assuming I borrow a da polisher what polish do I need to buy? And do they all use the same pads? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dobbo Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 No idea on actual polish to use, but I have a little-used polisher you're welcome to borrow. Thought I'd use it on the Elise but it's too big to get into a lot of the curves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
un1eash Posted February 26, 2017 Share Posted February 26, 2017 I recently purchased a das6 machine polisher along with Meguiars 105 and 205 polish. After cleaning and before polishing I use a farecla g3 clay mitt for its ease and quickness. I use hex logic pads, an orange one with the the 105 for paint correction then a white pad with the 205 to finish. To seal if I have time I use collinite 476s wax or if in in a rush gtechniq c2v3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meister Posted February 26, 2017 Share Posted February 26, 2017 Hi Dean If you can borrow someones DA Polisher - ( You can borrow mine if you want to come to Sutton Coldfield ). Meguiars Microfiber system is the way to go for novices! Next to zero chance of any damage with a DA Polisher - one to correct, one to wax! The results are absolutely stunning for a very low cost (check out youtube - couldn't be easier). If you are feeling flush and want a polisher too then here's a link for a 'kit', if not microfibre pads and correction fluid available separately. Mark http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing-machines/das-6-pro-plus-dual-action-polisher/das-6-pro-plus-meguiars-microfibre-kit/prod_1454.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanB Posted February 26, 2017 Author Share Posted February 26, 2017 Blimey Chris that sounds fantastic but way too complicated for me! The Meguiars Microfiber System sounds just the ticket. I had a look on youtube and it looks quick and easy - ideal for me. I presume the meguiars pads fit on to any make of da polisher? Where is the best place to buy the stuff, does anyone know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
un1eash Posted February 26, 2017 Share Posted February 26, 2017 This was the kit I bought. It really is good for novice like me, I was worried of doing damage but it is near impossible to do any damage. http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=1212 If you check out detailing world forum there's usually 5-10% discount codes. There are some really in depth videos on youtube by a guy called jankman2000 who goes through every aspect of using a machine polisher. Pads are universal you just need to make sure you have the right size backing plate, most come with a 5" plate so 5-6" pads are used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meister Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Hi Dean Same place as the kit -here's what you need if you go down the microfibre route! http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/car-polish-compounds/meguiars-microfiber-system/meguiars-microfiber-finishing-wax/prod_961.html http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/meguiars-da-microfiber-correction-compound/prod_962.html http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/car-polish-compounds/meguiars-microfiber-system/meguiars-da-microfiber-finishing-pads-5-5-in-2-pack-/prod_966.html http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/car-polish-compounds/meguiars-microfiber-system/meguiars-da-microfiber-cutting-pads-5-5-in-2-pack-/prod_967.html http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing-accessories/scholl-concepts-pad-cleaning-brush/prod_1721.html I strongly recommend that you buy a pad cleaning brush ( makes a difference in between applying more fluid. You are looking at about £80 all in but the pads can be washed in the washing machine and used again - there's enough fluid for two to three cars. Well worth the investment IMO. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian C Posted February 27, 2017 Share Posted February 27, 2017 Or, you could save yourself a lot of time and take it here: http://www.autodetox.co.uk/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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