Polishing & Buffing Steps?

[Stretch]

Tried to search the archives but found different answers to my question so here goes. Just painted my first tank and 2000 wetsanded it. Now I'm ready for buffing and polishing.

The How-To section mentions 3 steps: 1) Rubbing Compound 2) Foam Polishing Glaze 3) Hand Glaze.

Another posts says 4 steps: 1)Rubbing Compoud 2) Polish Compound 3) Foam Glaze 4) Hand Glaze.

Can someone comment on this and give both 3M and Meguiars item names for each step?

Thanks-Stretch

 

[TAZ]

Stretch,
Different paints need different steps as far as getting the upmost shine out of if.

I currently use both the PPG Global system and the House of Kolors paint system. Both of these I use either a white foam pad or black foam (waffle) pad.

I use the 5936 3M compound to start (with white pad), then I use the foam pad polishing compound (with black pad) to end with.

I also use the 3M Imperial Hand Glaze to hand glaze the parts with.

Other products and steps will get you the same result, but this is what I now use. 3 years ago, I would have told you different products and procedures. In fact, I use to use the "Microfinishing Compound with the wool pad". I bet it's been 7 years since I have used the ole' wool buffing pad.
Hope this helps you out!!!

 

[shaunboy]

Hi Stretch
I think the second post you mention may mean it starts with a heavy coarse compound then a smoother polish comound to get rid of the 1st steps swirl marks.
Since you have sanded it with 2000 I would just go the 3 step way unless you are buffing by hand.
these are my ways using meguires and 3m.

Meguires
1, Heavy-cut cleaner
2, Swirl free polish
3, New car glaze

3M
1, Perfect-III rubbing compound
2, Perfect-III foam polishing pad glaze
3, 3M imperial hand glaze.

We have both these procedures at work and i personally find the 3m way the best.
Remember to do this you need a cutting pad and a polishing pad

 

[Stretch]

Thanks guys, that's exactly what I needed to know. I'm going to go pick up some supplies today and see what kind of damage I can do this weekend. I really appreciate all the help I've got from this site. Keep up the great work!

-Stretch