Auto body repair & detailing: Polishing fresh paint, polishing, compounding

Question
Hi Gary,

I just finished painting my 1968 Camaro using a base/clear system. Everything looks pretty good with the exception of a few minor defects (on the hood) and some dirt specks (basically on every panel but not bad). My question is: What buffing / polishing system do you recommend that I use? BTW, my car is black.

Answer
Hi Al,

First you will want to wet sand the dirt nibs and defects by using 1500 grit wet sanding paper. I recommend wrapping your wet sand paper around a foam block to avoid cutting in finger marks. Once this step is completed, I recommend using the 3m Perfect-It Polishing System. It is basically a 3 step system. The first is a rubbing compound, the second is a glaze designed to remove swirl marks, and the third is a swirl eliminator. 3M recommends using their product coordinated pads for best results. Here are some product links that hopefully will help you out:

Sandpaper:    http://www.repaintsupply.com/3m-02023-1500-grit-wet-or-dry-sandpaper-p345.html
Foam Block:   http://www.repaintsupply.com/meguiar-s-e-7200-flexible-foam-sanding-block-p2882.
3M Compound:  http://www.repaintsupply.com/3m-36060-perfect-it-ex-rubbing-compound-p1378.html
Compound Pad: http://www.repaintsupply.com/3m-05719-9-perfect-it-wool-compounding-pad-p434.htm
3M Polish:    http://www.repaintsupply.com/3m-06064-perfect-it-machine-polish-p475.html
Polish Pad:   http://www.repaintsupply.com/3m-05738-perfect-it-foam-polishing-pad-p438.html
Swirl Elim.:  http://www.repaintsupply.com/3m-06068-perfect-it-ultrafine-machine-polish-swirl-
Elim. Pad:    http://www.repaintsupply.com/3m-05733-perfect-it-ultrafine-foam-polishing-pad-p1

If you follow these steps you vehicle will turn out excellent. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.