How on earth do you polish the new paint? | FerrariChat

How on earth do you polish the new paint?

Discussion in '612/599' started by Charles456, Feb 27, 2015.

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  1. Charles456

    Charles456 Karting

    Oct 8, 2012
    68
    Georgia, USA
    Full Name:
    Charles Johnson
    #1 Charles456, Feb 27, 2015
    Hopefully this is the appropriate place.
    I suppose a lot has changed since 1995; I could buff Gigi (456gt) to a flawless shine.
    Now none of my favorite pastes and polishes work on the newer 599.
    Specifically, I cannot get the finer swirl marks out.
    The swirls are "minor" but the car could be "breathtaking".
    Any advice welcome, please.

    Charles456
     
  2. Smart4400

    Smart4400 Rookie

    Jan 14, 2014
    49
    #2 Smart4400, Feb 27, 2015
    "Clay" rub does a lot for swirls.... McGuire's actually has a kit...
     
  3. AndrewJM

    AndrewJM Formula Junior

    Jun 18, 2012
    383
    Norfolk, VA
    #3 AndrewJM, Feb 27, 2015
    What sort of equipment are you using (buffer or are by hand)? Also, what types of pads? My dad's 612 polishes up very easily using a Griot's random orbital and Lake Country finishing pad.
     
  4. Charles456

    Charles456 Karting

    Oct 8, 2012
    68
    Georgia, USA
    Full Name:
    Charles Johnson
    #4 Charles456, Feb 28, 2015
    AndrewJM,

    I have a Milwaukee brand pro-auto buffer with full-variable speed.
    It can go as slow as approximately 20 rpm. But I have tried hand polishing as well.
    I was using terry-cloth covers, found them too abrasive for simple polishing.
    Dropped down to micro-fibre covers, then finally foam rubber.
    I'm guessing the paint finish on the newer models is "softer", requiring polishes that break-down easier. This is because I had tried the diamond based polish required to polish volcanic-glass based Mercedes obsidian paint, and the grains would never fine-out like they did on my SL550. I have tried polish for lacquer and acrylic with better luck, but still not quite there.

    Smart440,
    I will get a clay kit today and try; I have heard good things.
     
  5. Roupin

    Roupin Formula 3

    Oct 7, 2013
    2,167
    Encino
    Full Name:
    Roupin
    #5 Roupin, Feb 28, 2015
    The paint on the SL550 is much much harder than the Ferrari. I had to used the orbital on dad's SL whereas I chose to do my 599 mostly by hand. The tougher swirls I used the orbital on with a very soft microfiber pad. For the polish I used Meguiar's NXT, a very mild abrasive wax.
     

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