How soft is our clear?

[ndtechie05]

Hey all from doing some reading I was informed that our clear coat is really soft that if you look at it funny it'll swirl being a well informed detailing amateur I picked up some Menz PO85RD to use with my black LC pad on the UDM from advice I picked up over at Autopia. What has been experiences with our paint, specifically 08's? I'll be doing a full detail tomorrow on HRP

[NitrousG35]

Originally Posted by ndtechie05

Hey all from doing some reading I was informed that our clear coat is really soft that if you look at it funny it'll swirl being a well informed detailing amateur I picked up some Menz PO85RD to use with my black LC pad on the UDM from advice I picked up over at Autopia. What has been experiences with our paint, specifically 08's? I'll be doing a full detail tomorrow on HRP

I think the issue is more how thin the clearcoat is rather than how soft it is. You have to be very careful when polishing. I have a Griot's random orbital buffer and use their #4 polish, which is the least abrasive they sell on the Si. On my G35, which has much better paint, I can go down to a #2 polish and work up to the #4.

The Lake Country black pad is for waxes and sealants and has no cutting capability. If you are going to use polish, you might want to go with a white pad. Lake Country Mfg., Inc.- Products - DA Foam Pads

A lot depends on the condition of your paint. Even though it is an '08, I have seen a few with bad swirls and light scratches. I would highly suggest you get Rasky's input before you begin doing your paint. Describe the paint condition to him and let him help you decide the proper pad and polish to use.

[ndtechie05]

Pads aren't an issue I have 3 of each color plus Edge pads. But the Menz was recommended to me to use with the black pad because anything strong than black won't finish down correctly, that's what I was told. Car is only a week old with minor swirls/scratches...I wouldn't let the dealer touch it.

Originally Posted by NitrousG35

I think the issue is more how thin the clearcoat is rather than how soft it is. You have to be very careful when polishing. I have a Griot's random orbital buffer and use their #4 polish, which is the least abrasive they sell on the Si. On my G35, which has much better paint, I can go down to a #2 polish and work up to the #4.

The Lake Country black pad is for waxes and sealants and has no cutting capability. If you are going to use polish, you might want to go with a white pad. Lake Country Mfg., Inc.- Products - DA Foam Pads

A lot depends on the condition of your paint. Even though it is an '08, I have seen a few with bad swirls and light scratches. I would highly suggest you get Rasky's input before you begin doing your paint. Describe the paint condition to him and let him help you decide the proper pad and polish to use.

[NitrousG35]

Originally Posted by ndtechie05

Pads aren't an issue I have 3 of each color plus Edge pads. But the Menz was recommended to me to use with the black pad because anything strong than black won't finish down correctly, that's what I was told. Car is only a week old with minor swirls/scratches...I wouldn't let the dealer touch it.

PM Rasky and get his input. I would say that you are probably very safe in using a black pad with the Menzerna, as I have both myself, but I would get Rasky's opinion before you proceed.

[RaskyR1]

Originally Posted by ndtechie05

Hey all from doing some reading I was informed that our clear coat is really soft that if you look at it funny it'll swirl being a well informed detailing amateur I picked up some Menz PO85RD to use with my black LC pad on the UDM from advice I picked up over at Autopia. What has been experiences with our paint, specifically 08's? I'll be doing a full detail tomorrow on HRP

The clear on our car is on the softer side but I've never had any issues with swirls. With proper washing and waxing the car can easily go 12 months without needing a polish. I did find it very easy to remove defects in our paint too, which is a plus for some softer paints.

I have never used Menz polishes but I've heard nothing but good about them. I would just do a test spot with each pad to see what yields the best results. I have seen some micro marring with a polishing pads and a more aggressive polish so that may be why they said to use a finishing pad.

Hope this helps,

Rasky