How Hard is my Paint & Machine Polishing 2002 A6

[Jamie A6]

Hi everyone
I have been looking into buying my first machine polisher and after ALOT of reserch I have chosen the Meguiar's G220V2 Dual Action polisher. From all the reviews it is the perfect beginners tool but I am now at the point where I do not know what hardness my paint is?!? (2002 C5 Audi A6 Avant)

Even though they say it is the safest machine out there I dont want to use the wrong paint correction compound or pad and end up with a nakered pannel!

Any extra info on this subject would be greatly appreciated!

Many Thanks
Jamie

[Eshrules]

From my relative experience, VAG paint is notoriously thick/hard (not like the Ford rubbish I now have to contend with) so Menzerna is a popular choice.

Dependant on the condition of the paint and the amount of rectification you intend to do, a paint thickness meter may prove useful.

The G220 is a good machine, but I know CYC have a more solid, ownbrand DA they've recently started selling.

If you shoot them an email or give them a ring and ask for Dave (tell them Eshrules sent you), he'll sort/discuss your options and make suggestions as to what polish/compounds and after care products you can use.

Reason I suggest them is that they respect people's budget, they won't try to force you into buying the most expensive products if they're completely unsuitable for your use.

[Dan J]

The Das-6 and Das-6 pro are both very good machines, the Das-6 pro having more torque giving it better results under load, you will be hard pushed to cause damage to vag paint with a DA so rest assured they are safe to use
the menzerna polish range is designed for german paint and is very effective on vag paint, also consider the Farecla G3 professional range, we have been testing it recently on DW and it performs well, would recommend them for beginners and pro's.

[Jamie A6]

Hi thanks very much for the feedback,

I will definitely be getting one of the DAS's from what I have read up on it myself it is pretty much a no brainer!

Just to get a little info/reassurance on polishing my car, the paint is in well, poor condition it has lost all its shine it is covered in swirls and hasn’t been properly polished or waxed in quite some time so; after a good wash, claying and drying session do I start with a compound polish like Meg's ultimate compound to remove swirling and miner scratches, then move over to a polish like Meg's Ultimate Polish and then a good Wax coat to seal all my hard work???

If so what are the relative Menzerna Products if i could have a web link to the product that would be cool???? I have used Meg's all my driving life and know a relativly good amount of info on their products so I don’t want to end up buying the wrong type of new product, if that makes sense oops!

Again Thanks A Million
Jamie

[Eshrules]

PH - I've seen the Farcela range used in bodyshops before but never considered it as a real contender against Menzerna. I don't frequent DW as much as I used to, but I'll be sure to check that stuff out.

Jamie - a kit like this would be a perfect kit for what you're intending to do

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polish.../prod_522.html

I really do think you need to borrow/beg/steal a paint thickness gauge though, if you're planning on doing some serious cutting (which you are from the sounds of it) you ought to make sure you're doing so within a safe tolerance.

I'm not a fan of the Meg's compounds, although their glass cleaner does kick bottom.

[Jamie A6]

That is the exact kit i was looking at so thats a good start.

i have a body shop close buy and a mobile detailing service in the area so i will contact them to enquire on quotes ect and if they could check my paint for me so I at least know ball park figures!

Again thanks a million
Jamie

[prod1]

Dito above, one tip though, always start with the softest pad/compound combi, try a small section of the worst panel if your'e pleased with the results then carry on, if not try the next firmest pad with the same compound and see how that goes and so on, what I'm trying to get at is, you only ever want to remove as little paint as poss to get the desired results, so always start soft/fine and work your way up, not the other way round.

Good luck

D

[Dan J]

PH - I've seen the Farcela range used in bodyshops before but never considered it as a real contender against Menzerna. I don't frequent DW as much as I used to, but I'll be sure to check that stuff out.

Jamie - a kit like this would be a perfect kit for what you're intending to do

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polish.../prod_522.html

I really do think you need to borrow/beg/steal a paint thickness gauge though, if you're planning on doing some serious cutting (which you are from the sounds of it) you ought to make sure you're doing so within a safe tolerance.

I'm not a fan of the Meg's compounds, although their glass cleaner does kick bottom.

i wouldnt go as far as saying they are a contender to menzerna polishes as they are both different beasts and work in different ways but the new G3formula pro range is good for the money ive been using farecla and 3m products for 17yrs now and wouldnt be without them, dont bother with the resin superwax as theres alot better out there.
The renovator and scratch remover are good, the applicators are good aswell, havent used the body detox shampoo yet but know people who have and have heard good things.