This is very nice. You obviously know what you are doing.
I need to clay the car. I used the Mother's "Speed Clay" and it left a residue all over my paint. A simple clay will remove what's left behind, but I also want to do a light polish as well.
What I've learned so far:
"SMAT" (Super Micro Abrasive Technology, a Meguiar's term), rather than "DAT" (Diminishing Abrasive Technology, a term coined after Meguiar's came out with SMAT) are the two major differences in abrasive technologies.
- I can't find Griot's 10863 anywhere. This is what was recommended by
Jantriis02. What I have found is Griot's 10862, which is a compound. Again, I don't need anything close to a compound.
- Meguiar's 205 Finishing Polish is the commercial / professional version of Meguiar's Ultimate Polish. They are essentially the same product, but the Ultimate is more user friendly.
- M82 SWIRL FREE POLISH is specifically for a freshly painted car
All of this information was directly from either the website or Meguiar's forums where the pros are chiming in. I've also had bad experiences with combination products such as polish / wax. The TW Hybrid Ceramic Polish & Wax is a one step product, not necessarily requiring a protection step. I like to have the steps broken down individually as they tend to yield the best results (most of the time)
I've decided to go with Meguiar's Ultimate Polish and an orbital buffer. No need for a DA or rotary action polisher in this case. I want as little cut as possible.
Now my last decision is what to protect the car with? Stay with TW Seal N Shine, or move to something like Ultimate Wax / Griots Liquid Poly Wax? I love the Seal N Shine, and although it's hydrophobic / chemical resistant properties last a very long time, the paint starts to grab easily and doesn't feel very smooth even after one wash. And I'm very careful with my wash routine.