Polishing Tips

[JM_TJ]

I’m about to work on some paint correction on the TJ and wondering what products and tools you guys would recommend? I’m planning on buying a sander/polisher so this is the perfect opportunity. Looking for something cordless and can do both jobs really. I like Milwaukee and seen they do a M18 Random Orbital Sander and the M12 Compact Polisher (Rotary). Anyone have experience with either? Would prefer a Random Orbital over Rotary so trying to find out if the M18 Sander can use polishing pads but haven’t found much info. Is it as easy as people say to damage the clear coat with a rotary?

In terms of products, I’ve always used meguires or turtle wax but there’s so many new products out there it’s hard to decipher what’s a top quality product and what’s a gimmick. Any favourites you guys have used?

 

[cliffish]

neither one of those are really meant to polish a car. You need a DA polisher (dual action) as they usually stop spinning before too much pressure is applied that can burn the paint. maybe this

https://www.griotsgarage.com/produc...4kqveNhliDoh0UZU4RniRBvHtKadqD50aAlsXEALw_wcB
I am not sure a cordless will last log enough to do an entire TJ paint correction. What ever you decide on make sure you have all the correct polishing pads, micro fiber towels and various levels of polishing creams.

 

[Irun]

Just went through this with the TJ I'm building. I had amazing results with this from Harbor Freight.

I washed it first, then went over it with the course pad and this first
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQYRI/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Then followed up with the fine pad and this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQZR2/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Results were going from this

To this

 

[cliffish]

Just went through this with the TJ I'm building. I had amazing results with this from Harbor Freight.
View attachment 234974

I washed it first, then went over it with the course pad and this first
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQYRI/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Then followed up with the fine pad and this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQZR2/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Results were going from this
View attachment 234975

To this
View attachment 234976

View attachment 234977

View attachment 234978

Very nice. I like to clay bar or mitt before I put the buffer to it. But very nice job.

 

[Mr. Bills]

I have used a Porter Cable 6" polisher for the past 18-20 years. A bit more expensive than some alternatives, but longevity has more than made up for it.

Available on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002654I46/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[FarFire70]

neither one of those are really meant to polish a car. You need a DA polisher (dual action) as they usually stop spinning before too much pressure is applied that can burn the paint. maybe this

https://www.griotsgarage.com/produc...4kqveNhliDoh0UZU4RniRBvHtKadqD50aAlsXEALw_wcB
I am not sure a cordless will last log enough to do an entire TJ paint correction. What ever you decide on make sure you have all the correct polishing pads, micro fiber towels and various levels of polishing creams.

That's what I picked up recently. Non cordless. First DA polisher for me but doing it by hand isn't my thing anymore. Gonna hit the Jeep once the weather stays warmer.

 

[bobthetj03]

I haven't seen much cordless. I use the Griots DA and Lake Country pads.

 

[NCunlimitedLJ]

Definitely go with a random orbital unit. I have used a porter cable unit for over a decade without issues. Get pads from lake country. You have a lighter colored Jeep so I would target minimal correction and more cleaning the paint and removing light scratches and swirls.
With that approach in mind get some iron-x, claybar really well and use an orange light cutting Pad with a good all in one like 3D AIO then top with a wax or sealant of choice (though you don’t have to). In my experience the clear is pretty hard on the Jeep so you can go with a more aggressive pad and compound but I would question how much clear is left on a 15+ year old Jeep. It really all depends on the starting point of the Jeep, your goals and the time you are willing to invest.

 

[Vtx531]

What I was expecting:

 

[Cheetokps]

Just went through this with the TJ I'm building. I had amazing results with this from Harbor Freight.
View attachment 234974

I washed it first, then went over it with the course pad and this first
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQYRI/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Then followed up with the fine pad and this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQZR2/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Results were going from this
View attachment 234975

To this
View attachment 234976

View attachment 234977

View attachment 234978

I was at harbor freight earlier and was very close to buying this or their $75 one that was on sale, but decided I would hold off on trying to polish my jeep. I'm regretting it a little after those pictures lol, I'll have to go back soon

 

[AndyG]

Polishing tips I’ve learned, grew up around body work-

1. Don’t set the pad face down and be careful where you put it.

2. Watch rises like the hood swell. You can burn through


3. 3M Perfects 2 is a great all around compound. Meguiars ultimate compound is also.

4. Keep the speed down

5. work in the shade

6. let the pad absorb it first to reduce fling

7. put the cord over your shoulder

8. Microfiber towels from Sams or Costco

9. Wax or ceramic coat afterward to seal the paint and provide a sacrificial finish. Helps off road also , prevents mud burn and makes it clean easier.

10. Learn how to wet sand, it’s an essential skill...but practice on a scrap , and watch a pro first.

 

[Fishtaco]

Lucky its not Black like mine! spend $400 on paint correction and next day looks just the same as without paint correction! lol

 

[Irun]

I was at harbor freight earlier and was very close to buying this or their $75 one that was on sale, but decided I would hold off on trying to polish my jeep. I'm regretting it a little after those pictures lol, I'll have to go back soon

If you get it, you won't regret it. Just make sure to use a lighter cut cleaner/polish, like the one I linked to. Also, per the list by @AndyG, keep the speed down. You want to let the polisher do the work, i.e. you don't need to press hard. The great thing about a random orbital is it's really hard to screw up the paint. All you need to do is keep applying the polish and keep it moving.

Honestly, the hardest part of the entire job is the prep work. To do it right, you need to remove everything possible. This makes the job look better and cleanup time is reduced significantly!

 

[Vtx531]

I have one of those hf da polishers and set of pads sitting in my garage. Been there for probably 5+ years and I still havent gotten around to trying it out.

 

[JM_TJ]

Thanks for the tips everyone. Axed the Milwaukee polisher and went for the following kit. Will come back with how it turned out.

Poorboys 900w DA Polisher
Menzerma Polishing Compound Trio
Dodo Juice Clay Bar Kit
Chemical Guys Decon Pro Iron Remover
Turtle Wax Ceramic + Graphene Paste

 

[JM_TJ]

Just went through this with the TJ I'm building. I had amazing results with this from Harbor Freight.
View attachment 234974

I washed it first, then went over it with the course pad and this first
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQYRI/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Then followed up with the fine pad and this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQZR2/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Results were going from this
View attachment 234975

To this
View attachment 234976

View attachment 234977

View attachment 234978

Incredible results! What did you use to get the stuck on dirt from where the flares and tire carrier were?

 

[Irun]

Incredible results! What did you use to get the stuck on dirt from where the flares and tire carrier were?

Just lots of Dawn detergent, hot water, and a soft cloth. It worked wonders!

 

[TheBoogieman]

I used that ceramic coating on my XJ. PITA to do it right, but it was slick and shiny when finished.

 

[Irun]

I have one of those hf da polishers and set of pads sitting in my garage. Been there for probably 5+ years and I still havent gotten around to trying it out.

Procrastinator!

 

[Johnfromphilly]

The paint on my 2001 needs help. I am not sure if this is a DIY for a total beginner and have been researching it a bit lately so this thread is timely.

My choices are:
1. Leaveit and live with it, wash and clean it
2. DIY like in this thread
3. Pay a pro once to work on the paint and then maintain it after

Here is what I am starting with:
Hood Closeup:



Hood from front:




Door with large circle scrape, same on other door, I believe from how the PO stored them when off as the circle matches on both sides:


Interested in any feedback. I am not affraid of a project but also come into this with zero knowledge or history of how to do this. I have washed a car by hand before and that is the extent of my polishing and waxing experience.

Thanks.