Polishing the paint on my '35 Coupe
 

I'd like to polish my '35 Coupe before I wax it. Gently.

I'd appreciate any advice? Small electric rotary polisher? Polish brand? Any examples to follow?

Thank you.

Jim Hauschultz

Re: Polishing the paint on my '35 Coupe
 

Clay bar by-hand. I rub it while wetting with the quick detailer. Then I have something I feel like putting a shine onto. That I also apply by hand and using the directions on the container. I use Meguiar's products and a lot of patience and breaks.

Re: Polishing the paint on my '35 Coupe
 

I wash the car first, THEN as VeryTangled said, clay bar the whole car, then I rinse the car again with a very clean bucket, water and a very clean cotton cloth. Then shammy the car off then take air hose and blow the car of any hidden water, then wax it!!! Be sure to set your wax after you wipe it off with a mist of distilled water and wipe clean with a microfiber!!!

Re: Polishing the paint on my '35 Coupe
 

Thank you all. Experience is the best education, and now I have some confidence.

Re: Polishing the paint on my '35 Coupe
 

Of course you have to realize that the type of paint that is on the vehicle should dictate what method is used to polish it, not what others have done to their finishes.

Re: Polishing the paint on my '35 Coupe
 

You can use some hand polish after you clay bar the paint. But honestly if it’s a garaged kept classic, clay bar probably won’t give you as much results like claying a daily driver would. The polish will do more to flatten/cut the paint. Clay bar just cleans the paint of any surface contaminants that have embedded into the paint. It’s an excellent safe pre waxing step to take. Look into Griots garage products their great for DIY weekend projects like this.

Re: Polishing the paint on my '35 Coupe
 

I just watched a video on claying the paint,I’ve never seen that done before, couple questions.
Do you have to use the speed shine, or will slightly soapy water work?
Will this work well on 60 year old laquer paint?
My go to has always been rubbing compound.
Thanks

Re: Polishing the paint on my '35 Coupe
 

Clay bar will be more gentle than rubbing compound. I find I need both at times and in different areas on the body.

I think the important part is not to use the clay bar dry. Soapy water shouldn't be any problem.

Re: Polishing the paint on my '35 Coupe
 

I use both rubbing compound or polishing compound...depending on the painted area. Polishing compound is more gentle.

Re: Polishing the paint on my '35 Coupe
 

I've used "Mothers" products for a number of years now. They have the full range of washing cleaning, cutting, polishing and detailing products. Always by hand and never a machine.

GB