I'm getting ready to really detail my 95 cosmos M3 for the first time. So far I have the following scheduled:

wash car
clay bar
wash again
dry w/water
autosharp pen on any major chips
3M SMR (PC7424 w/ yellow pad)
3M FI-II Machine Polish (PC7424 w/yellow pad only on hood, roof, and trunk)

Here's about where I get lost. I assume that a glaze goes on next. But which brand is best for cosmos black? 3M? Klasse? P21s?

Also, after glaze which wax would be best to apply to a cosmos black car? I have some old Zymol carbon wax, will that work well on top of all of the above? Or, am I better off with S100 or something else?

TIA

Do the FI-II on the hood, roof, and trunk first, then do SMR on the whole car, and use a white CMA pad too. other than that it looks good. Honestly, on 8 year old black paint chances are you need FI-II on a yellow pad on the whole car, then SMR on the white. After that your car should be nearly swirl free and quite shiney. :cool:

After that its your decision to use a glaze if you want to. After SMR I'd say go straight to wax, as SMR has oils and fillers in it as well. Zymol Carbon is a good wax, go ahead and use it. S100 is probably a little easier to use, and may last a little longer, but if you've already got the Zymol Carbon you can go ahead and use it.

Remember to use a prepsol or similar paint prep solvent in the areas before you autosharp those chips. Otherwise, you may have some residual wax or polish on the car that may prevent bonding of the paint.

Like Kyle said, use FI-II Polish before SMR though you may not need to follow with SMR after FI-II if you don't have any hazing issues. FI-II should get rid of any minor scratches and swirls, SMR's only needed if you get hazing. Yes, both of those should go on with a yellow cutting pad.

As for a glaze, you've got a black car, so you will notice a difference more than anyone else. It'll look a little wetter, a little deeper, but it will be a minimal effect. It's up to you whether or not you think it's worth it. Personally, unless it's a show car, don't bother. It's maybe a 5%-10% difference in the paint - you won't notice it unless you do half the hood and even then you have to be looking for it.

You can go straight from SMR to a wax; however, I'd recommend using S100 SEC or P21S's GEPC. It'll strip the fillers that SMR will leave and add oils to the paint to give it a wetter shinier look. It'll also let you see if you got all the swirls out. The fillers in SMR may mask the swirls for a couple of washes, this way, you'll know right away if they're out.

Zymol Carbon's a pretty good wax, but IMHO S100 or P21S will be a better look, especially on black. As a side benefit, it's also easier to apply and longer lasting than Zymol.

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I'll try the s100 since the last time I used the zymol carbon I remember it was pain to buff off.

hal- would alcohol or something else more common work on prepping the autosharp areas rather than prepsol?

Thanks again.

Originally posted by ToneCapone
Thanks for the advice guys. I think I'll try the s100 since the last time I used the zymol carbon I remember it was pain to buff off.

hal- would alcohol or something else more common work on prepping the autosharp areas rather than prepsol?

Thanks again.

Rubbing alcohol will work, but make sure it's the largest % alcohol available. Also make sure not to leave it out opened, rubbing alcohol absorbs water and dilutes...leave it open long enough, you'll pretty much have water. Prepsol is available at pepboys, avance auto and I think autozone for under $5 for a spray can I think...

Thanks again Hal.