i just recently got my PC from Coastal.com and got 2 yellow and 2 white foam pads from proautocare (sp?). i have dawn liquid soap; maguires gold class car wash soap; One Grand Blitz Carnuba Wax; 3M IHG; 3M SMR (dark); and 3M Fine Cut Rubbing Compound. I still need to get 3M FI-II machine polish. oh, i also have my MF towels and waffle weave MF towels as well.

anyways, i believe i am ready to start my projects (4 black E36's!!!) i just need some clarification on some things.

1. do i use Dawn dish soap or what? if i am going to use 3M fine cut rubbng compound or FI-II mach. polish, do i need to strip the car of any prior wax? it seems like some have recommended NOT to use dawn and i was wondering why...

2. can i use more than one product on the cutting (yellow) pad or polishing (white) pad? if not, how do i wash the things? do i use one pad for each step? i was thinking a Four Step Process:
a. 3M Fine Cut Rubbing Compound OR FI-II Machine Polish (depending on severity).
b. 3M SMR dark
c. 3M IHG
d. One Grand Blitz Carnuba Wax

"a" and "b" definitely with PC, but what about step "c" (IHG)? would this be better applied with PC? if not, do i just use a foam applicator the MF towels?

TIA

To address some of your questions:

1. Some people don't like the idea of dawn because it really strips the car of *everything*, leaving it completely exposed. In some cases, perhaps this is what you want. It's also useful when using polymer type waxes that will NOT bond to any previous wax that may have been used. If you're going to be using a fine cut or FI-II, these will be cutting through everything there, so I don't so much see a need for the dawn wash.

2. You can def. use more than one product on a cutting pad, but not in the same detailing session. Don't mix products on one pad. They need to be cleaned in between applications. If it's freshly used, a strong close spray from a hose will get the residue off....you'll see when it's clean, especially if the pad is new. Then, either let it dry in the sun, or put it back on the PC and turn it on, and spin dry that sucker. This method works well, just be careful that it's not pointed at your clean car, or your face...:D The fact that you have two yellow pads works well for you. I use one, clean it, then use the next one. They can also be thrown in the wash with mild detergent, but I never put mine in the dryer. Air dry!

Your process looks OK, although keep in mind that both SMR and IHG contain fillers. So, using both is somewhat of a redundant step. I've used SMR in the past, and it's quite a decent polish.....I've sometimes jumped straight to a wax from SMR. The glaze will make the wax application easier though. So, yes, your process is OK. IHG is a biatch to apply and remove though. Not sure about applying by machine. if it says you can, I certainly would. It makes buffing off easier usually.

hope this helps.

I agree with M3Ryder. I never really saw the point of washing with Dawn, when the initial polish is going to strip the old finish off anyway, but I guess its not really any additional work to use Dawn. I haven't found 3M IHG difficult to work with, by hand or with a buffer. You can indeed apply it with a PC.

Have fun with your projects. I am tired just thinking of 4 step buffing 4 M3s, especially black ones!

thank you so much! you answered me precisely and i appreciate it. btw, just one M3...mine (vert)! of course i will do mine last to gain experience, hehehe. the others are 325 coupe, 325 sedan, 328 coupe. yea it is gonna be a sore couple of weeks. the nice thing is that i am able to do this at work inside with access to 100% demineralized water (power plant), 100% spot free rinse!

hey, i thought u guys said SMR and IHG were same except IHG had fillers and SMR did not? this is why i figured on SMR first then IHG next to fill in anything i didnt get. oh well, better safe than sorry. thanks again.

I have found that SMR still has some oils/fillers in it. Finesse It II Machine glaze does not have fillers. When you use the two and feel the finish on your car the difference is obvious. SMR is still my favorite though, and I find that I prefer the finish after doing a 2-step of SMR and then IHG, followed by P21S wax.