PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

placo1 · #7 10-24-2002, 07:37 PM

Peter,

I just wanted to add to what the other guys have already stated.

Regarding the Teflon coating, it really doesn't last as long as they say. My wifes new honda had this applied (Unfortunately we had no say in this) and after three months the car definitely needed a coat of wax. The paint was rough and dull. Another point about the Teflon coating is that it really doesn't enhance the shine of the car, it just protects it.

Polymers are a great way to get excellent protection and nearly the best shine available. These waxes are blended to give you the best of all worlds. They are also easier to apply and will typically protect your car longer.

Carnuabas are good as well, the only disadvantage is the difficulty applying and removing the wax. You may also find that some Carnauba's have better shine on certain paints.

Clay is definitely not a polishing tool, it is strictly a means of removing surface contamination like tar, tree sap, embedded dirt and other foreign material. If your paint has scratches or swirls a clay bar won't do anything to improve it. A clay should be used after machine buffing to remove any remaining contaminants to leave the paint really smoothe.

If your paint is oxidized (slightly whitish haze on the paint) then buffing may help it. If it's bad then nothing will help except a repaint.

From the sounds of it your car may have some light scratches and swirls which machine buffing will remove. Keep in mind that the car is 15 years old and you really don't know how much paint is on your car. It's really easy to buff right through a thin layer of clear coat especially if the person buffing the car is not experienced. As far as knowing who is good and who isn't, ask them to see a recently buffed car. Look at the trim and the edges/creases of the car. Make sure the trim isn't burned and demformed. Also look to see if the car still has swirl marks or does the finish look nice and smooth. A good flourescent light will show swirls very quickly, so will a nice sunny day (good luck with that!)

Hope this helps and good luck with the new car!