Make a donation

Author Topic: Polishing by hand  (Read 1176 times)

Offline Falky

  • Taking part
  • ***
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 5
  • -Receive: 1
  • Posts: 41
  • GTi Ed30
Polishing by hand
« on: February 16, 2013, 05:02:08 pm »
I know machine polishing is the best way of achieving a good finish, but is there a decent polish that can be used by hand?

I currently use AG Super Resin Polish, works fairly well, but I want something with a bit more cut to it without having to fork out for a machine polisher.

Offline stealthwolf

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 306
  • -Receive: 291
  • Posts: 7836
  • ED30 No.1412
    • Email
Re: Polishing by hand
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2013, 05:32:49 pm »
What are you using for applicator pad? Might be worth stepping that up?

Otherwise SRP was shown to be the best for hand polishing: http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=10656

IIRC Megs 83 can be applied by hand too but you'll be built like Popeye by the end of it. Have you considered getting the car professionally detailed?

The GTI isn't just a machine. It's very much a living, breathing thing.

Offline gobbleplease

  • Just look at my post count
  • ******
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 64
  • -Receive: 48
  • Posts: 1094
Re: Polishing by hand
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2013, 06:08:32 pm »
The problem with SRP is it masks the swirls with fillers so in a few months it will probably be back to how it looked before, that's my experiance with it anyway, it looks great when you first put it on though I've always got a bottle of it.
MK5 EDITION 30 - CW - REVO S2+ - GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

MK7 GTI - ARRIVING DECEMBER

MK2 GTI - RB - 1.8T - GARAGE QUEEN

Offline Falky

  • Taking part
  • ***
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 5
  • -Receive: 1
  • Posts: 41
  • GTi Ed30
Re: Polishing by hand
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2013, 06:11:08 pm »
Thanks for the advice, think I might just bite the bullet and get it professionally detailed in a couple of months or so when its more likely to stay clean!

Offline Rhys_Gti

  • Always Involved
  • ****
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 0
  • -Receive: 5
  • Posts: 167
    • Email
Re: Polishing by hand
« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2013, 10:04:52 pm »
Like you I was thinking of trying some others for hand polishing instead of SRP but didn't find one I quite like as much or able to get the results with the same ease.  I then just added the use of after polishing glazes and invested in better quality waxes and the shine does last much better now.

I get my car detailed professionally at least once a year now and find that it makes all my work by hand so much easier for the rest of the year, plus stops the main swirls and marks from coming back as often. I would recommend it. Good luck.

Offline Pirelli08

  • Taking part
  • ***
  • Thank You
  • -Given: 8
  • -Receive: 0
  • Posts: 30
    • Email
Re: Polishing by hand
« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2013, 09:32:12 pm »
I have had good results with Evo from Autosmart  :happy2:
Previously Owned: Triumph Herald, Fiat 124 sport, Opel Ascona 2.0s, Fiesta XR2 Mk2, Escort XR3 Mk4, Nissan Primera Gt, Nissan 200sx Audi S4 ABT Modified 360BHP, Skyline R34 400Bhp, 2 x Standard E46 M3's, Modified E60 5 Series 535d 330bhp, Modified E90 335d 330bhp,
Currently Own:  Pirelli Mk5  GTI