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I've been using Megs UC for some time now and find it to be a very good product, but I am still left with scratches that it doesn't reach.
I've tried some 2000 grit sandpaper VERY lightly but this proves extremely difficult to polish out, so I'm not keen on trying that again...
Does anyone have any experience with Sonax's 04-06 and can compare it with Meguiars UC? I'd like to know if it's worth trying the 04-06 to see if it does a better job than the UC (I know the 04-06 is also a polish so maybe it helps fill/hide some of the defects that UC wouldn't?)
Thanks for any input.

Hi, have you tried using the same polish but changing the pad instead? The microfibre ones seem to have more of an effect than the foam versions on the hard bmw clear coat
Rob

Smartbear wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2017 8:56 am Hi, have you tried using the same polish but changing the pad instead? The microfibre ones seem to have more of an effect than the foam versions on the hard bmw clear coat
Rob

What are the microfibre ones?
I have a collection of the 'dimpled' and hexagonal pads, but I guess both types are just foam.

Forgot to mention - I'm using a D/A with 6" pads

enzed4 wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2017 10:22 am Forgot to mention - I'm using a D/A with 6" pads

Same as set up I have, I got 6” meguires microfibre pads from eBay after reading they have better cutting strength than the foam ones.
I tried the foam pads for ages before coming to the conclusion the swirls weren’t disappearing, it looked shinier but they were still there.
Using the new pads has definitely improved the clarity of the paint but it still takes a long time to see a difference.
Rob

enzed4 wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2017 8:50 amI've tried some 2000 grit sandpaper VERY lightly but this proves extremely difficult to polish out, so I'm not keen on trying that again...

Not surprised - I see that you have a DA so, after the 2000 grit, you want to wet sand with finer grade papers - say 3000 then 5000, even something like 7000 if you have it... then a DA will polish out without too much effort

Remember the polish is only another abrasive so think of it it like like very, very, very fine paper - you just work your way though the grit grades, each finer grade gets rid of the (relatively) course scratches left by the previous grade, with the polish (or polishes) being the last and finest stage(s)

Smartbear wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2017 10:54 am

enzed4 wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2017 10:22 am Forgot to mention - I'm using a D/A with 6" pads

Same as set up I have, I got 6” meguires microfibre pads from eBay after reading they have better cutting strength than the foam ones.
I tried the foam pads for ages before coming to the conclusion the swirls weren’t disappearing, it looked shinier but they were still there.
Using the new pads has definitely improved the clarity of the paint but it still takes a long time to see a difference.
Rob

Thanks, I might look at getting some of these to try.

I've never seen 5000 or 7000 grit papers. Any links?

Never used Megs but I've just corrected my car using Sonax EX 04-06 as a one step polish. It is very easy to work with and genuinely cuts well plus finishes beautifully.

I used a DAS 6 Pro Plus with ShineMate Black Diamond pads. A yellow for cutting and black to finish. One is very coarse and would hurt your hand if you rubbed the DA on yourself and the other feels super soft. I could have stopped after the yellow as it wasn't leaving obvious swirl marks but the black really got that mirror finish. Black has no cut so it's only the compound doing any work whereas the yellow adds a lot of cutting power. No need for microfibre if you get a stiff enough foam pad and they last better.

The results speak for themselves and this is with just one layer of Sonax Protect & Shine. No fancy multi-layer glaze/sealant/wax combo needed.

The EX 04-06 isn't hiding any scratches as it was completely removed with Sonax Paint Prepare. Before, my car was covered in swirls and really didn't shine well at all, looked sort of misty even when clean.

Thanks Steve84N, I think I'll take a punt on the Sonax, as I have only read and seen good things about it. I have to import it as it's not readily available here, which is why I wanted to see if anyone could compare it with Megs UC, which I can get here easily.

ph001 wrote: ↑Sun Oct 08, 2017 10:48 pm I've never seen 5000 or 7000 grit papers. Any links?

Easy enough to get hold of
P5000 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sandpaper-5000 ... 00882DMFW/
P7000 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sandpaper-7000 ... B00SN7O6X4
a mixed pack of P3000/P5000/P7000 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wet-Dry-Sandpa ... B00CCBRA62

Okay, I've taken the plunge and ordered some Sonax 04-06, with some Poorboys Black Hole to complement it. I was going to get some EX-P sealant, but have read several posts where the sealant undoes the finish of the PB Black Hole (Mr Wilks claimed his polishing pads were going black while applying the sealant). So I'll leave the sealant and maybe look for a pure wax that won't strip the Black Hole.
I guess I'll find out first hand whether the 04-06 gives a better result than the Megs UC.

You'll only need the Black Hole if the Sonax doesn't do its job.

I like the fact that sealant is more hard wearing than wax but if it's not a daily then less of an issue.