Alright I've been working on my paint all through the week. It's starting to show, and throughout this week I've been trying different products trying to find the best results. For example after I got one side sanded down I simply buffed it twice with 3M rubbing compound, then used turtle wax. The other side I buffed it with the 3M Rubbing Compound, then used some Meguiar's scratch x, as it's a little less abrasive, finished it off with Meguiar's Color X, then turtle waxed it. It has a slightly more defined reflection, but I wouldn't say it's enough of a difference.

On the upper half that I did in black after wet sanding I buffed it with turtle wax rubbing compound. This left it a haze, but seemed to do a good job of pulling out the marks left over from 1000 grit sanding. I didn't get to finish the process, but Meguiar's Color X brought it up to a nice shine.

I got a bottle of regular Meguiar's Cleaner Wax to try out, I think I'm going to go get a bottle of the Meguiar's NXT Wax as that's supposedly even better. I figure I'll have to try a spot on the black portion. Do it in 3 sections, one of Turtle wax, one of regular meguiar's and one of the NXT.

So I'm wondering what do you guys recommend as far as compounding, waxing, etc?

 

The other side I buffed it with the 3M Rubbing Compound, then used some Meguiar's scratch x, as it's a little less abrasive, finished it off with Meguiar's Color X, then turtle waxed it


thats the process i use BUT i also use a 2000 grit over it all once more then the process you described

 

I have been using Meguiers NXT wax and quick detailer and have been very happy with it. The quick detailer is the key to keeping the car looking great and repelling water. Together, the two work really well and give a very deep reflection and shine that really lasts.

 

After I finished my buffing process and everything I did the upper half of the roof. I basically did one side with Meguiar's NXT and the other side with the much cheaper Meguiar's Cleaner Wax. Honestly I couldn't tell a difference. I'm going to try throwing one more coat over it and seeing if it helps to improve the shine at all. Although one thing I was going to do but didn't was going to be a test between the meguiar's cleaner wax, nxt, and regular old turtle wax. I'll probably aim to do that during the week as I work on getting my quarter panels sanded and buffed. Then all that's left is to clean up the hood. So far I'm really please with how the upper black portion of my Z turned out. For using rollers, rustoleum, no clear coat, and a cheapo orbital buffer, on top of a 1000 grit wet sand it has a lot of shine. It's not perfect, but it looks really good. I gotta get some pics up.

Snw, do you 2000 grit after you've done the buffing? Or before?

 

before. it helps eliminate alot of buffing so one time over should do it. i use the 1k for get down the orange peel then the 2000 helps get the cuts shallow rubing compound to smooth those out and the medium cut buff then a swirl remover. its a long process but usually works out good.