Thanks Rocket will definitely take it on board but just to confirm what is the main differences when polishing old paint and a car which has just been painted.
Normally I am a Meguirs person who goes with the hand polishing of vehicle were I can go around the car up to 5 times including the washing & drying
Herman
You must be very fit Herman!
I came across this gem while checking out good polishes to use by hand " Personally, i have trouble moving my hand at over 1,000 RPM - so i use a polishing machine ".
Differences in polishing old or new paint?
If the old paint is oxidised , generally it would require a more aggressive first step compound. Something like Menzerna PF 1000 or Meguiars ScratchX, or Meguiuars Megs105 . After that first step i would still use my 3 favourites Menzerna PF 2500, SF4000 and SF4500 .
Of course you need to be a bit careful. You do not know how thin the old paint is, so it is wise to do a test using the rule of thumb, start with a light polish and see how it goes, then work up to the aggressive polish/ pad combinations till you find the right combo that will do the job in the quickest time.
You will find that Acrylic Lacqeur paints without clear coat will leave a lot of paint on your polish applicator, but with 2 pak paints you will not see any paint on your applicator.
Regarding best polishes to use by hand - Gretschem suggests TCut, Farecla G6, Juice Swirl remover. Others i have seen recommended via a google search which have a slight abrasive and easy to work by hand are Megs no. 80 followed by Megs no.81. Megs 105 followed by Megs 206. Zaino ZPC. Duragloss DG501 is another.
Here is an excellent Thread by Mike Phillips at Autogeek Titled " Man V Machine "
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/20257-man-versus-machine.htmlRocket.