SONAX Perfect Finish Review - ESOTERIC Car Care 

Thank you! We will ultimately have videos for every single product that we sell, and it will all be based off of real detailer experience!

Thank you for the positive feedback, and glad you like it as much as we do!

Thank you, and glad to hear that you like it as much as we do.

Correct, and thank you!

Great product indeed. We find this to be one of the easiest polishes to remove!

I'm glad you liked it as much as we do!

Will be buying it, as a maintenance polisher every 2 months or so, after my 4-step polishing with CarPro's Range im just finishing on the 3rd car here! Will be interesting to see results! :)

Thank you for that...

I used to use 205 regularly until about 6 years ago. I found PF, and never looked back!!

You should always tape up trim when machine polishing to avoid potential damage.

Thanks Aaron. We typically use Gyeon Prep and / or Spies after polishing, and before final protection. As for protection, we're typically using coatings from either Gyeon or KAMIKAZE as our final steps.

Thank you Mark. I'd use the same pads as we do with the Rupes (yellow for one-steps), and keep it in the 4 - 4.5 range.

how many passes for a full breakdown cycle? Thx!

You just watched the video for the best one! :)

Thank you, and I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the videos!

If that process didn't remove them, it means that they are etched down into the surface. In most cases heavy compounding will take care of that, but in extreme cases, you won't be able to fully (safely) remove them all. I would try using the Meguiar's MF Cutting Disc with Jescar Correcting Compound first, then follow it up with your yellow/perfect finish combo. Thanks!

Thank you for your order! You want to use something like Gyeon Prep after polishing, and before applying a coating.

Thanks, and glad you are liking them. As for 50/50 shots and comparison shots of other products, those can be deceptive and lack the full picture of what's actually going on. You can be shown a 50/50 that looks great on your computer, but to look at it in person with an inspection light from a few inches away could tell a completely different story. It's the same in a "sunshine" shot too because there could still be a lot of haze in the finish, but not show up outside. The DOI meter is the best for showing before and after, and for making product recommendations / comparisons. It takes out subjectivity! So behind the scenes, we are using the DOI meter to make our evaluations, then we make those objective recommendations to you, the reader / viewer. As we stated in the video, we have chosen Perfect Finish as our main go-to because (a) it performs so well, and (b) it's very consistent across all paint types. We have no desire to switch up pads, polishes, machines, etc based on the vehicle we are working on. We teach the same in our Elite Detailer Academy...simplify your life, and become much more efficient by using fewer products and combinations. As for the pad and machine, in this video yes...we are mostly using the Yellow Rupes Pad (see that video!) and the LHR15MKII machine because it's our most popular. Sometimes however we might be using the white pad, or the LHR21, or Duetto. This is also what makes us different than other suppliers of detailing products. We don't carry 15 different kinds of product (x). We're not just a dark warehouse selling tons of products at discounts. We sell what we use, not the other way around. We are first and foremost (very successful) professional detailers who use the products on a daily basis, and work directly with the product and tool manufacturers on product development. When we are making product recommendations, it's after a tremendous amount of time in testing, development, and usage. I hope this helps to clarify, and be sure to subscribe to the channel so you can learn more!

Thank you. We have not tested that product as of yet. As for a 1L bottle of PF, it will do many, many cars!!

Thank you. Yes it's at a client's garage in an undisclosed location! :)

If you wish to compound first, then use Jescar Correction Compound, followed by Perfect Finish.

Thank you and yes...speed 4~4.5 on the RUPES. Perfect Finish is a premium product over the EX 04-06, and therefore has greater capabilities. EX is a good product, but Perfect Finish kicks it up a notch or two. It finishes down better on soft paints, and is easier to remove residue from the surface. I hope this helps.

Thank you. Yes, it is quite capable as a one-step polish!

Thank you, and glad you are enjoying the video series. We use SONAX Perfect Finish both as our finishing polish in a 2-step process, as well as an intensive 1-step polishing process. In most cases, we would be using the Meguiar's MF Cutting Disc and Jescar Heavy Correction Compound for our first step, followed by either a Yellow or White RUPES pad and SONAX Perfect Finish for the finishing stage. I hope this helps!

ESOTERIC - Fine Auto Finishing Todd, your the man! I really appreciate the fast response.

Absolutely!

Hello John. Don't wetsand. Ultimately your choice comes down to the results you get during your test sections. But having said that, if you're looking to do a 2-step process, you'll most likely find the best results with Jescar Correcting Compound and Megs MF Cutting Disc, with Sonax Perfect Finish in either the yellow or white Rupes pads.

Just follow the instructions in this video, as well as what we have listed on the website, and you'll be good to go. There's not necessarily a learning curve, or "tricks" to get it to work like others. Here's the direct link: www.esotericcarcare.com/sonax-perfect-finish/

Thank you! Unfortunately we can't help you on those other items though.

Thank you, and glad to hear that you're finding them useful. In our tests using the DOI meter, we have not found that polish to provide increases over PF. We have even polished out paint using PF, take readings, then try to use an ultra fine finishing polish afterwards to see if there is any difference. In all cases, there was no discernible difference! Also, the softer the pad doesn't mean that it's the best choice for getting the most clarity, even in a finish polishing process. Even on some black paints, we have found that the yellow polishing pads have better values than the white. That doesn't mean it will be that way every single time, but it's just a statement that the finest finishing pad and an ultra fine finishing polish doesn't mean that you're going to get the best results.

Wow that's good to know. When I did my first correction 2 months ago I was judging results on what I could see in the sun. It's great to have measurable differences. Looking forward to trying out PF.

Make sure you also use some type of LED inspection light as well indoors as it will show some defects, and light haze that you may not see in the sunshine.

Thank you. I wouldn't call it "soft", but definitely a soft-medium level clear.

Sorry i just read a comment below that you aswered the same question....that the PF is better,

That would be from someone who doesn't know how to use it...

You're welcome!

While the test spot is the ultimate deciding factor, PF would be great for that paint.

@@Esotericdetail that’s what was used. sealed it up with 303 Graphene coating. Thank You.

The head of product development for Sonax told me different when he was creating 04-06.

You have many, many choices, and it depends on the kind of durability you are looking for. Please see our website at www.esotericcarcare.com, and you will find categories for waxes, sealants, and coatings.

This works great as a finishing polish on hard paints. You want more cut in a finishing polish on hard paints, and PF provides just that. It's a rare polish in that it works fantastic on both hard and soft paints.

It depends on how much product, working area size, pressure, arm speed, machine speed. With our techniques, we are doing 2 sets left and right, and 2 sets up and down.

Our $4K DOI meter proves otherwise...without subjectivity or brand bias. There's a reason why Jescar is our (current) go-to for all compounding needs.

Thanks. You'd probably want to use something like a Rupes white pad, or a yellow pad.

ESOTERIC - Fine Auto Finishing Thank you.

Yes, you would want to apply a wax / sealant / coating of your choice. For ease of use, I'd recommend the POLISHANGEL Rapidwaxx...check out our video on it.

This may help... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Aj82vCIsXjU.html

I can't answer for that machine, and the amount of time isn't really the determining factor. Follow these instructions for starters and adjust as necessary depending on your results. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-G-1YIb3KuSo.html

You may run into some softer paint that a white pad would work better with. If you're working on soft black paint, and getting some very light haze, then you should try the white pad instead. You might want to reach out to the Ultimate Finish in the UK to see what they recommend for compounds!

@@Esotericdetail Thanks Todd. Yeah its just because I have purchased about 10 yellow in 5 inch 6 in 3 inch & 5 for the 1 inch. Just to see if I would need the white that much I only have a few of the white ones. Have you tried the new yellow pads & do you think there is much off a difference ?. I will message the ultimate finish thanks

It's all in the test section...that will tell you which would be the best to use!

Theoretically, yes it would work. I've never used that system you're referring to, so I can't speak to its effectiveness.

You're most likely going to use Perfect Finish with a polishing pad, like the Yellow pad from Rupes (see our video). And if you're using it as a finishing process, you would use either a polishing pad or a finishing pad (white Rupes) depending on the paint and your specific needs.

You shouldn't really have a need for a paint polish on glass, and if you did, a medium cut polish like this might not be your best bet.

Sanding is not a good test for a one-step polish. On some paints it could potentially be a good combo with the MF cutting discs, but that would be limited to harder paints...not so much on softer paints. The yellow pad will be your main go-to, with some paints working well with the white pad, too. Remember, this is designed to be a finishing polish, that also happens to have a lot of cut.

ESOTERIC - Fine Auto Finishing Great thank you so much!!!

By using Perfect Finish with a machine, you would be removing the existing coating that is on there. You would then need to re-apply a coating afterwards since you would be starting off from scratch. Thank you for your purchase of the water spot remover!

ESOTERIC - Fine Auto Finishing Thank you for taking the time to reply. What do you recommend that i use to take care of vehicles? Or keep them protected and looking good

This video here should answer your questions: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-gTZF1nHoAIg.html

Yes you can, as we used to use this with the Porter Cable DA back in the day and it worked just fine.

what pads did you use on the PC? Thx!

Thanks, and glad you're enjoying the videos. That's the beauty of having the DOI meter...you know exactly which combination works best on each paint / job. Sometimes you'll achieve a better finish using the white Rupes pad with Perfect Finish, and sometimes it will be with the yellow pad. In most cases, you won't be able to tell a difference in clarity with just your eye, but when we measure, we can find which is best. In both cases, these would be our second (and final) step in the polishing process. As for your question about a combination like UHS + Diamond Gloss, it's all paint dependent. Yes, we have tested Koch products, but never found one that has the range (cut and finish) that Perfect Finish has.

Awesome. Many thanks for your time. Next time I flight to USA, i will visit your shop. Have a nice week Todd.

We always enjoy having visitors, so please be sure to stop by when you're in the USA!

Spray the pad with some APC, let it dwell, rub with your hand under running water until it comes out clean...the exact same way we clean all pads regardless of what polish or compound is used.

It depends, really. If your clarity issues are due to texture in the paint, then you'd need a more aggressive solution to level that out a bit before bringing it back with PF. But even cars with heavy texture can benefit in terms of clarity with just a one-step polish with PF.

ESOTERIC okay, I’ll give it a try anyways and see what the results are. I have some PF and some Rupes yellow foam pads on order. Have you done a video on how you keep your pads maintained during a polish and how to clean them after a detail session? Thx Todd

This is for our single stage polishing, and our finish polish in a 2-step process.

Priming is completely unnecessary with most polishes, including SONAX Perfect Finish!

It depends on too many factors to say (x) amount of times. On a new car that hasn't been polished before, you're only removing maybe 1~2 microns of clear coat on a one-step polish. Given that, you could probably do 4-5 without any worries. Having said that...once you polish it, it shouldn't need to be polished again for a long time if you're maintaining it properly.

My advice would be to not try it. You simply cannot break down the abrasives when doing it by hand, and as a result, will end up in a somewhat hazy finish.

ESOTERIC ok, thanks!

Yes, it will work fine with a Porter Cable!

This has far more range from cut to finish. You can use this as both your one-step polish, AND your fine finishing polish. The Jescar would only be a good finishing polish.

Chances are that the MF pads will not finish down well enough on black paint. You'd want to use a foam polishing / finishing pad for this.

In most cases, the yellow pad provides better clarity than does the white pad as tested with a DOI meter. So the yellow will provide better cut, and in many cases a better finish depending on the paint.

@@Esotericdetail In most cases I deal with moderate to hard paint, weird that the white pad can sometimes give more shine on those paints, probably depends on the liquid I use? Yhanx to clearify it.

Before RUPES polishers were available, we used Griot's machines with Sonax Perfect Finish. Just be sure to use plenty of pads throughout the process (minimum of 4).

Ok thanks for the info.

Perfect Finish covers about 3 of those polishes! It's everything from medium to ultra-fine in one bottle. Rupes is about to cut all of their previous polishes from the lineup, and go with a much simpler 2-step polish system.

@@Esotericdetail Thanks-I did my new Acura RLXTech with the Perfect Finish with white Rupes pads--it looks great.

Use it the same way! On most paints the yellow pad will be a perfect fit as a finishing pad in aa 2-step process.

No. It's a really fine finishing polish, whereas Perfect Finish has a wide range of cut to finish.

It's our go-to for that type of paint!!

You'll have very limited results doing it by hand. You might be able to reduce or remove the light scratches, but you won't be able to achieve the same level of clarity and finish as you would if doing it by machine.

@@Esotericdetail Thanks Todd for your reply.

If you follow the instructions laid out in this video relative to work area size, speed, pressure, etc, then you're looking at 2 sets left and right, and 2 sets up and down!

A lot! Two different products, two different price points, two different types of abrasives. PF is by far the premium of the two choices.

Two different applications. Sonax is for an intensive one-step or a finishing polish, whereas Uno Protect is for a quick all-in-one polish.

You would get very limited results (at best) if using it by hand!

As per the video, the yellow Rupes pad works extremely well with this.

Yes, we used to use and sell them.

ESOTERIC I assume you prefer Sonax?

This is either a one-step polish, or it can be used as a finishing polish after using compound.

@@Esotericdetail thanks for taking your time to answer

Yes, you sure can.

Yes, and there's a reason why we choose to use PF! We stopped using M205 years ago after we discovered this product, and have yet to find one that outperforms it in so many categories.

Perfect Finish is a polish, not a protectant. Given that, you can use any coating after polishing with Perfect Finish. As with any polish, you'd want to fully clean / prep the finish first to remove any polish residue prior to coating.

Yes

Not if you're trying to get rid of light scratching on glass!

Yes...Perfect Finish is simply a polish and does not provide any protective properties.

No, that's a private garage.

No need...

White finishing pad from Rupes. www.esotericcarcare.com/rupes-white-finishing-pad/

ESOTERIC Thanks

Sorry do you use that with the sonax perfect finish as well

@@garywatkins8423 Yes you do!

I'm not sure exactly what you're referring to, but there's no information in here that I would change today. We still use this as our main polish or finishing polish in the shop...a "go-to" product for sure.

Hi, I'm not sure what I was asking about there either :-) I think I was referring to when you said: "This works better than anything else that's out there". And I'm looking for something I can use to both correct and polish with, without using both a compound and a polish. I've watched Brian from Apex detail's video on Perfect Finish, where he compared it to VSS from Chemical guys. And Perfect Finish clearly outclassed it. Aaand I've already bought a small bottle of it :)

Not in the least bit. We've been using it for about 7 years now, and get to see previously polished cars months and years after we have worked on them. If there was an issue with fillers, we would have seen it a long time ago!

@@Esotericdetail Hum, so that means scratches wont be hidden? Whats the advantage/disadvantage to that..?

www.esotericcarcare.com

Please elaborate on your question...

I'd be really careful with that...

Could you be more specific? I know low speeds and watch the heat.

I've seen some vinyl that can be corrected, and some that just want to disintegrate. Because of that, take a very conservative approach, light pad, light pressure, low speeds, taped edges, etc.