[Denzil]

It's obvious that many of us have different definitions of a one-step when it comes to paint correction. Some of us consider the use of AIOs as their one-step while others consider the use of finishing polishes or even medium polishes as their one-step.

While it may be taboo to one-step with particular medium polishes, it becomes a better value for certain customers who truly want the best bang for the buck. Some clients don't care for the consequences that result of certain medium polishes being used as a one-step, let alone some that can't even tell the difference.

Now I find myself questioning whether finishing polishes and AIOs should be strictly left for one-stepping and medium polishes and/or compounds strictly for two-stepping and multi-stepping. There's definitely a gray area here depending on whose perspective it is, whether it be the detailer or the client him/herself.

So in your honest opinion, no one is right or wrong here regardless, is it reasonable to use a medium polish as a one-step so long as the client agrees to it even though it's not accepted as good practice among the detailing world? Are we to prescribe our treatment to the client of their vehicle based on our good practices and judgement or tailor directly to their needs without hesitation or question?

Do we leave it entirely to ourselves to decide? The client? Or perhaps some combination of the two? What do you think?

[Dream Machines]

need to tailor it to their needs of course, we need to listen to the customers wants and needs but we are the experts and they should listen to us as well

I do not have a problem with anything like Menzerna powergloss, Prima Swirl or Cut, Menzerna SIP or any 1000 to 2000 grit polish being used on it's own

As long as it is applied using the burnishing method

Either - start at 600, work slowly up to 1500 to 1800 then back down to 750rpm

or in the case of some polishes, especially Prima

Spread at 600, select 1500 and buff until it breaks down at that one speed then slow down to 1200

Spray some QD onto the surface and buff again between 750 and 900 rpm (either one) for up to a minute

That way, there are no holograms, buffing swirls and a very high quality finish can be attained

Especially SIP with orange, yellow or white Foam pad

[togwt]

I agree with "need to tailor it to their needs of course, we need to listen to the customers wants and needs but we are the experts and they should listen to us as well"

Their money, their choice - but we need to pass on advice based on our experience, that what being a professional entails (doesn't mean that they will heed the advice though)

[Reflect]

Any one step that finishes out to a nice depth and clarity, even if not 100%, and leaves no surface marring, is fine in my vocabulary.

[sal329]

I think of a one step as an AIO. If you have not tried Meguiars new D151 I think you should. I used it one my sis white 07 mazda 6 with a PC orange lc 5.5" pad, the paint looks great, it removed more scratches then I thought it would. I topped with OCW for added protection. 3 weeks and the car still looks great.

	PC Porter-Cable Orbital Buffer 7424 or 7336. One of the most famous tool used by a variety of detailers, from weekend warriors to professional detailers.

	AIO All-In-One

[SuperBee364]

Originally Posted by Denzil

It's obvious that many of us have different definitions of a one-step when it comes to paint correction. Some of us consider the use of AIOs as their one-step while others consider the use of finishing polishes or even medium polishes as their one-step.

While it may be taboo to one-step with particular medium polishes, it becomes a better value for certain customers who truly want the best bang for the buck. Some clients don't care for the consequences that result of certain medium polishes being used as a one-step, let alone some that can't even tell the difference.

Now I find myself questioning whether finishing polishes and AIOs should be strictly left for one-stepping and medium polishes and/or compounds strictly for two-stepping and multi-stepping. There's definitely a gray area here depending on whose perspective it is, whether it be the detailer or the client him/herself.

So in your honest opinion, no one is right or wrong here regardless, is it reasonable to use a medium polish as a one-step so long as the client agrees to it even though it's not accepted as good practice among the detailing world? Are we to prescribe our treatment to the client of their vehicle based on our good practices and judgement or tailor directly to their needs without hesitation or question?

Do we leave it entirely to ourselves to decide? The client? Or perhaps some combination of the two? What do you think?

Nope. I leave it to the condition of the car and the clear coat. Sure, I have my favorite "one stepper" (currently M151), but it isn't appropriate for all situations. I use my best judgement considering how bad the defects are, the color of the paint, how hard it is, as well as how well I'm being compensated to all decide on what "one step" course of action (pad, product, RPM's, etc.) will be used.

[Dannyk]

I determine that approach given the needs of the car and the person. I also think its important to tell a person if we do something in one way, what the pros and cons are, and then let said person make the decision. No different going to a doctor, mechanic, etc. We like to make a decision based on whats presented us. So, there is really no definitive answer.

[bigfoot]

To me, AIO's are very mild polishes that will not remove all scratches. I personally use them as a final polish. We need to tell the customers that what is and what's not about them, and most of them will only remove very, and I mean very fine scratches.

I personally have 2 that I love big time: Poorboy's Polish with Carnauba Blue and Optimum Poli-Seal. The first gives a very crisp and deep shine that is unbelievable, and the last will spread like butter and super easy to remove. It has a very tricky eyecatch: it'll dissapear while working! It is really weird

	AIO All-In-One

[Bence]

Yep PS is designed to work invisible, yet it's still there. When it leaves any thing behind you are using too much and the surface will be duller. As it just slides on itself.

One of my fave AIOs. The others are Finish Kare 215 and Carlack 68NSC. Wanna try D151 though...

I did a very nice one stepper on a Heather Mist Accord with 215 using a Menzerna orange one step pad. finished out great, correction was more than satisfying.

[Denzil]

Thanks for your replies everyone. I'm sure this discussion is something that will be ongoing and definitely varies from one individual to another.

There are certain cases where the vehicle to be worked on is such terrible condition but yet the client is only willing to pay for a one-step. The question that always arises is "Should I hit it with SIP (for example; able to knock out a lot of swirls and finish down decently depending on how hard the clear is) or should I hit it with a finishing polish or AIO?"

It really is subjective, hehe.

	AIO All-In-One