Ultimate Compound....WOW!

[GTA-n-GXP]

A couple of weeks back I cashed in the credit card reward points on some Amazon gift cards. The intent was to pick up a DA polisher and DAMF kit and teach the swirl marks on my black 2005 Bonneville GXP a lesson they would never forget. Unfortunately, my credit card company is taking their good sweet time processing my order and I just didn't have the patience to wait. The weather was just too nice today.

So....... I went to my local Auto Zone and picked up a Shurhold DA polisher (which will be returned on Monday) a few of their foam polishing pads and some UC and UP. They offered a wool polishing pad for compounding but I was nervous about using it as this is my first go round with a DA.

Step 1. Started off with some Swirl X at Med/Hi speed and immediately knew I'd be using UC the rest of the way. Finished the car with UC and a polishing pad. Results were really pretty good considering that I shouldn't have been using a polishing pad. Most of the swirl marks are gone but now some of the more severe scratches really stand out. I honestly believe that if I had more experience with the DA, and was more consistent with my arm speed, pressure and qty. of UC applied, I would have had even better results. UC is an amazing product. I can't wait to try it again with the proper pad.

Step 2. I did get some DA Haze but it wasn't too bad. A modest once over with UP and most of it is gone.

Step 3. Finished it off with a coat of NXT 2.0. I like how easily this goes on and off but the application seems a bit "uneven" in spots. Because the car is black I'm going to give Ultimate Wax a try in a couple of weeks when the gift cards finally roll in.

I'm really looking forward to doing the job by the book with the DAMF. I'll post some before/after pics when the job is finished.

The only question I have is........ Because I put a coat of NXT 2.0 on today, what should I do before starting with the UC and DAMF in couple of weeks? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated as well.

Thanks!

[GTA-n-GXP]

EDIT: Actually Step 1 was claying the car. Whoops

[ronniejay]

welcome. where in OH???

[wifpd4]

application seems a bit "uneven" in spots

Because of this comment and your desire to start over, I would suggest clay-barring the car. This will remove your current layer of wax and also may help even out those spots. This unevenness may be because of bonded contaminates acquired over the years, if you haven't clayed in that period of time.

Wash with a quality automotive soap and quality mitt to avoid adding any swirls, especially after already removing some earlier. Next, clay, then UC and UP and finally NXT then 12-24 hours later NXT again to insure coverage.

Be sure to post photos of your efforts, we'll be waiting.

(oops, I see you added the comment about step one while I was typing. I still say clay and start fresh.)

[GTA-n-GXP]

welcome. where in OH???

Thanks! Northeast Ohio, about 50 miles east of Cleveland.

[GTA-n-GXP]

(oops, I see you added the comment about step one while I was typing. I still say clay and start fresh.)

Will do! Thanks!

[GTA-n-GXP]

Returned the Shurhold DA today and ordered the Meguiar's DA and DA Microfiber Kit. Should be here Wednesday.

Can't wait for the weekend!

[Michael Stoops]

You should be able to jump right in with the UC or the DAMF kit and just go at it. Remember, with the DAMF system you absolutely must clean the pads after every section you work, either with compressed air or a pad conditioning brush. This is critical and you should not skip it under any circumstances.

If you were getting some DA haze with the UC and whatever pad you were using with that other tool, it is quite likely that you'll experience some with the DAMF system as well, and it could conceivably be worse. This can happen with more delicate paint systems, but the finishing wax usually cleans it up nicely. If, on the other hand, it does not do so, by all means swap over to a foam finishing or polishing pad and some Ultimate Polish to really bring up a clear, high gloss finish before applying your wax.

Hopefully you'll have a camera handy and can share some pix of your new DA detailing adventures with us!

[GTA-n-GXP]

Remember, with the DAMF system you absolutely must clean the pads after every section you work, either with compressed air or a pad conditioning brush. This is critical and you should not skip it under any circumstances.

Fortunately I have access to compressed air. Thanks for the advice Michael!