Question about M80 application

[vfisher]

I have a 2002 Black Corvette with a clear bra on the front. I applied M80 using a PC 7424 after thoroughly washing and clay-barring. The M80 application went well except for the clear bra areas. After applying it with the buffer, it was very difficult to remove the residue. It tended to leave a very light residue that could be seen as a cloudy appearance. Is there a secret to removing all this film? I tried continuous wiping with microfiber and terry cloth towels, but in places, I still see the film.
Thanks for any suggestions.

[Mike Phillips]

You weren't supposed to machine clean the soft, clear, pliable plastic film referred to as a clear bra.

No one on this forum to my knowledge recommends this and there is no official Meguiar's recommendation for machine cleaning and polishing soft, pliable clear plastic bras.

The problem with machine cleaning/abrading these types of material is that they are soft, pliable clear plastic films and they do not lend themselves well to abrading/polishing with the intended goal of having the material look good as an end-result.


Notice how I worded the above.

These materials will abrade easily, but that doesn't mean they will abrade easily and look good.

See the difference?


At this point, if your expectations are for a nice looking clear bra on the front of your Corvette, your best bet will be to cut your losses and have the current one removed and then have a new one installed.

[vfisher]

Thanks Mike. Actually, I've gone back by hand and worked on removing the cloudiness. I was able to remove the residue and it looks good, so I guess I didn't damage it permanently. But thanks for the input...I'll not do this in the future.

V. Fisher

[Mike Phillips]

If after inspecting the clear bra carefully and you think you've hazed it or micro-marred it, you could try re-polishing it using too very gentle products, M09 Swirl Remover 2.0 with a W-9006 Foam Finishing pad...

This is not an official recommended procedure for working on clear bras, but taking everything into consideration that has already happened it is an option with some chance of success, at least it shouldn't/wouldn't cause any more harm than has already been inflicted and in a perfect world it would help to remove and improve the appearance.

After that, or after what you've already done, to create maximum clarity you could apply our pure plastic polish. Apply a thin coat, work in gently and the remove with a soft microfiber.

[vfisher]

Mike

Thanks on the clear bra suggestion.

I have a basic question on M80 as well. When I used it with the PC 7424, I started and probably put too much on, leaving a fairly heavy resudue. As I continued learning the process, I polished until the M80 seemed to dry more and most of the residue was gone (still visible but quite a bit clearer). It still left enough that I had to rub fairly hard with MF towels before all of it was removed. Which is the right way? I was also using the orange pad on this.

Should I go over the car now with M80 and the white pad? If so, what level of application should I put on? Should I work it until most or all is gone or leave this finer residue? Also, what setting do you recommend on the PC 7424. I have been using ~4.5.

V. Fisher

[Monk]

Hi Mike--While you are at it maybe you can answer this one-- I do not seem to be able to get rid of fine scratches (not swirls) on a 1999 white lexus, as I would have thought should be possible with M83/M80. I am brand new at this, and suspect that I am using too much material and not buffing it long enough for the material to break down. Can I do damage if I overdue it--i.e. use the buffer too long with the M80/M83 on it> In other words, I think I may be stopping well short of full "diminishment"--can I do damage if I go well past full "diminishment" while I am in this newbie-feeling-my-way-around stage?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Monk
Hi Mike--While you are at it maybe you can answer this one-- I do not seem to be able to get rid of fine scratches (not swirls) on a 1999 white lexus, as I would have thought should be possible with M83/M80.

What can and what cannot be done using a dual action polisher depends upon the depth of the scratches, the hardness of the paint and the skill of the operator.

It could be these scratches are out of the range of what can be achieved using a dual action polisher. Have you read all the way through this thread?

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3056

I am brand new at this, and suspect that I am using too much material and not buffing it long enough for the material to break down.

Can I do damage if I overdue it--i.e. use the buffer too long with the M80/M83 on it> In other words, I think I may be stopping well short of full "diminishment"--can I do damage if I go well past full "diminishment" while I am in this newbie-feeling-my-way-around stage?

You can haze the finish if you buff to a dry buff. Most people try to work to large of an area at one time. Image placing the average size microfiber polishing cloth down on the finish, (16" by 16"), this is as large a section you want to attempt for removing defects. The works the area, the smaller the section you should tackle.

The other mistake people make is moving the machine too fast over the surface and not applying enough downward pressure as well as the too slow of a speed.

[Monk]

I'll work a smaller area with more pressure, slower arm motion, with less product. Honestly, these are minor surface scratches. You have to hunt for them and catch the light just right This must be a technique (lack thereof) issue. I know I could get it out with a Saber saw if I drilled a pilot hole.

Nothing like a newbie working on the HOOD of a car with an already very nice finish as practice!

[Newport Viper]

Some clear bra tips here....

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6457&highlight=clear+bra

[sneek]

i thought you were supposed to polish and wax a PPF/clear bra like you would the rest of your car, because i specificy asked a person working for 3M and they said it would be find just don't stand to close with a pressure washer

EDIT: 3M guy probably knows very little about what people use to polish there cars. i dont think i will buy a PPF from him anymore