Help me fix some flaws in my new paint

[SMRcalidiv]

This is my first post btw, but I just had my car repainted and I notice some holograms and swirls in my paint. The car is black and of course shows everything. There is even a small place that I can see where it has been color sanded and not fully buffed out. I plan on using a DA with Lakewood pads, I dont know if its appropriate to post the link but I can if you wanna see what I plan to buy and tell me if its ok. None of the swirls/holograms are too severe. Please recommend some products to get my car looking purty.

[SMRcalidiv]

Im thinking some 83 on an orange pad and then following it with 80 on a gray(?) pad. Its fresh paint so I cant use wax for another month (its been 1 1/2) to be safe,

[tguil]

Originally posted by SMRcalidiv
Im thinking some 83 on an orange pad and then following it with 80 on a gray(?) pad. Its fresh paint so I cant use wax for another month (its been 1 1/2) to be safe,

I think that I'd try just the #80 and a polishing pad first. That might get the job done.

If I remember correctly, the orange pad is somewhere between being a cutting/compounding pad and a polishing pad. Lake Country's polishing pad is white. Their cutting/compounding pad is yellow.

Tom

[SMRcalidiv]

this is what they say:
D.A. 5 Inch Flexible Backing Plate
1- 6.5” Orange Light Cutting Pad
1- 5.5" Orange Light Cutting Pad
2- 6.5” White Polishing Pads
2- 6.5” Gray Finishing Pads

there are so many numbers of megs products it gets confusing.

[Murr1525]

As far as using Meguiars pads, they say avoid using cutting pads with the G100/DA.

So I would probably say the same for the Lake pads. Stick with the polishing pad and #80. IF that is not enough, then a polishing pad and #83. Then cutting pads only as a last resort, assuming they may be somewhat similar to Meguiars.

[SMRcalidiv]

so is 83 only used for car that have more wear or major defects? will 80 buff out the spots that have sanding marks from the color sanding?

[tguil]

Originally posted by SMRcalidiv
so is 83 only used for car that have more wear or major defects? will 80 buff out the spots that have sanding marks from the color sanding?

If you actually have marks from color sanding, you will probably need to go to #83. And although Meguiars does not at all condone using a cutting pad with a pc, I have done so on my black Dodge Hemi with no problems what-so-ever. I've used Meguiar's burgandy cutting pad, Lake Country's yellow cutting pad and Lake Country's orange pad. Of those three pads I'd go with the orange pad. Then follow up with #80 and a polishing pad.

Good luck. Usually on a repaint they lay on plenty of clear coat. You shouldn't have anything to worry about using a pc and the more abrassive pad.

Tom

[SMRcalidiv]

I appreciate the advice. What do you think of #7 compared to #80? Are they both glazes? Perhaps I'm still a huge newb but it seems like several of the megs products are fairly similar.

[tguil]

#7 is just a glaze. It does nohing to remove swirls, or other surface imperfections. It just hides them until you wash your vehicle. However, #80 is a cleaner polish. It does remove imperfections.

Show car folks like #7 a bunch.

Tom

[SMRcalidiv]

So I could follow 80 with 7 being as that I cant use wax yet, or would that be too redundant(sp?). Why is it that I dont see 9 or 82 recommended that often?

[tguil]

#7 offers no protection, but it sure looks good. #80 offers a little bit of protection, but it still allows the new paint to "breathe". I'd not use the #7 if I were you. #80 will be sufficient.

#9 and #82 are both great products. Folks on this forum tend to believe that #80 is just a tad bit better.

I'll bet you can hardly wait to get suggestions on what wax you should use when it is time.

Tom

[SMRcalidiv]

Haha, you couldnt tell that I ask 1000 questions could ya? And yes, I would love to wax the car....in due time. Thanks for clearing up some stuff, when I read the description of 9&82 they read as almost identical. But if 80 is all I need, then so be it.

[tguil]

Have fun making the new paint "pop". If I were you, I'd apply #80 every two or three weeks. By the time you are ready for the wax/sealant , you will have one "fine" finish to work on.

Tom .