Paint rubbing off on foam pad

[bullet1]

Hi, I am in the process of detailing a Black 1983 Porsche 911SC Targa. The paint is in pretty mediocre shape, very dull and tons of swirls. I have a plan that should make the paint look 1000% better, but one question I do have is this; I put a test coat of just NXT on a portion of the hood just to see what it would do and was left with black all over the pad. I just wondered if this was normal and should I expect this when I use #83 and a cutting pad on my PC? And if so, what is the best way to clean the pad after the detail is done?

Thanks for the info.

And for the record, just the portion of the hood I did with NXT and nothing else, quite an amazing difference. I'll take pics tomorrow. Even without polish, the NXT works wonders on paint.

[tguil]

This is one for Mike.

You have a badly oxidized single stage paint that you are working with. Just like the "good old days"!

This should be a fun thread.

Tom

[Tim Lingor]

Hey Bullet,

First off, if your pad is pulling color, you are dealing with a single stage paint. You need to find out if the paint is OEM or a re-paint.

Secondly, you must be very careful. Some paint can be very soft. Using a cutting pad and #83 DACP may be way too strong in some cases. I know Mike detailed an older baby blue Porsche last year that had VERY soft paint!

I would use the least aggressive products possible until you see how soft or hard the paint really is. Do test spots and examine closely.

As for the pads, do not worry about the color transfer. On BC/CC you are removing clear and transfering it to the pads; you just do not see it.

Good luck!! I am sure Mike will chime in on this one as well!

Tim

[bullet1]

Ok, I also have #82 and #80 that I can start out with. I was thinking of going less abrasive considering how good just the NXT made it look. I'm 90% sure this is original paint. There are quite a few rock chips in it, but other than that it just needs to be brought back to life. I figured the color transfer was due to it being a single stage paint.

What is the best way to clean the pads after use?

[Tim Lingor]

Meguiar's does not recommend to wash the pads. Instead, you are to let the pad dry and tap out any dried residue from them.

However, some people do wash them with Dawn soap in a bowl; then, allow them to air dry only.

Tim

[RDVT4ME]

Did you clay the car first?

If not, you may be getting some contaminants on your pad, which will show up dark.

[bullet1]

Yep, I sure did use clay. This was definitely not residue from contaminants. I'll try and get pics up of it when I get home from work today.