I Took The Plunge!!!

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Bri
Yes, I do own a G-100 and I just wanted to know the facts and be sure about it. I've already detailed 3 cars with the proper steps for a full detail job.

I thought you did... I just wanted to make sure.

So, does 3-5lbs of pressure look like this?


I was just asking since I didn't know how it really felt like as I don't want to apply to light of a pressure nor too much.

That's the key, learning the right amount of pressure to use for each product and process. From the picture above, that looks like light pressure. The problem with a picture is that when you first start out with a fresh foam pad, which is what that looks like, they are a a lot stiffer and don't compress as much as a pad that has been used for a while. Then as you use them for a while, they start to soften up and compress more, so the picture can be deceiving.

One way to get a feel for pressure it to place an ordinary bathroom scale onto a desk or table, to simulate the hood of a car, and then press down with your hand. Take note of what 1 pound, 2 pounds, 3 pounds, etc. feels like. This is only an indicator, but it's an indicator that will give you a ballpark idea of how much force you're applying.

Hope this helps...

Mike

[magnus]

Great info. on the aggressiveness levels as well as pressure to use on PC. I've got it jotted down on my growing pile of stickies.

Here's what is puzzling me, and might be a dumb question: How in the heck can some of these guys do a complete detail on a car in just a few hours if they follow these steps? It would seem like they are doing nothing more than wiping the product on and back off with the PC.

I suppose it depends on the condition of the paint, as well as previous maintenance, and whether the vehicle just needed a touch up. Did I answer my own question?

I just finished the paint detail on my Mustang and spent around 20+ hours on it. Unfortunately the paint defects are either too deep into the clear coat or are actually in the paint to be removed by #83 DACP. It looks a lot better, but nothing near what it should. I'll get around to posting pics when I have the time, and the sun is actually out, at the same time.

[Marc08EX]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
I thought you did... I just wanted to make sure.

That's the key, learning the right amount of pressure to use for each product and process. From the picture above, that looks like light pressure. The problem with a picture is that when you first start out with a fresh foam pad, which is what that looks like, they are a a lot stiffer and don't compress as much as a pad that has been used for a while. Then as you use them for a while, they start to soften up and compress more, so the picture can be deceiving.

One way to get a feel for pressure it to place an ordinary bathroom scale onto a desk or table, to simulate the hood of a car, and then press down with your hand. Take note of what 1 pound, 2 pounds, 3 pounds, etc. feels like. This is only an indicator, but it's an indicator that will give you a ballpark idea of how much force you're applying.

Hope this helps...

Mike

Thanks Mike! That's why I was asking a lot in the forums to properly learn the right procedures and techniques even though it's not really a hands-on teaching. It's better than nothing! You know what, that's really a good idea and I didn't even think about that.. That would properly guage the pressure I'm applying! Cool.. Thanks anyway! I'm trying to learn how to use it properly and effectively. Thanks for being patient.

[the newbie]

hey,Don,
you didn't take the plunge,you just wised up!!
that said,now here comes a tip:
if you're in trouble using your polisher,just look at the video's at the www.meguiars.com website.
also you can find a video sliced to pieces at www.bettercarcare.com
i don't know why this video is just there,and not on this site( maybe it is,but i can't find it)
those video's give you great tips using the polisher,and train you in a short time.
i know i had a lot of benefits from them,without them,there are some things i would still do wrong,without knowing what,and why,

have fun,in time you will achieve the results you wanted,

bye

Rick

[00Monte]

Rick,

Great idea. I watched the video a while back. But that was before I had the polisher. Now it may mean a little more to me. Great suggestion.

Don

[the newbie]

i saw the pics,and i thought,it was good info,but a bit hard to follow.
for me that is.
i allways have problems with things like user manuals and stuff.
for example:
i know how to program a vcr,because someone shows it to me,after reading the manual a couple of to=imes,i still couldn't program it,but when i see how it's done,it's quite simple.
i thought,this video idea could help you.
and that's what we do oeverhere,
help eachother out.


ciao

Rick

[00Monte]

Yep, I am convinced that seeing it done first hand is the best way to learn. There is a lot to said for jumping in and getting your hands dirty and trying it yourself too. I'm not afraid of making mistakes unless they are difficult to reverse. In this case, if I even remotely do what I am suppose to do, all should be fine. Like Mike said, sometimes you just have to keep trying different techniques and recipies until you find what works.

I plan on getting the polisher out again Saturday morning and trying it again. I did find out the Autozone right down the street from my office carries the Swirl Free Polish. So I can get that give it another whirl.