Noob query. Help!

[akimel]

Re: Noob query. Help!

Kyle, you are free to make the detailing process as simple or complex, short or long as you like. That's part of what makes it so much fun.

On thing for you to consider: it always takes much longer than you anticipate. If you are going to do a multi-step polishing detail, then you are probably looking at two full exhausting days. Add on to that the time it will take for you to figure out how to properly apply the polishes you have never used before.

Always do a test spot. Work a small area at a time. Take your time, don't rush it. You will be amazed at the final results. Good luck and have fun. And be sure to take some photographs of your car, both befores and afters.

Cheers,
Al

[nola000]

Re: Noob query. Help!

"then you are probably looking at two full exhausting days."

Ahh, my favorite kind of days. Lucky for me, the only kind of days I seem to have.

Im a perfectionist. So I like the long and complex...at least my com-plex does.

So I found the answer to my "scale" question in this link... http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28407

Still wondering....would I be ok going, Ulimate Compound(8006 pad), #82(8006 pad), #5(9006 pad), and then #26? Now that I know how strong Ultimate Compound is, considering I was going to step from a cut of 6(#83) to 3(#82), should I really be stepping all the way up to Ultimate Compound and then to #82 with no step in-between?

And...what exactly does "these consumer products are not body shop safe." mean?

[akimel]

Re: Noob query. Help!

Still wondering....would I be ok going, Ulimate Compound(8006 pad), #82(8006 pad), #5(9006 pad), and then #26? Now that I know how strong Ultimate Compound is, considering I was going to step from 3(#82) to 6(#83), should I really be stepping all the way up to Ultimate Compound and then to #82 with no step in-between?

And this is why you always first do a TEST SPOT.

The great thing about the SMAT polishes, in contrast to the traditional DAT polishes, is that you are in total control of the process. They do not need to be broken down. You polish only as long as you want to polish, and you can safely stop at any time. So do a test spot with UC. Do two passes. Wipe off the residue and inspect the surface. Have the swirls been removed? Do you like what you see? If yes, then you can continue with the rest of the car? If swirls still remain, you may want to do another two passes. And if there are any problems, like hazing or marring, e.g., then you stop polishing and immediately write back to this forum and tell us what you are seeing. Mike Stoops and the other experts will see you through to a satisfactory conclusion.

And...what exactly does "these consumer products are not body shop safe." mean?

A body shop safe product is a product that does not contain silicones, which can negatively affect fresh paint. Body shops have specific requirements that the rest of us don't have to worry about.

[nola000]

Re: Noob query. Help!

"A body shop safe product is a product that does not contain silicones, which can negatively affect fresh paint. Body shops have specific requirements that the rest of us don't have to worry about."

Awesome. Ive been doing a lot of forum hopping and this is the first time Ive heard this. Im sure its been written.

Is the pad selection correct? I need to know since I trashed my black/grey LC CCS pad in frustration and I need to buy all new pads. Im guessing one 8006 for the Ultimate Compound, one 8006 for the #82 and one 9006 for the #5. Should I work with SwirlX instead of Ultimate Compound? You say Test Spot, but I dont want to spend money on a product I dont need. Like I said, I would think Ultimate Compound without a step between #82 would be kind of harsh. Should I start with SwirlX instead?

[akimel]

Re: Noob query. Help!

Is the pad selection correct? I need to know since I trashed my black/grey LC CCS pad in frustration and I need to buy all new pads. Im guessing one 8006 for the Ultimate Compound, one 8006 for the #82 and one 9006 for the #5. Should I work with SwirlX instead of Ultimate Compound? You say Test Spot, but I dont want to spend money on a product I dont need. Like I said, I would think Ultimate Compound without a step between #82 would be kind of harsh. Should I start with SwirlX instead?

I have learned that I needed two to three times the number of pads than initially recommended to me. Pads get saturated by product and often need to be replaced during mid-detail.

We'll see what the experts say, but would propose the following:

1) Three 8006 polishing pads
2) Two 9006 finishing pads

I would apply UC with the 8006 and M82 with the 9006. And I would apply the #5 glaze by hand.

If you are feeling uncomfortable starting with UC, then by all means start with SwirlX with a test spot and see what kind of results you get. If it doesn't effect the level of paint correction desired, then step up to UC. You could then finish off with M82. Always do a test spot with each new product. Finding the right combination of polishes and pads for your particular vehicle can only be accomplished through trial and error. Good luck.

[nola000]

Re: Noob query. Help!

Thanks a bunch akimel!