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  • #1

    New to Ultimate Compound

    Hi all,

    I would like to start off by saying that I am new to this forum and new to detailing as such an art form that it is. That being said I have no expierence using Ultimate Compound or any compound for that matter. I have done a great deal of research on it here on the forums and also watching the Meguiar's Videos and through google.

    So I have just recently purchased a used 96 Ford Explorer. I got a great deal on it but it was because the body is kind of in a rough spot for the moment. There are 2 fairly large sun damaged marks on the hood of the car, all the way down the side has swirls and little dings and scratches here and there, the driver side door also has a sun damaged spot on it, and to top the cherry on the sunday I have a couple of bird droppings that have etched the paint. So im looking for a veteran detailer out there to backup and support the decision for Ultimate Compound. And if you think a better product would be better suited I am very open to suggestions.

    While searching the forums here I happened to find a black civic that looked like the paint was in dire straits and also a white vehicle (can't remember which one now) that also looked like it was not looking its best (put nicely). Well in one of these forums the issue of manufacture paint was brought up and that kind of worried me. I was wondering if anyone knows if Ford paint will interact positively/negatively with Ultimate Compound (assuming I use it correctly).

    The last thing that I would like to receive information on is some sort of tips and tricks I guess. Just kinda some knowledge to pass along about using the compound. And also I was wondering if you needed to let the compound sit to dry after your one or two passess, or if you should wipe it off immediatley after rubbing. I have searched these forums very rigidtly and did not find any posts similar to this, if there is I apologize in advance.
    Thank You for your time, and keep making those cars beautiful.

    AWB
    AWB
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: New to Ultimate Compound

    Ultimate Compound is a very good product. I would highly recommend it. I used it on my 98 Explorer with very good results, so I highly doubt that it wouldnt work on the paint on your explorer. I have used it 4 or 5 times on different vehicles and had good results. I have only used it with a PC, but with a foam applicator by hand it should work well. I have been detailing as a hoby for about two years now and there is still tons to learn. Just keep doing the research you are doing and dont get discouraged. Let us know how your work turns out!

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    • #3
      Re: New to Ultimate Compound

      What do you mean by 'sun damaged spot'? Any chance of pics?

      It would generally be best to start with SwirlX, at least on a test spot, before jumping to UC.
      2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: New to Ultimate Compound

        Originally posted by AWB View Post
        So I have just recently purchased a used 96 Ford Explorer. I got a great deal on it but it was because the body is kind of in a rough spot for the moment. There are 2 fairly large sun damaged marks on the hood of the car, all the way down the side has swirls and little dings and scratches here and there, the driver side door also has a sun damaged spot on it, and to top the cherry on the sunday
        When you say "sun damaged mark", do they look like this, click on the link.
        The Clearcoat Failure Photo Archive

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        • #5
          Re: New to Ultimate Compound

          So I have come to the conclusion that I will be needing a new hood for my explorer however the UC worked quite well on the driver side door. Thanks for the input and responses. I am however having problems removing some scratches and spider webbing. I'm fairly positive the scratches should be able to be removed because when I go over them with my finger I do not feel any sort of indentation. However after 3 application of UC I can't even notice a difference. I have tried it on all my scratches (that were only clear coat depth) and I have no results. I find this very strange because the UC worked great on the sun faded door. I am also having the same problem with the spider webbing. I cannot feel any sort of indent in the paint or anything (even closed my eyes while rubbing). I am thinking that maybe wax has something to do with it??? The vehicle was washed and waxed before I purchased it a little over 2 weeks ago. I will try and post some pictures tomorrow in the daylight for everyone. Thanks Guys.

          Oh also I am using a clean terry cloth applicator pads (maybe my problem) but it worked fine with the door. I am also using the technique from the video that has been posted on here in many different threads. Thanks again guys.
          Last edited by AWB; Sep 7, 2009, 09:36 PM. Reason: Adding Conntent
          AWB

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          • #6
            Re: New to Ultimate Compound

            Ok I tooks some pictures. I couldn't get any pictures of the scratches that I was talking about because in each one they do not show. However I did get a couple of the spider webbing most likely water damaged I'm thinking. In the pictures these look mostly white however on the vehicle they look like a deeper shade of the green. Again I cannot feels these mark with my finger and finger nail but they will not come out. I find it strange, I will probably just need a new paint job


            Last edited by AWB; Sep 8, 2009, 12:54 PM. Reason: Inserting Pictures
            AWB

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            • #7
              Re: New to Ultimate Compound

              Those pictures look like pretty classic etchings from bird droppings. While these can be fairly deep, you should be able to make very good headway on them using Ultimate Compound. Don't be afraid to work it quite vigorously over these small areas.

              Read through this thread to get an idea of what's involved in solving the exact issue you're facing. While that thread documents the use of M105 and ScratchX, you should get equal (or very close to) results using Ultimate Compound as it falls somewhere between those two products.
              Michael Stoops
              Senior Global Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.

              Remember, this hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need therapy.

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: New to Ultimate Compound

                Thanks thats a great thread you brought up. I will give it another shot and I will post my results.
                AWB

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                • #9
                  Re: New to Ultimate Compound

                  GAHHHH! Absolutley nothing!!! I can't fathom why I have tried everything from rubbing lightly to rubbing so hard I should have rubbed all the paint off. The only thing I can think of is it could be the wax that was on the car. God this is giving me such a headache.
                  AWB

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                  • #10
                    Re: New to Ultimate Compound

                    did you apply it right? and work it in, in a small area???
                    Ganesa,
                    Toyota Vios '05
                    Theres a difference in a person who has to do it and a person who wants to do it

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                    • #11
                      Re: New to Ultimate Compound

                      I believe so I followed all the steps in the Meg's video. I first applied it to a small area doing about 6 inches by 6 inches give or take. I then rubbed it in with overlapping passes on the small area about 2 or 3 times. After that I rubbed on specific spots with heavier pressure. Then I wiped off the product when it started to get that hazy look (didnt let it become fully hazy just when I started to see signs of it). I have totalled 6 applications between yesterday and today. Maybe I'm doing something wrong.
                      AWB

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Re: New to Ultimate Compound

                        Your frustration is certainly understandable - when you see so many people getting great results and you aren't able to duplicate them, it takes some of the fun out of it.

                        It could be that the paint is extremely hard on this vehicle and/or the etching is very old and very deep. Both will conspire against you and make the process all the more difficult. It certainly sounds as though you're using the product correctly - vigorous application to small areas, wiping off while still wet, multiple applications. You may be at the point where you really need to step up to a machine and a more aggressive liquid.
                        Michael Stoops
                        Senior Global Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.

                        Remember, this hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need therapy.

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Re: New to Ultimate Compound

                          I was thinking the exact same thing. In fact I was looking at what Meg's offers in the way of machines and paint restore products. Any suggestions?
                          AWB

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            Re: New to Ultimate Compound

                            For the very basics you'd want to start with the G110 polisher, some W8207 Soft Buff 2.0 polishing pads, M105 (suggested only because repeated hand applications of Ultimate Compound are getting you nowhere) and at least one W9207 Soft Buff 2.0 finishing pad for applying your wax - NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0.

                            Don't forget, we've got a special running at meguiarsdirect.com through October 1st - 10% off and free shipping when you use discount code MEGLD09 at checkout!
                            Michael Stoops
                            Senior Global Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.

                            Remember, this hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need therapy.

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              Re: New to Ultimate Compound

                              Products have been purchased and are enroute. Thanks for all the help everyone. I will post the end result after doing my car with the new products.
                              AWB

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