Black paint is testing my patience - help (PICTURES)

[OBSSEST]

I need help. I've had my black Camaro for a month and am having trouble getting the paint results I want. The dealer swirled it up a bit with a novice (probably rotary) wax job and I'm getting frustrated with my results so far.

Problem #1: I seem to be causing micro scratches somehow. They are in a straight line mostly which is how I move the wash mitt and dry. I've TRIED to scratch the surface with my microfiber towels to see if they are the cause and can't, so I'm thinking the wash mitt is to blame. I don't use two buckets but have started hose rinsing the mitt before I dunk it back in the bucket.

Here's a couple shots of scratches above the driver's door and below the driver's door mirror:




Problem #2: So, a week ago I spent 5 hrs. working my DA polisher. I applied SwirlX with a Lake County swirlbuster (orange) pad and in my garage light I thought the results were great at removing about 90% of the scratches. I followed up with a single coat of NXT 2.0 applied with a black pad and I was happy with the results. Unfortunately, it's been overcast until today so I couldn't see the work in direct sunlight. After today's wash, I can see that I have several new line scratches, and although the swirls are reduced, they are still visible from a few feet away.

So, I tested the scratch shown above below my mirror with a hand applied coat of SwirlX. The result was good on the scratch, but hologram and large swirls from hell! Ugh! This is what it looked like:


Then I hand applied a coat of the NXT 2.0 and it made 70% improvement, obviously by filling in the swirls rather than removing them. Like this:



I don't know what to try next. I don't want to be applying NXT 2.0 every week just to fill in the minor swirls, I want to actually remove them and then apply wax over a swirl free surface. Maybe I'm asking too much, is this impossible? Would a less aggressive pad on my DA make a difference? I use an Ultimate Detailing Machine DA which is like a more powerful Porter Cable. I applied the SwirlX on setting #4 (6 is MAX) and the NXT on setting #2...

[HealthyCivic]

Re: Black paint is testing my patience - help (PICTURES)

This is my advice:

1. If you haven't already watched the "How to wash your car show car style" video by Mike Phillips, do so (search that on Google Video).

2. Those tiny trace marks that you are seeing are inevitable on a daily driver. Don't be too picky.

3. You should definitely buy and use a grit guard in your bucket. That will help eliminate the swirlmaking during washing.

4. Remember, it's not just about applying the products, it's also about how you apply them. Read the Hot Topics and How-To sections of this forum and be sure that you are correctly applying the products that you use. If possible, attend a Meguiar's Detailing class in Irvine. AutoGeek also offers classes now in Florida.

5. It's also about the applicator you use. You talked about how you applied SwirlX and then got a bunch of swirls. The only way I could see this happening is if you were using a dirty applicator or those were already there and the SwirlX wasn't enough to remove them. SwirlX will not cause swirls when the correct technique is used on a clean foam applicator.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Black paint is testing my patience - help (PICTURES)

A few things come to mind, and I'll list them in the order I would personally attack them

For one, I can see the pattern of a microfiber towel left in the paint of some of the pictures.

What causes that? Not fully removing product, and thus the lowest points of the towel pull off the product (NXT), and the valleys on the towel leave some product. This is most common with straight motion, but can also occur with an over loaded towel (need to fold it, turn it over, or get a new one), OR the product dried either too long, or not long enough.

Aside from that, I would also point out that the orange pad is moderately aggressive, and often times will not finish out LSP ready. I would make another pass or two on a test spot with a white pad, or a Meguiar's black finishing pad.

Also, for your final pass or two when polishing start to ease up slightly on the pressure to "back out" the level of cut. If you work the product too long until it dries up it can cause holograms as well.

Take those things into consideration, and let us know what you think and/or find.

[roushstage2]

Re: Black paint is testing my patience - help (PICTURES)

Sounds like you did the entire vehicle, then noticed the defects were still there? Test spots. Will save you lots of time, and you'll know very quickly if it is working or not. Heck, I see you are in Folsom --> CA? If so, and you still can't get it, I can stop by one day when I'm down there if you wanted and take a look at it for you.

[Erik Mejia]

Re: Black paint is testing my patience - help (PICTURES)

It's a good idea to keep your polisher going at speed 5 anytime you are using a polish to remove defects.

Do a test spot, and once you get the results you're after then MAINTAIN your car. Get some grit guards, good quality towels, and learn to be patient. You own a black car, it's tough but also very rewarding and noticeable when you achieve what you are trying to do.

Asking for help is key, now it's time for some research.

[InfiniteDetail]

Re: Black paint is testing my patience - help (PICTURES)

What type of wash mitt do you use? Is it in good condition? It could have a tiny piece of contamination stuck to a fiber. You may want to replace it to remove any doubts.

You have to constantly check your work in the sun whenever possible, there is no artificial light that will show defects like the sun.

You are on the right track, detailing is all about testing and observing until you find that perfect combination