Ultimate Compound

[watson379]

(this message is also posted in the UC forum but this forum is busier)

My car had few light scratch like swirl marks. There was still a great reflection and could barely notice these scratches. But, I’m planning on selling my car so I wanted to do a complete detail. After a good Wash and Claying, I tried Swirl X first and it was not getting them out no matter what I tried. So, I stepped up to Ultimate Compound. I did it by hand and worked on it all day long. It seemed to be working and got most of the Scratches out! I was happy it looked great! But, later when I grabbed a powerful flashlight for something, I decided to shine it on my car. What I seen were Billions of tiny Swirl marks that destroyed the look of my car! I was not happy. So I stopped what I was doing and tried Swirl X and Scratch X Nothing! What happened? As far as I know I did everything the way I was supposed to. What can I do? I’m afraid to take my car outside into the sun. I might faint!

Please help. Thank you

[guy]

Re: Ultimate Compound

What type of applicator were you using? Terry is aggressive while foam is much less so.

[watson379]

Re: Ultimate Compound

It was cotton terry. The foam or microfiber dident seem to have enough to get the scratches out. So, am i going to have to do this all over again with the microfiber or foam pad? If so im going to have to buy some more (cause i used almost the entire bottle) and maybe a new arm.

[aris]

Re: Ultimate Compound

Why not buy a polisher?? it would be so much easier.

I used a porter cable 7424 with a LC orange pad and had great results

[guy]

Re: Ultimate Compound

The first thing you need to do is to complete a test area, 12 by 12 or so, to find the results you want. Working in the shade then move to full sun to check the surface is best. Sounds like you might have a harder clear if UC with cotton terry was needed to pull out the scatches but it sounds like it was to aggessive. The next step down is microfiber then foam, starting least aggressive, SwirlX- foam experiment until you find what works to produce a bright finish on your test area. Working by hand is a tall order to do paint correction on a full car but with time and a few new arms it can be done.

[akimel]

Re: Ultimate Compound

Oh my. Sounds like a disaster. I know you must be pretty upset, especially after spending so much time polishing the car. Know that you can correct the situation, but it's going to take some work and time.

You already have some foam applicators, right? If not, then you need to purchase some. Unfortunately, foam applicators can be hard to find. Auto stores don't sell them. I'm told that one can sometimes find foam applicators at marine stores. Or you can go to an online re-seller, like Auto Detailing Solutions.

The terry applicator that you used is probably what generated all the swirls you are now seeing. It's an aggressive applicator. You now need to step down to the foam applicator.

As suggested, do a test spot: How to do a Test Spot. The test spot is essential because it allows one to both determine the appropriate products for the task and refine one's technique--all before tackling the entire vehicle. Unfortunately, you did the entire car before you realized that you were also instilling swirls into the paint. You eliminated the scratches ... but ... "The operation was a success but the patient died." It's a hard lesson, but it's one we ALL have learned the hard way.

You may discover that SwirlX (or ScratchX) and a foam applicator will remove or reduce the swirls, but my guess is that you'll end up having to use Ultimate Compound again--but this time you'll be using the gentler foam pad. Master the test spot and then polish out the rest of the car. UC is a great product, once one has climbed its learning curve.

Don't be too discouraged. You may not be able to remove all the swirls (that's a tall order for hand polishing), but you should be able to improve the appearance of the paint significantly. The MOL community is here to help see you through to success. If you can post some pics, that would be helpful.

[watson379]

Re: Ultimate Compound

ok...i got to be doing something wrong here. I just tried Swirl X with a foam pad, micofiber pad, and terry. Then tried Scratch X 2.0 with all 3. Then again UC with all 3. And Nothing. Nothing really seemed to help. I evan mixed all 3 together and tried it. Anyway, i must be doing something wrong. I've tried rubbing, longer, shorter, harder, and softer. I have also found in a few places those holograms you see from using buffers wrong. I guess i really messed up.

I'll try to get some pictures.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Ultimate Compound

It is not that bad, trust us. If the only damage is swirls that can be seen in direct sunlight then it is reparable so do not worry. Remember, when working by hand patience is the key. It could take up to 5 applications before you see the results you are looking for.

Do not use your fingertips but use the length of your fingers or even your palm instead. Spread the pressure out.

I have found it useful to use vertical and horizontal motions instead of circles as I can control the pressure of my hand much better.

Give this a read through and then try again: http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30910

Do not give up!

[watson379]

Re: Ultimate Compound

not sure if this worked but here are some pictures of three different areas. and i dont really know how to take them so you can see the swirls the best. this is with the flash off and holding a flashlight with the lights off in the garage.

[guy]

Re: Ultimate Compound

If you don't mind, can you re-host your images with the Meguiar's image hosting service and embed the pictures? HERE is a guide to help you figure that out - and HERE is a guide to show you how to embed the images.

Thanks!

Mark

This Will work.