Ultimate compound problems :/

[eddieh]

Re: Ultimate compound problems :/

One other thing that i noticed, as i was applying the swirl x i noticed that there was dry flakes of the stuff all over the hood. I used a terry towel against the pad while it was running to get off the dry product but it came right back. What was I doing wrong? it was a little cool that day.

[dave93761]

Re: Ultimate compound problems :/

One other thing that i noticed, as i was applying the swirl x i noticed that there was dry flakes of the stuff all over the hood. I used a terry towel against the pad while it was running to get off the dry product but it came right back. What was I doing wrong? it was a little cool that day.

You're doing nothing wrong. It's perfectly normal. 'Dusting' will always happen....moreso with heavier cutting products. Just remember to keep cleaning your pad 'on the fly' either by using a brush or terry towel.

It could be that maybe you are using a little too much product? I've never really had SwirlX dust at all, it behaves more like #205 which basically doesn't dust.

[eddieh]

Re: Ultimate compound problems :/

Well I used UC yesterday over the entire truck and it turned out great!! There were a few scratches that would not remove but all the swirls and 90% of the scratches are gone. As soon as I get my garadge warmed back up i am going to wax. Thanks for the help.

[akimel]

Re: Ultimate compound problems :/

I use a Shurhold DA, right now, two Meguiars yellow polish pads and one mirror glaze finishing pad.

That is a brand that I have not heard of before. I'm glad to know that people's DA options have increased beyond the usual suspects (Porter Cable, Meguiar's, and Griot's).

I used a yellow pad to apply swirl x and the It does a great job for waxing and has plenty of power. I only have three padsfinishing pad for #26. I like the look of #26 better then NXT. IMO.

Right. Use the yellow pads for your polishing. You might want to get two more. Even with cleaning on the fly, I have found that it is optimal to switch to a fresh pad half way (or even earlier) through the job. Also, if you discover that you need to follow up UC with SwirlX, you'll be glad you have the extra pads.

[eddieh]

Re: Ultimate compound problems :/

Yeah, its supposed to be a big deal in the boating world. My wife saw me eyeballing DA's online and decided to suprise me with one. I was kinda worried about its worth at first but it has turned out to be a good machine. It came with a carry bag and a 5.5 inch backing plate. I will definetly get a few more pads next time I head into town.

[lincellusion]

Re: Ultimate compound problems :/

I have nearly no experience in detailing as I only did my first detail yesterday, but when I applied the uc I noticed that it was very simple to remove, If I will recomend anything, it is to do it when the car is completely cool and out of the sun.

[dave93761]

Re: Ultimate compound problems :/

If I will recomend anything, it is to do it when the car is completely cool and out of the sun.

Yes absolutely, this should be standard practice for all aspects of detailing. Make sure the surface is always cool and NEVER in direct sunlight! Otherwise you're just making things harder for yourself!

[indhoy]

Re: Ultimate compound problems :/

If SwirlX didn't get everything, then UC is your next step. UC may leave behind some marring of its own if you're using a heavy cutting pad and/or working on soft paint. Follow this up with your SwirlX to refine the finish and remove any marks left by the UC! Let us know how you go!

So if i just use UC, can i follow with Colour X instead with Swirl X? which way is better?

[dave93761]

Re: Ultimate compound problems :/

So if i just use UC, can i follow with Colour X instead with Swirl X? which way is better?

It depends on your results after you've finished with the UC.
As each car is different in terms of the paint and its defects....you may find the finish is good enough after UC to move straight to your 'wax' step (ColorX).

Or, you may find that UC got out all the major defects, but you can still see some tiny ones left - in this case you would move to the SwirlX to clean up what is left and really bring out the clarity in the paint. Then finish with ColorX, and you can even top ColorX with your favourite carnauba wax as well!

[Gleamclean]

Re: Ultimate compound problems :/

I hate it when someone posts that they have an issue with a product and everyone automatically assumes it is user error. I tried UC and I hated it. It was extremely difficult to remove. This does not belong in the consumer line if its so hard to take off, or atleast put a warning on the label! Someone suggested that I use a damp MF and spray quick detailer but by that time, I had tossed it to the trash

[ffboy]

Re: Ultimate compound problems :/

I hate it when someone posts that they have an issue with a product and everyone automatically assumes it is user error. I tried UC and I hated it. It was extremely difficult to remove. This does not belong in the consumer line if its so hard to take off, or atleast put a warning on the label! Someone suggested that I use a damp MF and spray quick detailer but by that time, I had tossed it to the trash

well, compounds regardless of how easy it is to use in my opinion still require a bit of effort. Sure, demos/videos show (convinvingly) that new advanced compounds are easy to use.. But they do only a small section, so it will look effortless. Doing an entire car? Well, its a differnt story.. I've tried a sample pack of UC. It wasn't too difficult, but i did try it only on a few panels so its difficult to gauge the ease of use of it.. BUt it gave me clear picture on how much effort

User error can be a culprit in some issues with certain products, but I experienced that it can also be the difference between certain paints. Ok, maybe a few issues, but nothing too big.. I've observed that our bmw e39 paint seems to get along well with Mothers FX synwax, but rather sterile on my focus's silver paint. NXT seems to go well on our black ford, and on the focus i found collinite 476s to be the best, but the nxt has its own charm on silver and is easier to use

But its unfortunate you had negative experience with UC.. I'd onlyh use it with a DA polisher.. SwirlX? seems easy enough when hand applied. Ultimate compound? UC being difficult to use? I do find your experience believable.. the difficult part with it is when it dries out which happens (sometimes betond a user's control). it is a fairly aggressive consumer compound/cleaner..

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Ultimate compound problems :/

I hate it when someone posts that they have an issue with a product and everyone automatically assumes it is user error. I tried UC and I hated it. It was extremely difficult to remove. This does not belong in the consumer line if its so hard to take off, or atleast put a warning on the label! Someone suggested that I use a damp MF and spray quick detailer but by that time, I had tossed it to the trash

You have to keep in mind that not all paint systems are the same and some can react differently to a given product. That really shouldn't be the case with UC as it is generally a very user friendly product. Many people make the mistake of over using products or, in the case of a liquid paint cleaner like UC, not working it long enough. Combine those two and it really can become difficult to remove.

But if you go through the threads with pictures from our Saturday Classes you'll see a huge variety of cars where we've used UC both by hand and with a D/A (that's our standard procedure in these classes) and we've never had a wipe off issue with it. Even the students, when they give it a go, don't have problems with it.

[prbrianpr]

Re: Ultimate compound problems :/

For compounds NOT let it dry. If it dry, mist some QD over it and this makes the things more easy. Also if you work it very well is farly easy to remove. More difficult is to remove carnauba waxes after letting it dry for a long period.

[ffboy]

Re: Ultimate compound problems :/

For compounds NOT let it dry. If it dry, mist some QD over it and this makes the things more easy. Also if you work it very well is farly easy to remove. More difficult is to remove carnauba waxes after letting it dry for a long period.

yep, i've done that "letting carnauba dry too long" thing.. let's just say i've learned my lesson! Ultimate compound/swirl-x used properly is easier to remove than an overdried carnauba wax.

Take note, i'm not bashing Ultimate compound for misleading anyone, all i'm saying is that paint correction will take time and effort. The technology put in ultimate compound and swirl X (which i have, and i really like) makes it a lot easier for average joes (like me). I still make mistakes along the way, i unintentionally let it dry out but thankfully only on small areas..
megs consumer compounds make hand application easier, but of course its still no easier than applying waxes.