Single Stage Paint and PC Process??

[dschribs]

I own a 1968 Camaro convertible that I have had for about 8 years. The car was repainted roughly 10-12 years ago. It is a show car/cruise night vehicle and the only thing I have ever done to the finish is Meg's #7 and Meg's #26 or NXT. This year, I wanted to set out to remove some of the swirls that have accumulated over the years. So last night, I figured I would start with Meg's Scratch - X (by hand) to remove a few of the more noticeable scuffs and slight scratches, then move on to the PC. Well to my surprise, the applicator pad turned reddish/pink after applying the Scratch-X. So, it appears I have single stage paint. I would have bet 100% otherwise but that looks like it's the case.

My question is, because it is single stage, do I need to take any additional "precautions" when working with single stage or change the process I had decided on. I do have a PC and wanted to go with: Megs #80 with a Meg's polishing pad, Followed by #81 with a polishing pad, followed by NXT by hand then #26 by hand. That was my proposed plan - when I thought I had base coat/clear coat - but now I'm not so sure. Do you think that is still a good process given the s/stage paint on my car??

I'm hoping I don't have to go any more aggressive than the #80 but if I do, would stepping up to Meg's #83 (DACP) with a Megs' polishing pad still be acceptable on single stage - or - would the next step up be #80 with say a slightly more aggresive pad (not the Meg's cutting pad) Either way, I would follow that step with #80 again with a Meg's polishing pad.

And finally, is there a greater risk of damage to the paint using a PC because it is s/stage rather than base coat/clear coat?

Thanks very much!!

[travisdecpn]

I use the 83/80 process on my single stage paint when needed. Just start with 80 and only move to 83 if a couple passes of 80 does not clear up the problem. Your process sounds good, though I would use 2 coats of NXT. Don't be alarmed if you have paint transfer on your pad, it is actually only a very small amount that just looks like a lot.

[KTruck]

Hi:

Plan looks good.

Since single stage paint is a little softer than CC/BC be careful buffing any raised areas or high spots. Particularly on the horizontal surfaces since they generally get buffed the most.

Regards,

KTruck

[FlaresideLariat]

My hood is the only thing that is single stage paint. That means no clear coat, right? It was repainted several times, and it's a shame because it's such big surface area of the car. If it looked as shiny and had much as depth as the trunk, it would look ten times better.

trunk:

hood:


See the difference?

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Basically, you can treat SS paint the same as BC/CC with a couple of precautions. As mentioned already, some SS paints can be quite soft (as can some BC/CC paints). Therefore, you need to avoid buffing on edges or ridges on the car as these high spots have less paint than the flat surfaces.

The good news about SS is that it is sometimes easier to remove swirls from!

I would also suggest that you clay the car before using ScratchX or another cleaner/compound.

FlaresideLariat,

SS paint jobs can look just as spectacular as BC/CC paints jobs. A lot rests on the quality of the paint and even more on the painter's experience. Looking at your photo, the paint should have been wet sanded and buffed out after being painted. This would have levelled the surface making it as smooth as glass!!

Tim

[FlaresideLariat]

Originally posted by 2hotford
the paint should have been wet sanded and buffed out after being painted. This would have levelled the surface making it as smooth as glass!!

Tim

So that's not a routine thing after it being painted? Hmm... wet sanding won't hurt it, will it? I'd love to get that done somewhere; since I'm just a weee bit inexperienced for wet sanding.

Yeah, there are some tiny bumps and paint chips on the hood. It's not all flat and whole....

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Wet sanding after a paint job is not something everyone does. It takes a lot of work and practice to do it right. How long ago was it painted? The best time to wet sand a finish is within a few days after it was painted. Once the paint cures, it becomes much more difficult, but still can be done!

Tim

[dnoraker]

I haven't used the PC on a SS finish yet, but I want to help my dad with his '74 Monte Carlo with original paint on it (about 80K miles- it's beautiful!). He doesn't use the greatest washing and waxing methods so it has a few swirls in it.

My question is about cleaning the pads after using #80 or #83. I've heard others say that a little color will get into the pad from polishing- do I just follow the usual cleaning procedure for the pads before I go back to the CC paint on my cars, ie. terry cloth or toothbrush, or should use dish soap?

I would appreciate any advice for this car. It was his dad's, who's no longer with us, and it's very special. I hope to get a digital camera soon so I can put pictures to my words!

Dan

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by dnoraker
I haven't used the PC on a SS finish yet, but I want to help my dad with his '74 Monte Carlo with original paint on it (about 80K miles- it's beautiful!). He doesn't use the greatest washing and waxing methods so it has a few swirls in it.

After washing, be sure to clay it really well.

My question is about cleaning the pads after using #80 or #83. I've heard others say that a little color will get into the pad from polishing- do I just follow the usual cleaning procedure for the pads before I go back to the CC paint on my cars, ie. terry cloth or toothbrush, or should use dish soap?

Meguiar's doesn't recommend washing their foam buffing pads, a lot of people do and have success with it, but we don't recommend it as a maintenance procedure. What you can do after using the foam pad is to lay a thick, fluffy terry cloth towel down on something flat and place the pad against it while it's still on the polisher. then, turn the polisher on and press against the terry cloth towel with your polisher. Run the polisher for a few minutes. This will transfer a lot of the excess product into the towel along with any pigment.

Then store the pad as normal. Having a little color on the pad will not hurt the paint on your next detail and with time any residual color in the pad will diminish.

I would appreciate any advice for this car. It was his dad's, who's no longer with us, and it's very special. I hope to get a digital camera soon so I can put pictures to my words!

Dan [/B][/QUOTE]