What is this, and how can I fix it?

[The Guz]

Re: What is this, and how can I fix it?

That's a big difference. You can see what a good job UC does. The defect seems to be a little deeper than what UC can take care of. I would agree with Michael Stoops on using the microfiber cutting pads.

[J4o2el7]

That is a huge improvement! You might want to try 105 it is more aggressive. You might be able to knock it all out. Looks 100 times better!

[Dolphin Gray]

Re: What is this, and how can I fix it?

OK, an update. I quick detailed and clayed a small area and tried Ultimate Compound with the CCS Orange pad on the DA. These pics are after 3 passes, sorry for the crappy iphone pics. It definitely helped, taking away all the white oxidation and revealing the metallic paint. Huge improvement. However, the patterns are still visible under oblique reflection - it appears almost as if the clear coat itself is patterned. You can see it in the specular sun reflection in the second pic, and at the corner of the corrected area in the third pic. Not sure what to do from here - whether I should just go with this followed by M205 and wax (it will look much much better and I would be happy), or see if I can fix the underlying defect using something other than Ultimate Compound.

One thing - I noticed when using the DA that the UC went "clear" very fast - I never saw the white film that I used to see with hand application. I used the recommended amount of product - should I be using more?

[davey g-force]

Re: What is this, and how can I fix it?

Now that you have it, try the orange pad with UC (test spot) and see if that works. If not, you can order some MF pads.

Not a waste at all IMO..

[Dolphin Gray]

Re: What is this, and how can I fix it?

Thanks Michael - I ordered the CCS Orange pad to start with, and I planned to use that with Ultimate Compound. Do you think that would be a waste of time and I should go with the microfiber system first?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: What is this, and how can I fix it?

Honestly, on this paint and under these conditions, we'd most likely jump right in with the DA Microfiber System. Audi paint tends to be on the hard side, and there is some serious weirdness going on here.

Before using that DA and/or the microfiber system for the first time, have a read through these two articles on using the DA and on the specifics of using the microfiber system.

[davey g-force]

Re: What is this, and how can I fix it?

There are also some good how-to videos you can watch about DA technique.

Look for vids by Mike Phillips, or Junkman.

[Dolphin Gray]

Re: What is this, and how can I fix it?

Hmm - I think this is the stock finish so not sure about the lacquer. I sure hope I don't have to resort to that. I am going to get a DA and give it a shot this week with Ultimate Compound. I need to do some reading to make sure I do it right, since I've only applied UC by hand previously.

[Joelle]

I had to have the entire car stripped and repainted

[Joelle]

Almost looks like what happens when a laquer paint is used. Thats what happened to my 03 monte ss

[C8N]

Re: What is this, and how can I fix it?

That is bizarre... and it actually looks pretty cool.
Something like a tribal tattoo.

[Jarhead0754]

By the looks of it he's prob gonna need to start with uc. But it's hard to tell u where to start until u get ur da pads. Me personally I like the meguiars da along with meguiars soft buff 2.0 pads. Another thought as well could b the damf ( da microfiber pads) but like davey said start with the least aggressive and work ur way up as needed.

[davey g-force]

Re: What is this, and how can I fix it?

Should I still use Ultimate Compound if I use the DA?

If you have something less aggressive - try that first on a test spot. If that doesn't work, step up to UC.

But my gut feel is it will need UC.

[Dolphin Gray]

Re: What is this, and how can I fix it?

I think I will get a DA polisher - Harbor Freight has one on sale that gets rave reviews. I can use it on my other cars as well. Should I still use Ultimate Compound if I use the DA?

davey - I actually thought about that! That's my backup plan - I'll just shine it up if I can't remove it

[Jarhead0754]

Try investing in a da polisher. Alot more effective than just doing it by hand. U will see better results period!??