Need help for detail tomorrow.

[radkonn]

I tried using my pc today and just had a few questions. I was mainly worried about the #83 I was using drying out. It seemed like it would dry out after about a minute. Is this normal? I applied slight pressure on the pc on my first pass and just used the pc weight the second pass. Is this good practice? I ran out of time today, so I'm going to qd tomorrow morning then finish my detail. I'm planning on applying #80 then NXT X 2 (12 hrs apart). Do you guys recommend throwing in DC2 (pure polish) into the mix after speed glaze? Finally, is there any benefit, other than time, in applying NXT with the finishing pad?

[Lt1Corvette]

Re: Need help for detail tomorrow.

Originally posted by radkonn
I tried using my pc today and just had a few questions. I was mainly worried about the #83 I was using drying out. It seemed like it would dry out after about a minute. Is this normal? I applied slight pressure on the pc on my first pass and just used the pc weight the second pass. Is this good practice? I ran out of time today, so I'm going to qd tomorrow morning then finish my detail. I'm planning on applying #80 then NXT X 2 (12 hrs apart). Do you guys recommend throwing in DC2 (pure polish) into the mix after speed glaze? Finally, is there any benefit, other than time, in applying NXT with the finishing pad?

Hey,
In my experience 83 can be a bit tough to remove on occasion. When it comes to how much pressure to apply, you are correct in starting out with very little, then you want to use about five pounds on the head, and then lighten up as you are finishing. You might be over working it and that is why it is drying out. Once it goes clear, remove it while it is still a bit wet. If you over work it, just give it a blast with some final inspection to help removal.
DC2 is not necessary after 80 because 80 contains a lot of polish in it. You can if you like though, try it on a section, if it looks better use it, if not just go to wax.
If you apply nxt with the finishing pad, you will most likely apply it more evenly and get a more consistent finish. That said, I have gone back to hand application, for me it just work better.

[gb387]

I just started using #80 and I agree with Lt is will polish up VERY nice on its own.

On the other hand I like to apply NXT with my PC and the finishing pad... I can get a more even layer with my pc, just personal pref.

[radkonn]

Thanks for the advice. I think what I was doing wrong with DACP was using too little product. When I started putting an X on the pad or a line on the truck, it seemed to take longer to work in and not dry out. I guess that is common sense. Now my question is, is this too much product? I am trying to follow Mike's recommendations about using a fast food tray area. I was watching one of the videos on Adam's site, and he did the whole side of a F150 with a little bit of product. Was he using a different kind of polish? It seems like it would have to be really aggressive to remove defects going that fast. How much product do you guys use for each small section?

[Buellwinkle]

If it's a very warm/dry day, spray a little Quick Detailer on the dry pad to moisten it before starting. When you first start out with the pad it acts like sponge so it absorbs a lot of the product so it seems like it's drying quick, that's OK, just use more product and smaller areas when you start with a dry pad and reduce as you go. I tend to use as much product as will do about 1/4 a typical hood, about 2-3 solid slow passes and the product looks like it dissapears but the surface is still moist and I wipe the excess off with a mf towel. If you found that you have too much product on the pad, just do a larger area, not enough, reduce the area. Something you get the feel of by just doing it.

I find that a PC will **** up a lot more product than a rotary to get the same job done, also less chance to dry as it's working quicker.