Proper use of Ultimate compound

[dbssoccer]

I need some help with the technique details. This past weekend I tried using a pneumatic DA with UC on white paint that has many fine cracks in what I am assuming is the clear coat. It looks like tracks from a very small chicken. I had some success but was left with many questions and doubts about if I was doing this even close to correct.

First, as it always says, do one small area at a time. Would someone define a small area? Is the entire hood a small area? Half the hood? A quarter of the hood?

Say for now it is 1/4 of the hood. It says apply a small amount of compound to the pad and using overlapping passes cover the area (1/4 of the hood). Now what? Do I wait until dries and then wipe it off? I believe I read to not let the product dry. But if I try to wipe it off while it's still moist it smears and I'm not sure I ever get it all removed. If I let it dry it seems very difficult to buff it off with a cloth.

It seemed like I spent way too much time on just the hood of this small car and I'm not really happy with the results. Most of the failure had to do with the lack of power in my polisher. I have an electric unit on order but even after it comes in I'll still have these same technique questions.

If someone could help with my learning I'd appreciate it.

[DasBurninator]

Re: Proper use of Ultimate compound

A section is generally a 2 foot x 2 foot area at max. Sometimes I work smaller areas. Depends on pad size and humidity mostly.

How slow of an arm speed do you have? DA polishing requires slow arm speed. 1-2 inches per second.

Is the pad rotating? Mark your backing plate with a marker. If your pad isn't rotating it isn't correcting.

After making a section pass then you will want to wipe off the spent polish from the panel and inspect results. If you are happy then move on to the next section, otherwise make another pass.
This is also why you always use a test spot to figure out how many passes, what pad type, speed, compound selection, etc etc etc.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Proper use of Ultimate compound

1) Would someone define a small area? Is the entire hood a small area? Half the hood? A quarter of the hood?
A small area would be a section of the hood about 2 feet by 2 feet or smaller. This is done just to test the product.

2) Say for now it is 1/4 of the hood. It says apply a small amount of compound to the pad and using overlapping passes cover the area (1/4 of the hood). Now what? Do I wait until dries and then wipe it off?
DO NOT WAIT FOR ULTIMATE COMPOUND TO DRY. It is a compound and provides no protection to the paint so there is no reason to allow it to dry. Wipe it off while it is still wet.

3) But if I try to wipe it off while it's still moist it smears and I'm not sure I ever get it all removed. If I let it dry it seems very difficult to buff it off with a cloth.
It might smear a bit but that is not a big deal. If you need to, take some kind of quick detailer or a mildly damp microfiber and wipe the area. Unless you are looking for perfection, you should be able to see if you removed the swirls you wanted. The cracks will not be removed but you should be able to see the swirls. If it looks good, go right to wax but if it appears a bit hazy or unclear, use Ultimate Polish.

4) It seemed like I spent way too much time on just the hood of this small car and I'm not really happy with the results. Most of the failure had to do with the lack of power in my polisher. I have an electric unit on order but even after it comes in I'll still have these same technique questions.
What is the electric unit? Is it a Dual Action polisher? The electric ones you buy at Wal-Mart or AutoZone usually don't have the power but some AutoZones actually do carry Dual Action polishers.

It's a learning process. Don't be too hard on yourself. If the paint is old and cracking then there will only be so much you can do. Just keep trying and be happy that you are learning the process of polishing.

As long as you are working on your car properly, it will look better than 95% of the cars on the road.

It's like Dory. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming.....................

[dbssoccer]

Re: Proper use of Ultimate compound

I found a recon Porter Cable 7424XP the fits the budget.

These are good tips. I will try this again when I get my DA. I understand the Meg machine may vibrate less. Oh well. I'll see how it goes.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Proper use of Ultimate compound

I found a recon Porter Cable 7424XP the fits the budget.

These are good tips. I will try this again when I get my DA. I understand the Meg machine may vibrate less. Oh well. I'll see how it goes.

The 7424XP is a fine machine. If it fits your budget, go for it. Just make sure you get the right backing plate(s).

[DasBurninator]

Re: Proper use of Ultimate compound

The Meg's machine also has a bit more correcting power...

[dbssoccer]

Re: Proper use of Ultimate compound

For pads and backing plate I went with the Meguiar's 5" (DBP5) and the corresponding foam discs (cutting, polishing and finishing)


It is suppose to arrive this Thursday so I may get some time on the white paint before I need to return the car to its owner. (long story)
I do have a red pickup, however, that will provide plenty of opportunity for practice. I'll let you know how things go. Thanks.

[The Guz]

Re: Proper use of Ultimate compound

Good choice. You will like the pads. Really amps up the PC's power.

[drumdan]

Re: Proper use of Ultimate compound

Those cracks might be "crows feet". A restaurants is the only remedy to that. Might want to consult with a professional on that one - if what you're doing doesn't work out.

[Blueline]

Re: Proper use of Ultimate compound

Those cracks might be "crows feet". A restaurants is the only remedy to that. Might want to consult with a professional on that one - if what you're doing doesn't work out.

I asked for crows feet at my local restaurant, and was told the best they could offer was pickled pigs feet.

[mcleod52]

Re: Proper use of Ultimate compound

I asked for crows feet at my local restaurant, and was told the best they could offer was pickled pigs feet.

Okay, that is funny ...

[davey g-force]

Re: Proper use of Ultimate compound

I asked for crows feet at my local restaurant, and was told the best they could offer was pickled pigs feet.

lol you sure have a way with words sometimes! Thanks for the laugh