What did I do wrong?

[bradipock]

After asking questions late this summer (I had to reregister), I finally got around to using my 7424 this weekend. I started by washing my truck using the 2 bucket method, drying with several microfibers and then clayed a couple areas that needed it. I have a black 2007 Silverado and had previously read on here that using 83 seemed to cause some micromarring that would then have to be removed by using ScratchX. I decided to try StratchX first. It did well on the sides of the truck but when I got to the hood, it didn't appear to be as effective. I switched and tried 83 on a small portion, which also seemed to not work. I am sure that I gave it plenty of time to break down and am sure that I used the right amount of pressure on the polisher.

I finished up with a coat of 7 and then 2 coats of NXT. Truck looks pretty good but I know it could look better. Any thoughts on why I may have gotten such poor results on the hood area?

[AeroCleanse]

Re: What did I do wrong?

My guess would be that a DA has reached its limits and you would need to use a rotary.

[Lydia]

Re: What did I do wrong?

While AeroCleanse may be right, it sounds to me like some other factor must be involved if it worked on the rest of your truck but not on the hood. Has the hood been repainted? Did you switch pads partway through or did you use the same pad for the whole truck? Did you use the same pad for ScratchX as you did for #83?

[Ticman]

Re: What did I do wrong?

After asking questions late this summer (I had to reregister), I finally got around to using my 7424 this weekend. I started by washing my truck using the 2 bucket method, drying with several microfibers and then clayed a couple areas that needed it. I have a black 2007 Silverado and had previously read on here that using 83 seemed to cause some micromarring that would then have to be removed by using ScratchX. I decided to try StratchX first. It did well on the sides of the truck but when I got to the hood, it didn't appear to be as effective. I switched and tried 83 on a small portion, which also seemed to not work. I am sure that I gave it plenty of time to break down and am sure that I used the right amount of pressure on the polisher.

I finished up with a coat of 7 and then 2 coats of NXT. Truck looks pretty good but I know it could look better. Any thoughts on why I may have gotten such poor results on the hood area?

I have found that when using #83 with a G100/PC some times it will leave micromarring no matter what. It depends on the paint. Also if you are using a cutting pad there almost no way to avoid marring with a PC. The Meguiars 8006 polishing pad is the best one to use with #83.

Another thing that will really help when using #83 is to lighten up on the pressure when making the last few passes. Actually, I use slightly less pressure with #83 than I do with most other products. By lightening up the pad will rotate faster and finish off with much less marring.

With that said, polishing paint is a process and I almost always will follow up #83 with #80 and a 8006 pad. I personally haven't found any paint that #80 wouldn't finish down to LSP ready on. I know some have had to go with #82 or #9 because of marring with 80 but it's rare. Again when making the last few passes lighten up the pressure and you'll get less micromarring.

I hope this help,

Tic

[bradipock]

Re: What did I do wrong?

I probaby should have put in a little more info. The truck has not been repainted and truth be told really isn't in bad shape. I have never installed alot of swirls or scratches in the paint, though there are a couple that are short and deep (character morks). Just looked like the hood wasn't taking the treatment at all. I used only one pad (8006) for the ScratchX and one (8006) for the 83 both at speed 4. Alot of little scratches that most folks would never even notice. But being that it's mine, I know they are there.

[Ticman]

Re: What did I do wrong?

I probaby should have put in a little more info. The truck has not been repainted and truth be told really isn't in bad shape. I have never installed alot of swirls or scratches in the paint, though there are a couple that are short and deep (character morks). Just looked like the hood wasn't taking the treatment at all. I used only one pad (8006) for the ScratchX and one (8006) for the 83 both at speed 4. Alot of little scratches that most folks would never even notice. But being that it's mine, I know they are there.

That being the case I would get some #80 with a 8006 pad, bump up the speed to 5 on the PC. That should take care of it.

It much harder to break down #83 at the speed setting of 4. It will cause micromarring if not broken down. I always use 5 on my G100 unless I'm applying wax.

Tic

[Lydia]

Re: What did I do wrong?

Tic is correct. Also, just a tip, it is recommended that you switch to a dry pad at least once when you are detailing (especially since your truck is pretty big). After a while, the pad you are using will get saturated with product, which will cause it to work less efficiently.

[mako20C]

Re: What did I do wrong?

being a full size truck owner also, one pad will not work very well at all, it will eventually become "saturated" with product and stick to the truck and not rotate to "do work". make sure you are cleaning your pad often, my routine is usually after two applications of product to the pad using 83. i clean it with a cheapy white terry cloth towel by folding it up and rubbing it on the pad with the G100 turned on. it is amazing the action you get from a saturated pad to putting a fresh one on. i know its expensive to buy alot of pads but it takes 3 pads for my truck one each side, one on hood one tail gate. but by using fresh pads you are actually doing a better job by letting the tools work for you.

with 80 i do notice that i doesnt "gum" up the pads like 83.

as far as micro marr which ive had a run in myself it is very important to work 83 until clear to break down the abrassive using less pressure and the opm's on the da will pick up and youll be polishing more and cutting less as it breaks down,
from my experience.

have fun, get some nxt 2.0 on that black chevy it is amazingly slick and rich.