First round with DA polisher

[Pzzazz]

Hey all,
I've been out here regularly for some time, reading and learning. This site has been very resourceful!

I just tackled my black Audi A6 for the first time. Now, coming from Ontario, anyone from around here know that it's been non-stop rain for the last 4 or 5 weeks. Having a single car garage that's very tight, I'm relegated to work outdoors. Nonetheless, it's been difficult finding time to tackle the car.

The car is in good shape... I apologize for not having photos, but my time today just didn't allow it. Ironic, being that photography is my living. I'll get some shots up soon.

So, the car ended up being a good challenge. The paint is in decent shape, but has fine scratches all over it. The previous owner drove it through car waxes... regularly. (UH). My intentions were to go at it, and get rid of some of those scratches. I ended up being rained out part way through, but I'll eventually finish the job. I did manage to improve things, but it isn't perfect yet.

I tackled it today with the DA polisher, and started with the consumer brand
"Step One" cleaner polish. I quickly learned that the paint was pretty hardy, so I dropped that approach, and went to the #83 cleaner/polish. I picked half the trunk lid and went at it 3 times, working the product to just about dry each time, and wiping it off completely between each time.

After that, I went to the "Step 2" of the commercial line, with a lighter pad, and went over it once. Once that was off, I went to my lightest pad and applied NXT.

Due to time constraints (constant rain, crazy work schedule & a couple young ones) I had to stop the cleaning process somewhat early, in order to get wax on before the end of the day.

I'd be interested in hearing from anyone else who has worked on an Audi. My take from this first round is that the paint is TOUGH, and I'm going to have to go at it more aggressively to get rid of all the swirls.

Thanks for the input (everyone!) and I'm sure I can speak for loads of guys (and probably some girls to) that never or rarely post anything, and say that the site has been invaluable to me & a great resource! It's my first stop when it comes to detailing information!

Cheers!

[new2detailing]

Re: First round with DA polisher

I haven't worked on Audi's before ,but from this site and others it seems that they have a "hard" clearcoat that can present a challenge to do paint correction. Keep at it and experiment.

[Nappers]

Re: First round with DA polisher

I don't own an Audi, but my Dodge Neon had a hard as nails clear coat and I hit it with a hammer, then went with a rotary with M02, bad holograms, then switched back to M02 with the PC and 8006 pad, one pass (or two depending on severity of swirls), then M83 2 passes then LSP. That was on the bad stuff, I used M83 followed by M09 on the easier stuff earlier on the detail.

I'm still learning the rotary but do okay with the PC I think.

I believe my bottle of M02 said to use by hand, orbital, PC or rotary, not positive.

You could try the new M105 but look for threads with people using it!

Also, do a test spot, I dialed my process in on a test spot! So, I didn't get holograms on my whole car when I used the rotary, just my test spot

HOPEFULLY that helps.....

[TerryAdams]

Re: First round with DA polisher

My 2002 Dodge Neon's clear coat: Hard beyond belief!!!

I have read two other older posts about the Audi's "tough as nails" clear coat issues, too.

[Nappers]

Re: First round with DA polisher

My 2002 Dodge Neon's clear coat: Hard beyond belief!!!.....

Did you have to use a hammer?

I had to glue rocks onto a 7006 pad to get anywhere!

That M105 may be the ticket, but do a test spot first

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: First round with DA polisher

Welcome to mol.