Looking for some input

[Spectre32]

OK... Well I'm all sorts of new to car detailing, but I have read through a number of posts here and have done allot of reading. I have a Black F250 Pickup that I get detailed about twice a year. I only pay about 80 bucks and they always seem to do a good job. Well I was cutting the grass and as I was going past it I got the "tony stwedard" effect going on. I just stopped and stared at it (you know like the armorall commercial). Anyways, I noticed that there was "lines' on the hood and they appeared to be equally spaced, which I assume was from the buffer. I got up close and starting looking at everything and there were swirl marks visible too! I have invested into some meguiars products before and as I stand here looking at my self I only have a few products that are paint specific. I have the Step 1 and Step 2 of the three step paint system. I have a can of NXT Tech wax (original), a bottle of Yellow wax and then some scratch X (not the 2.0 stuff). I and going to buy a DA here shortly and I wanted to know what other compounds I should invest in. Interior/trim wise I'm golden, but I'm lacking in the actual paint protection area. I also have some light to medium scratches I would like to take care of but those are only in selecte areas. I got a rotary comming too but I'm going to use that sparining.... as I dont know what I'm doing.

[Calais]

Re: Looking for some input

We would need to know how serious your swirl situation actually is, what kind of experience you have, how much you are willing to spend and how accessible certain products are to you. Start with the least aggressive method and use progressively more aggressive methods until you are happy with your results. Save UC and M105 for last.

[Spectre32]

Re: Looking for some input

I'll try to take some pictures and post them up later on.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Looking for some input

A big black truck is going to take a lot more than a $80 detail to get anything beyond a wash and wax from most detailers.

That said, I doubt they did more than that. To properly compound/polish a large black truck to perfection is a big job that would possibly take more than a day to complete if you have really high standards.

That said, if you simply want to get the light swirls out and restore some gloss, going over the truck with some SwirlX and then waxing it could be done in a day.

See if you can get some pictures so we have a better idea of what you are working with. Also, what are your expectations? How good do you want it to look?

[Spectre32]

Re: Looking for some input

Hmmm Well I mean Its a daily driver.. I just want the swirls out and for the most part, maybe clean up whatever scratches I can. I just noticed i posted this int he working by hand section, but I plan on using a buffer and DA to get this job done.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Looking for some input

Hmmm Well I mean Its a daily driver.. I just want the swirls out and for the most part, maybe clean up whatever scratches I can. I just noticed i posted this int he working by hand section, but I plan on using a buffer and DA to get this job done.

So you have a buffer (rotary high speed?) and a dual-action buffer like a PC7424 or the Meguiar's G110?

Have you practiced with the rotary before to the point that you are confident in using it?

If not, you should probably stick to the DA buffer as it is much safer.

There are several products to choose from to work with the DA, ranging from the new consumer line (listed from least to most aggressive) of SwirlX, ScratchX 2.0, and Ultimate Compound, to the very popular 1-2 punch from the Mirror Glaze professional line, M105 and M205.

I would suggest starting out testing a small spot with the DA, a polishing pad, and SwirlX. Assess your results and determine if that will work for you, or if you need something a little bit more aggressive, or a lot more aggressive.

We can help you pick the right products once we know what you are working with an on.

Of course, direct sun pictures of the paint help too.

[Spectre32]

Re: Looking for some input

Well I have NEITHER yet. I am going to buy a DA but before i shell out the cash, I want to aquire a few new products too. I'll but everything that you listed just so I can have it all at my finger tips. I was going to pick up a DA and a few finishing/Polishing pads.

[Spectre32]

Re: Looking for some input

Its been crappy weather here all week, I'll try to take some pictures later on today or tomorrow.