Using UC by hand

[Jack93]

Hey all, just curious about some techniques on how to use UC by hand. My parent's '98 Durango has some pretty ugly swirls all over, and my '04 Mazda has slight waterspots only visible where the sun's reflection on the paint is. So I have been curious about ultimate compound, so I picked up a bottle. What is the best pad to use it with? I did a couple test spots on both cars, and it almost seemed like it did nothing. I worked it for as long as I felt it should be worked..not letting it dry, but giving it a good work time. I realize it doesn't have the diminishing abrasives, it has the SMAT. So does that means it has the same cut no matter how long it's worked? Also I realize the pad I use does matter. I used a yellow pad that came with the gold class wax I used up, but I did clean the pad.

On the Dodge, I really had to put some pressure when I used it, making sure I wouldn't dig my fingers in the pad and make more problems. And it did take some swirls out, but a decent amount remain. On the Mazda, it almost made no difference but I didn't use a ton of pressure. So, I take it that the paint is pretty hard on both these cars. Has anyone ever used it with microfiber pads? Or with a terry cloth towel? It's also my first time using compound so I'm just looking for a few tips on how to use it effectively.

[Murr1525]

Re: Using UC by hand

Usually you would want to use a foam pad.

But yeah, it does take a good amount of pressure and speed. Removing swirls by hand really is a pain, it can be done, but as you are seeing it takes a lot of effort.

You kind of want to put a blob on your pad, then spread it lightly over a foot square or so, then start working it in with pressure, speed, passion, etc.

The DA Power System is a good option if wanting to stay on the lower cost side of things.

[Jack93]

Re: Using UC by hand

Yeah, up until now I didnt really think working by hand was all that bad, and that I could do better than a machine. Not the case with compound, though lol. What are microfiber pads generally used for? Polishing? Because they have the habit of removing product as its being applied, making it dry faster. Which doesn't seem to be effective. I was trying out different pads when i used the compound, and a microfiber was one of my experiments. It did seem to have more of a cut though, just removed product as it went. But, I'm no expert so I could be wrong lol

[Murr1525]

Re: Using UC by hand

If you mean the microfiber hand pads, they can be used for anything... I just don't like them.

Microfiber machine pads can be on the more aggressive side.

[Jack93]

Re: Using UC by hand

yep, thats what I meant. I had a couple microfiber applicator pads in the car stuff drawer down in the basement. I know they are aggressive when used by machine, but what about hand use?

[davey g-force]

Re: Using UC by hand

Yep, A MF hand pad is more agressive than a foam one. So you might want to try that for removing more stubborn defects.

Just be aware though that the MF pad may create some marring of its own, which may have to be cleaned up with either a less agressive compound/polish, or the UC on a foam pad and less pressure.

[Car Potential]

Re: Using UC by hand

I've had good results with using UC by hand. Obviously using a d/a is more convenient and gives better results but working by hand still cleans the paint well. I used a yellow foam pad and like them the best. I would do about 2-3 horizontal passes and then 2-3 vertical passes about 1.5 foot by 1.5 foot. Then wipe off with a MF towel.

And there might be some swirls or scratches still there but that is because we are specifically looking for them. If you are casually looking at the car you will not notice them.