Polishing Without The Desired Result

[XR6TWolf]

Ok, after another weekend of pampering the purple beast I have found that my attempt at getting that showroom shine was a failure.

I opted for the Mothers 3 step kit. Used a random orbital for application of the first two steps.

The first step worked well in terms of removing old wax and grime from the paint but appeared to have no impact at all in terms of removing the many swirl marks and scratches.....these are the type of scratches you would expect from going through a carwash for example, not deep but highly visible on a colour like Vibe.

Nothing deep enough IMO to warrant a clay bar and in any case I lack the experience to be confident trying one.

So...have I missed something....should there have been a mild cutting compound used either before step one or somewhere else along the way?

Any tips appreciated.

[FPV6T]

have you tried a swirl remover?

[wiresquire]

What exactly is in the Mothers 3 step kit?

With a compound or polish, if it's heavy, it may actually create them. If the polish isn't heavy enough, it may not remove them. It's only as you get to lighter cuts or on to a swirl remover that you will see them disappear. Think the same as sand/wet-dry paper. Rough, lighter, lightest.

My understanding is that a clay bar is used more to remove contaminants bonded to the paint rather than removing swirls and scratches.

ws

[400KwXr6t]

Yeah clay bar takes off built up grime salt residue etc, it won't fill in scratches and chips.

its easy as pie to do and makes your paint feel like glass. You then polish and it looks a million bucks.

You just gotta keep the lubricating spray under the clay. lots o lube is the way

Oh and make sure you wash the car first it helps.

[Bender]

I used claybar today, first time ever easy as piss. Just keep it lubbed and rub with the claybar. couldnt be any easier

[chippa]

Just be careful using a claybar...one tiny bit of grit picked up in the clay and you can scratch the living sh*t out of your paint....make sure your paint is TOTALLY clean and be careful not to pick up any fine grit around or near wheel arches etc....

I although very careful have unfortunately created some light marring in my ego paintwork using my clay...I now have to get out the R.O and using a swirl remover correct the paintwork....its very minor but I know its there which sh*ts me...

Edited 28/06/09 12:28 PM by chippa

[XR6TWolf]

  wiresquire said:

What exactly is in the Mothers 3 step kit?

With a compound or polish, if it's heavy, it may actually create them. If the polish isn't heavy enough, it may not remove them. It's only as you get to lighter cuts or on to a swirl remover that you will see them disappear. Think the same as sand/wet-dry paper. Rough, lighter, lightest.

My understanding is that a clay bar is used more to remove contaminants bonded to the paint rather than removing swirls and scratches.

ws

Step 1 is California Gold Pre Wax Cleaner

Step 2 is Sealer and Glaze (This is the one I had hoped would deal with the swirl marks) and according to the Mothers website

Regular application of Mothers® Sealer & Glaze will increase your paint’s depth and luster. Whatever the color, it will give your paint added character and a brilliant, glowing shine. Sealer & Glaze fills and hides minor swirls and defects, minimizing unsightly visual imperfections. It also contains a super-fine polish that further improves the paint surface. Sealer and Glaze is key to giving both light and dark colors their perfect finish.

Step 3 is Carnauba wax (I used the liquid version)

Not sure if that helps much

[eicarsto]

I had the same problem with my previous car a Honda Accord Euro. No matter how hard I tried, how long I took, I just couldnt get it perfect.

Until I went searching for the right stuff! I took a leap of faith and spent nearly $300 on a Zaino kit including the microfibre cloths. Being a Scottsman that was painful!

Thought the missus would tear me a new ahole! As soon as I got it I used it on the Honda and was blown away by the results. I was so impressed I used it on my wifes Suzuki Swift Sport and she was delighted. It really is that good.

The trick to using it is simple, less is more. You dont need a lot to get the best results which in turn doesnt make the product too expensive in the long run.

I now use it on my FPV EGO and I can truthfully say it is still awesome stuff.

Incidentally the body panels on a $70000 FPV are nowhere near as solid our well finished as a $40000 Honda! But the engine...hmmm the engine.

Long story short, invest in some Zaino, spend some time perfecting how to apply, and you will be a happy man. I have had the same kit for over a year and still have plenty left.

PS I always use human power..never orbitals.

Wayne

[wiresquire]

Step 2 is your problem. There's 2 different approaches to scratches and swirls. One is to polish to remove them which evens the paint/topcoat out, and the other is to 'fill them'. I'm not going to debate the pros and cons of each. The only thing I'll say is that most detailers tend to go for the polish rather than the fill. The Zaino kit mentioned above will probably include a polish...

From the description you give, the Sealer and Glaze is mainly a 'filler' type product rather than an abrasive polish. So, if the scratches/swirls are still showing, then the 'filling' isn't happening properly, and it doesn't have enough abrasive power to remove the swirls. Can't really say what the issue is as each product is very different. Too much product, not enough, too much pressure on the OR, or not enough. It can be a pain. You are doing it in the shade with all the panels cool, right?

BTW, there's a very informative thread here about the differences between polish, wax and the different types of stuff available.

hth

qs

Edited 29/06/09 12:13 AM by wiresquire

[ms700]

yep, zaino is the sh*t.

use that in conjunction with a meguiars clay bar and she'll be apples

toss the orbital to the woodworkers.