Caddy SRX Hammered!!!

R

rsunnafrank

New member
Hi guys,



Whats the way to use PPCL - I used it via the instructions on the bottle.



Started by Dawn'ing the car, clayed the paintwork and then used a terry pad and rubbed some PPCL on on a small area, back and forth, until it went dry. I then buffed off with another dry terry towel.



However, when I checked the car under some florescent lighting I could see straight-line "swirls" where i had worked the PPCL in along the paint. Is this right? Should I try another application, or stop now? Bit worried that I've just made the swirls in my paintwork a whole lot worse.... :(





-andy-
 
I don't like using a terry pad. Many scratched are caused my these. The burrs and rough weave make it hard to distribute the material (abrasive or cleaner or wax) and the pressure evenly against the surface. Also, it is best not to run any cleaner or wax until dry. Stop short and then LIGHTLY buff off. Running dry also makes the material inconsistant and can cause scratching and marring. There is very little abrasive in PPCL. The problem is more likely in the applicator. Also, don't push too hard. Let the material (PPCL) do the work for you.
 
I second what brad said. I would get scratches using a terry applicator, regardless of the type of polish used, including PPCL. Using PPCL with a MF app or a small yellow foam app on the other hand, left a very glossy, deep shine on the surface.
 
I had some similar problems with PPCL. I did notice some slight marring and I was using a foam app. I then switched to a white pad with my PC and had no problems whatsoever.
 
Will try again with a foam app then...



Either way, I'm still having problems with the real problem (the reason i'm using PPCL). My bonnet (hood :)) was sprayed about a week ago and I've only had a chance today to get some protection on it (also, I thought it was not a good idea to wax a newly painted finish straight away).



Anyway, when i cleaned the paint down, it looks like the rain or something has marked the clear-coat. There are small spots all over the bonnet, like water marks. But they're not coming off easily. Does it sound like the rain has etched into my paint finish? If so, is PPCL going to get this out (its not doing a great job at the moment.. :( )





-andy-
 
I'll second the use of the PC and white pad. BTW, I would not use Dawn if you are going to use PPCL. Just wash the car with regular car wash ie Gold Class etc. The PPCL will remove whatever wax or sealant residue.



H
 
The PPCL formulation has changed and some people have only tried the old, citrus smelling one.



I sucessfully used the new one to remove hazing left by a Fine Cut rubbing compound! Yes, I did strip the fillers it left behind.



However it left its own hazing behind! I have to work on my hand polishing technique but I do evaluate everything under 1000W of halogen lights and if it's hazed under that I don't do it at all.



How do you prefer to apply PPCL with PC? I am still wary of using it before anything because of all the fillers that you "have to" (?) strip if you are using a synthetic that you don't ever plan to strip.
 
Client picked up this 2 year old SRX recently as a daily driver. It came from the DC area, and like most things in DC (ie, our politicians), it was filfthy). He contacted me and Chris to come bring it up to the condition of his 2 Escalades that we also take care of.

We had a plethora of issues to deal with. Contaminates on the paint, swirls, rids, brush marks, tunnel wash brush marks across the length of the vehicle, holigrams, and baked on gunk in the barrells of the wheels.

In addition to the condition of the vehicle, we had to battle thunderstorms, and a constant barrage of pollen. We left the garage door open to get some ventilation, and to get additional lighting.

This was an exterior only. I didn't take any pictures of the wash, as everyone should be familiar now with the 2 bucket wash method.

Here is the clay after only one panel:
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I kneeded the clay and did a second panel:
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We then took some pictures of the carnage:
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In true European form, notice Chris' swanky socks with flip flops action he has going on:
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The clear on this vehicle laughed at D300 and MF pads, and also didn't respond to surbufs and 105. So, we rotaried with the Makita, PFW and 105. In a couple of areas, we stepped up to Solo burgundy wool and 105. We then followed with the Flex and Cyan and 105 - 3 passes (yes 3) on every panel. The client has taken a liking to the Griots machine, and wanted to help, so he did the final step of Griots, Orange and 205, left the residue on the panel, and switched to a black pad with a drop more of 205, and worked back over the area again. In process shots:
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Also, Mikenap works in the area, and swung by to help some after he got off work. Here is Mike working the Flex:
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And the client using the Griots and 205:
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Here we are checking some progress-the specs you see are pollen:
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I did get a couple of shots of the sun hitting the fender, while we were working:
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A few reflection shots:
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After polishing the paint, we went ahead and pulled the wheels.
Before:
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Here is one soaking:
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Mike working his magic:
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Getting better:
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We also polished the wheels with M105 and Meg's NXT Metal Polish on a 4: Orange pad with the PC.
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Lastly, they were Opti Guarded and put back on.

We applied Opti Guard to the Wheels and Glass (the entire roof is glass). The rest got Collinite 476s. It was 8:40 pm and dark when we finished, so the final shots are in the garage:
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Wow, nice work - and WORK it must have been!

From wash to LSP I counted at least 8 complete passes on that large car - that will wear you out.

I think it's great that the owner took an active role in the process - it should give him an appreciation of the level of effort you take to bring his car back to life.

Regards,
GEWB
 
Hey Dave,

That is some team you assembled there. The "Terrific Trio" of detailers.

You guys did a great job on what looks like a very difficult Caddy.:thumbup:
 
LOL When I first looked at the pic of your client using the DA I thought the reflection of the bag was him using way too much polish. Not true, just a good reflection. Nice work.




:White Horse:
 
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