Finished my first PC detail

rtbrick

rtbrick

Hoping for a sunny day
Whew! Man, what a workout! I started my first detail (on my truck) with my new PC at 0630 and didn't finish it all until 1330! I guess I went rather slow to make sure I got it right. This is what I did:

wash
clay
PC and Hi-Temp Light Cut with white polish pad
UPP
wash tires and dress with Meguiars gel
vacuum and wipe down interior
windows

Not too many steps and I guess I should have used the UPC, but I thought I'd never finish. My truck looks better than when it was new. Let me ask you guys a few time-base questions:

1. How long do you clay in one spot? Just a couple of strokes back and forth or what?

2. When polishing with the PC, how much product you use and does the quantity matter? Some spots I used more than others, so it took longer to work.

3. In a 2'x2' area (or even 3'x3'), how long should I spend polishing? I guess it depends on how much you squirt on the pad.

Any speed tips would be helpful.
 
rtbrick said:


1. How long do you clay in one spot? Just a couple of strokes back and forth or what?
Click to expand...



Don answered your other questions by pointing you to 'Steve L's' guide on using the PC. A great read and very informative...

Regarding claying, I clay until I've removed the contaminates. This might involve a few strokes back and forth or it might call for 10 strokes back and forth... Sometimes I have to clay in one area for quite awhile if I'm removing overspray, fallout, or raildust.

Regards,
Onthespot
 
The key to the PC, as with many things, is practice. You will learn which types of paint like which types of products and how much product to use. I have a little plastic squegee that I use to spread the products on the pads and it works well. Just don't jump for that cutting pad all the time. Unless the finish is a mess, start with a polishing pad and a very mild polish like Poorboys Pro, or something like that. As far as clay goes, don't get hung up on it. Just a few light strokes should do it. Poorboy clays after polishing to clean up areas that need it, and it's not a bad idea. The polish will remove most of the contaminants, leaving only a bit for the clay to do. Definitely read the article in the link above and practice.
 
I have read that article before, but negelected to review it before using the PC. I don't see how some of you can go all day long on a single car. Gotta love it! I did about half of my detail in the blazing sun. I don't have a garage.

The PC was so much easier than doing things by hand. I was a bit apprehenisve about using any kind of polisher until I found this forum. My eyes have been opened!

I'm looking forward to getting even better results on my wifes car. A dark blue 2002 Protege5. It has to go into the shop for some collision work (not here fault). Once it comes back I'll do all of the unaffected panels.
 
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