First time with the PC

[kennyg]

Worked with it for the first time today. Temp. is about 30 degrees. 97 Ford Escort, Emerald green. I washed, then clayed. Then polished with SSR 2.5 with a white LC polishing pad. I thought it looked pretty good, so I followed it up with EX-P sealant. On closer inspection I don't see any swirls but alot of fine scratches and some bigger scratches showing white. I also see what looks like either water stains or possibly very old tree sap. I only worked on the hood of the car. I probably should have followed up with SSR 1. Would that of helped with the finer scratches? What can I use on these deeper scratches that show white, and the water stains? I have to say though that when I wiped off the sealant, the Emerald green really started to come up. I thought the SSR 2.5 would have done a little better with the scratches, maybe I didn't use enough product or work it long enough. I set the PC at 6 and worked it in for less than a minute with only a small amount of polish. I was afraid to use too much product, and was afraid to work it in too long. It did wipe off very easily.

 

[moparornocar]

following with ssr1 would help with the finer scratches and the scratches that show white probably are just scratches with some ssr2.5 in them but make sure they didnt go thru the paint

 

[Poorboy]

you certainly needed to work it longer and not all scratches will come out with one pass..you may have to do numerous passes depending on how many scratches, how deep they are and how much you are expecting to come out.
...but being that it was your first time, I give you props for daring to go up to #6 as many people fear the #6:lol:

 

[BlackSunshine]

Then polished with SSR 2.5 with a white LC polishing pad. I thought it looked pretty good, so I followed it up with EX-P sealant.

I think that maybe you should have followed up with SSR 1 and polishing pad before going to your LSP.

On closer inspection I don't see any swirls but alot of fine scratches and some bigger scratches showing white.

See above....

I also see what looks like either water stains or possibly very old tree sap.

Old tree sap may require a paint cleaner before going on to the SSRs or you may have needed to work them (SSRs) in a bit more. Either that or hit it with the clay again.

Keep inspecting as you go along whether it be claying or polishing and don't apply your LSP until you are completely satisfied with your finish. Good luck and have fun.....got some pics?