I could use some advise on removing polish after buffing.

avg_joe

New member
I've done a number of cars of the years, so I don't consider myself a newbie, but last night was getting frustrating. I'm using SIP on a LC white pad with my flex on a new Mini Hardtop bonnet (Red). (Orange pad was too much). I can make a pass or two, when I do my IPA wipe I'm putting in small scratches. I've tried several new and different brands of MF's but I can't seem to clean up without streaking or scratching. I've cleaned up all dealer contributed stuff. I need to finish up tonight, so if you have any suggestions I'd appreciate it. I tried to clay after a CG citrus wash and really added some marring, but I've got that cleaned up. I never had any issues like this on any of the other cars. BTW the clay is Griots. Thanks in advance.
 
Non metallic red right? - Why are you using IPA? Skip the step and go directly to your finishing polish. Apply your LSP over the finishing polish if you are not able to remove it without causing damage. Use a red or blue pad on your flex to remove the wax. Done this before on very finicky paints. Don't stress yourself over it too much. Just imagine what the car is going to look like once the owner washes it. Just explain the situation. Good luck!
 
Funny thing--I've always used Clay Magic Blue and never seen any marring, but this spring used Griots clay that was included in my polisher kit and had significant marring on VW clear. Switched back to Clay Magic on my wifes VW and no marring.



Anyhow, I've seen Barry Theil suggest window cleaner as a wipe down and Accumulator mention Megs #34 Final Touch detailer for a wipe down after polishing.
 
Thanks, yea chili red. I was wiping down to make sure the correction was ok. I'll try the finish polish on the section I left off last night. It was a long day and rather than make it worse I cleaned up and went to bed. I really looks good for the most part. The plan is to Opti Coat it. I'm stressing (a little) because the owner is my wife. :smile:
 
That changes things. I am glad I am not in your shoes. :D



PS: After 10 years with me, my wife knows to get silver, white or very light metallic only. :)
 
pwaug said:
Funny thing--I've always used Clay Magic Blue and never seen any marring, but this spring used Griots clay that was included in my polisher kit and had significant marring on VW clear. Switched back to Clay Magic on my wifes VW and no marring..



Huh, marring from GG clay?!? Sure never had that...wonder if it was a bad batch or a reformulation or...what :think: :nixweiss



Anyhow, I've seen Barry Theil suggest window cleaner as a wipe down and Accumulator mention Megs #34 Final Touch detailer for a wipe down after polishing.



Right. When I get marring from polish buff-off, I use some Meguiar's M34 Final Inspection first and then buff. Much more lubricity than IPA. I *always* have to do this with products like M105 lest I get some micromarring.



Be careful with the window cleaner idea...the rest of us aren't Barry Theal ya know ;) And don't use stuff with ammonia in it.
 
Ok thanks, I should be home in a little bit and will try again.

She just had silver, I have white, I took care of her Alero, bright red, for 10 years no problems, just got better over the years from reading this forum.

Although I spent a bit of money as well !!! Thanks guys.....



I previously used the clay on a new BMW 335IS. metallic white. No problems, came out great. Just stored it back in the container and sprayed with some clay lube. I kneaded it for a bit before I used it as well.
 
avg_joe said:
..stored [the clay] back in the container and sprayed with some clay lube. I kneaded it for a bit before I used it as well.



You don't even need to "moisten" it with the lube as clay doesn't dry out the way one might expect. OR maybe I should say it's never dried out for me, even after *years* and the people in the business I've discussed it with say it won't dry out period. Heh heh, figured I'd better add that YMMV disclaimer just in case ;)
 
I stopped by adv auto on my way home and picked up some Groits MF for wax removal. I didn't add any scratches with these. After another long night, I finished up. I modified my process and used less product. The first night I likely panicked a bit from the damage with the clay and probably got carried away and was very tired. I followed it up with a blue pad and FPII and I'm pleased with the results. I didn't take any pics of the damage (blocked it out) but I know you guys like pics so I took some quick ones. I still need to opti coat it in the next couple of days. She's very happy as well.



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Thanks, not totally. I used new costco ones first and they worked good for a bit then I would get steaking. When I tried to keep flipping them then I picked up a scratch (yes tag remove). I tried the ones I got with the opti coat and they did the same. I think I was using too much. Also I thought I let it cool down enough, but the motor retains heat along time. The second night went alot better and it sat in the garage all day. The bonnet was the worst, the sides looked good from the start. I think they messed it up when they removed the protective film it gets shipped with. Thanks for the responses.......
 
great photos. stunning colour. The IPA wipedown is not needed if you are using water based polishes. there are very few of them in existance though
 
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