Well I've dove in head first and I am looking for some feedback on the challenges I met along the way. First off, I am detailing my own vehicle, a newly acquired 2011 black Nissan Rouge. When I picked up the vehicle I noticed all the swirl marks and minor scratches. I knew it was not worth arguing with the dealer at the time so I set out to learn as much as I can, get some decent products and give it a shot.
I had a large block of time last Wednesday afternoon/evening so I figured it was as good a time as any. I was also going away for the weekend the next day so I didn't have to worry about getting up for work.
I started out with a two bucket wash using CG MaxiSuds. That went well. I dried the car with the air gun and a weave towel. Next I pulled it into the bay with all the lights on and began to inspect the areas that would need more attention. The car has noticeable orange peel almost everywhere but there is nothing that will be done about that at this time. I clay barred the whole car using PB S&W as lube. That went well too. I then rinsed the car and re dried.
Due to the large amount of swirls, the "Hard Clear Coat" sticker under the hood and the scratches I started with M105 and a 6 inch Orange cool wave pad on the DA. This is where things got interesting. I primed the pad and then put of three spots on the pad. I tried to spread it around before turning on the polisher. It seemed to just dry up and not really do anything. So then I put more on and kept going. I feel that I was using too much of the product during application compared to all the instructions I had read. I powered through realizing that I would need to use a substantial amount of pressure to get the compound to do any work. I got some decent results on the lighter swirls and scratches but some others were still visible. I shoved on in this journey to the m205 stage with a blue cool wave pad. I used lighter pressure on that and it looked pretty good. I am going to need to work on my correcting skills but for now it will do. I will give it another shot before Winter when I strip it down and build it back up. I may try a MF pad and I will DEF be using a smaller set up. This damn car has more nooks and crannies than an English muffin. Also, I cleaned the pad often with a brush and air.
Next, the worst step of this process. If I was describing a trans Atlantic crossing in a ship this would be where we hit the hurricane. EX-P. I knew I wanted a sealant and this seemed like a good all around option. I had a white pad for it but I choose to apply it by hand using a foam applicator pad. I started on the roof then worked my way around the car. I let it sit for about 30 mins (prolly around 60 total by the time I got to each section). I got out my new plush microfiber towel and started buffing...nothing. The amount of sheer force needed to remove the thinly applied film was staggering. Finally through a fair amount of sweat, multiple curses and multiple microfiber towels I though I had removed it all. It looked like I had removed it all. I let the car sit until Sunday when I returned outside in the sun. It did not rain at all.
Then I give it a quick wash and applied a layer of Natty Blue. It was lookin pretty good. Two days later it rained for the whole day with extreme prejudice. Upon inspection I noticed a bunch of spots where it looked like I had not buffed off the sealant. WTF Mate? I could not do anything about it during the week. This weekend I gave it a really good wash then used... Bug Squash actually... on the spots that remained with a MF towel. That seemed to get the spots off with a little persuasion. I then rinsed it off and applied another layer of Natty Blue.
Take Aways:
I need to practice with M105 and M205. I think with a little more patience and the right tools I will be able to get those pesky swirls.
I dread the idea of using EX-P again. I can't figure out where I went wrong. It was applied thinly it sat for the directed time. I dunno. It was warm outside, nighttime and i am not sure of the humidity but it's been pretty bad here in NJ.
The Natty Blue is good. I expected a little more beading but that may be due to built up expectations of reading almost every post in the forum.
I will keep at it and find a combo that i am happy with. It is very enjoyable and satisfying to see it in the driveway.
I had a large block of time last Wednesday afternoon/evening so I figured it was as good a time as any. I was also going away for the weekend the next day so I didn't have to worry about getting up for work.
I started out with a two bucket wash using CG MaxiSuds. That went well. I dried the car with the air gun and a weave towel. Next I pulled it into the bay with all the lights on and began to inspect the areas that would need more attention. The car has noticeable orange peel almost everywhere but there is nothing that will be done about that at this time. I clay barred the whole car using PB S&W as lube. That went well too. I then rinsed the car and re dried.
Due to the large amount of swirls, the "Hard Clear Coat" sticker under the hood and the scratches I started with M105 and a 6 inch Orange cool wave pad on the DA. This is where things got interesting. I primed the pad and then put of three spots on the pad. I tried to spread it around before turning on the polisher. It seemed to just dry up and not really do anything. So then I put more on and kept going. I feel that I was using too much of the product during application compared to all the instructions I had read. I powered through realizing that I would need to use a substantial amount of pressure to get the compound to do any work. I got some decent results on the lighter swirls and scratches but some others were still visible. I shoved on in this journey to the m205 stage with a blue cool wave pad. I used lighter pressure on that and it looked pretty good. I am going to need to work on my correcting skills but for now it will do. I will give it another shot before Winter when I strip it down and build it back up. I may try a MF pad and I will DEF be using a smaller set up. This damn car has more nooks and crannies than an English muffin. Also, I cleaned the pad often with a brush and air.
Next, the worst step of this process. If I was describing a trans Atlantic crossing in a ship this would be where we hit the hurricane. EX-P. I knew I wanted a sealant and this seemed like a good all around option. I had a white pad for it but I choose to apply it by hand using a foam applicator pad. I started on the roof then worked my way around the car. I let it sit for about 30 mins (prolly around 60 total by the time I got to each section). I got out my new plush microfiber towel and started buffing...nothing. The amount of sheer force needed to remove the thinly applied film was staggering. Finally through a fair amount of sweat, multiple curses and multiple microfiber towels I though I had removed it all. It looked like I had removed it all. I let the car sit until Sunday when I returned outside in the sun. It did not rain at all.
Then I give it a quick wash and applied a layer of Natty Blue. It was lookin pretty good. Two days later it rained for the whole day with extreme prejudice. Upon inspection I noticed a bunch of spots where it looked like I had not buffed off the sealant. WTF Mate? I could not do anything about it during the week. This weekend I gave it a really good wash then used... Bug Squash actually... on the spots that remained with a MF towel. That seemed to get the spots off with a little persuasion. I then rinsed it off and applied another layer of Natty Blue.
Take Aways:
I need to practice with M105 and M205. I think with a little more patience and the right tools I will be able to get those pesky swirls.
I dread the idea of using EX-P again. I can't figure out where I went wrong. It was applied thinly it sat for the directed time. I dunno. It was warm outside, nighttime and i am not sure of the humidity but it's been pretty bad here in NJ.
The Natty Blue is good. I expected a little more beading but that may be due to built up expectations of reading almost every post in the forum.
I will keep at it and find a combo that i am happy with. It is very enjoyable and satisfying to see it in the driveway.
