Hello Autopia,
I have been cruising this forum for a while; however, I never posted anything since I never had a vehicle worth spending 500 dollars on equipment to detail!
However, 7 days ago, I bought a used 2008 Lexus IS250. Definitely a car that is worth detailing in my book, since I am only 21 years old! I also knew I would be coming to this site all the time, since the color is my absolute least favorite color (black).
I didn't really look at the exterior super close, when I purchased the car since I know many of you will assist me in getting this paint to tip-top shape. At a quick glance, the exterior looked like it was in decent shape. On the other hand, as I have polished this car, I did notice some things that I really don't like. It appears that the rear bumper has been repainted (there is some paint that dried over a gap), looks like there is almost clear damage in a few places (will post pictures later), and it looks like wet sanding marks. In addition, I am a little worried about what damage the used car dealer has caused to this car (note wet sanding marks).
I then purchased a whole wide variety of goodies to go along to detail this car. Here is my equipment list so far (bought most of these items 7 days ago, , so I could work this weekend). I had some previously due to free coupons from advanced auto parts, hence griot's line of items
o Griot's Garage Random Orbital / Swirl Removal Package
o Machine Polish 2/3
o Griot's Paint Sealant
o CCS Orange/White/Red Pads
o Misc. Items
o Sonus Clay Bar Kit
o Optimum No Rinse
o Leather Masters Cleaner/Vital/Conditioner
o 303 Protectant
o Griot's Interior Cleaner
o 2 Grit Guards
o Sheepskin washmitt
o Griot's Garage Car Wash
o Guzzler Waffle Weave
o Various Microfibers
o Halogen Lights
Here are my lessons learned so far.
o I need more "nice" Microfibers
o I need more white/orange pads.
o I read on here that MP 2/3 are not so abrasive, I have many remaining scratches left. I need something to kick it up a notch.
o I need another Drying Microfiber
o I need to increase my arm strength (man that polisher gets heavy).
o I need to get a chair that allows me to roll around.
So this past weekend I have invested about 15 hours working on this car so far and this is where I stand. I have clayed (entire car), polished/sealed the hood and the passenger side of the vehicle. Here are some crappy pictures (pictures were an afterthought) that I have took of my progress. I did not do a test panel since I was very limited on what I can use product wise. So I just went with what I had.
o The 50/50 shots, were not a raw/finish comparison. If I recall right, it was a raw/MP 2 comparison.
o The before and after shot, is not the same door, I didn't not get a before shot of the door I was working on, so I just took a picture of the other side (should have similar defects).
I have been cruising this forum for a while; however, I never posted anything since I never had a vehicle worth spending 500 dollars on equipment to detail!
However, 7 days ago, I bought a used 2008 Lexus IS250. Definitely a car that is worth detailing in my book, since I am only 21 years old! I also knew I would be coming to this site all the time, since the color is my absolute least favorite color (black).
I didn't really look at the exterior super close, when I purchased the car since I know many of you will assist me in getting this paint to tip-top shape. At a quick glance, the exterior looked like it was in decent shape. On the other hand, as I have polished this car, I did notice some things that I really don't like. It appears that the rear bumper has been repainted (there is some paint that dried over a gap), looks like there is almost clear damage in a few places (will post pictures later), and it looks like wet sanding marks. In addition, I am a little worried about what damage the used car dealer has caused to this car (note wet sanding marks).
I then purchased a whole wide variety of goodies to go along to detail this car. Here is my equipment list so far (bought most of these items 7 days ago, , so I could work this weekend). I had some previously due to free coupons from advanced auto parts, hence griot's line of items
o Griot's Garage Random Orbital / Swirl Removal Package
o Machine Polish 2/3
o Griot's Paint Sealant
o CCS Orange/White/Red Pads
o Misc. Items
o Sonus Clay Bar Kit
o Optimum No Rinse
o Leather Masters Cleaner/Vital/Conditioner
o 303 Protectant
o Griot's Interior Cleaner
o 2 Grit Guards
o Sheepskin washmitt
o Griot's Garage Car Wash
o Guzzler Waffle Weave
o Various Microfibers
o Halogen Lights
Here are my lessons learned so far.
o I need more "nice" Microfibers
o I need more white/orange pads.
o I read on here that MP 2/3 are not so abrasive, I have many remaining scratches left. I need something to kick it up a notch.
o I need another Drying Microfiber
o I need to increase my arm strength (man that polisher gets heavy).
o I need to get a chair that allows me to roll around.
So this past weekend I have invested about 15 hours working on this car so far and this is where I stand. I have clayed (entire car), polished/sealed the hood and the passenger side of the vehicle. Here are some crappy pictures (pictures were an afterthought) that I have took of my progress. I did not do a test panel since I was very limited on what I can use product wise. So I just went with what I had.
o The 50/50 shots, were not a raw/finish comparison. If I recall right, it was a raw/MP 2 comparison.
o The before and after shot, is not the same door, I didn't not get a before shot of the door I was working on, so I just took a picture of the other side (should have similar defects).
