PC's pretty much idiot proof?

Nice one going for the PC - no doubt you'll have no regrets!



The SFX-2 polish is very easy to work with. Apply a ring of polish around your pad -about an inch from the edge- and work the product into the panel. You've got quite a long work time with SFX-2 so don't worry about the polish drying up. I usually spread the polish first on speeds 1-2, then bump it up to 4-5 and then 6 for the final bit. This is one of the polishes where you can knock it to 6 and it won't instantly dry up and dust.



If you haven't already, check out the Autopia Car Care manual - lot's of fantastic advice in there :)
 
Excellent, thanks for all the great advice guys!



I'll definately post some before and after pics. Or maybe pics of my crying if I screw up :D
 
Sarcazmo said:
Excellent, thanks for all the great advice guys!



I'll definately post some before and after pics. Or maybe pics of my crying if I screw up :D





that would be posted in the hall of pain section. :geez :LOLOL
 
Definitely get the PC. It's too much work to remove swirls by hand. Even using products like AIO, you'll get much better cleaning power by using a PC with the product rather using it by hand.
 
Sarcazmo said:
Well I may as well tell you what I was going to do then.



First, I was going to wash the car (Duh)

Clay

Wash

SFX-2 for minor swirls. I've actually only got some swirls on my hood, should I use this polish on the entire car? Apply by PC I'd imagine.

Klasse AIO. This I was going to apply by hand, but I'm assuming if I do bite the bullet and by the PC, I'd be better off using the PC for application and removal? Which pad would I use in that case?

Four Star UPP x2. Again I was going to apply by hand. Would it be easier to apply the Klasse and UPP by hand and then buff off?

P21s. Apply by hand, then buff off with machine.



You're saying I'd be better off applying everything and removing it with the PC? Also, with a product like the SFX-2, is that a product that you just use one pad on, or do you work it in with one pad, and then buff it off?



As far as cleaning pads go, in a bucket with dishwasing soap?



Sorry for all the questions, just want to make sure I do everything right.



The polish should be used everywhere. The reason your only seeing swirls on your hood is because its a horizontal panel and swirls are easy to see on horizontal panels. They are present on other panels too.

AIO should be used on a polishing pad. It gives bite to the cleaners and allows them to work better

UPP should be applied with a finishing pad. This type of pad has no cut to it and is perfect for sealant/wax application.

the polish should be applied with one pad for the whole car. I would start with a polishing pad and if that gets the swirls out, great, if not go up to light cut, medium cut, etc pad until the swirls are removed. On your first section that you work on, put a ring of polish on the dry pad and then polish that section. For the rest of the car, your only going to need 3-4 dime sized dots of polish for each new section. Using too much polish will cause the polish to lose effectiveness so dont use too much.

Dishwashing soap in a bucket with your pads is how most people here clean your pads. Just make sure to get your pads into the soap water right after your done with them. Dried polish is a PITA to get out of the pad with just dish soap.



wheny your polishing, move the machine slowly. Your not using a rotary, you dont have to worry about burning thru the paint. Give the polish time to breakdown and remove defects. slight pressure wouldnt hurt either.
 
I'm glad you got the PC. You will not regret it.



If you have questions, just ask! There are so many "detail gurus" in this forum that it's a treasure of good info.



I had always been picky about my vehicles in the past, but in the six months since I have been an Autopian, I have completely changed my ideas, and choice of products.



I have two thoughts to pass along.



First, consider working on an old beater car first. You will no doubt improve the looks of the car, and the owner will be grateful. And, you will have learned something. You won't be a "rookie quarterback" anymore.



Then, you can formulate a "game plan" for your car.



Second, don't underestimate what microfiber towels can do for so many tasks. Six months ago, I had only one MF drying towel. Now, I own 25, of varying qualities, for everything from wiping gunk off doorjambs, to getting the dust off the dash, to working on the windows, to polish and wax removal/buffing.



So, enjoy the ride you are jumping on! It's a blast! And, consider the PC your Christmas present to yourself!



Happy holidays!
 
Neothin said:
The polish should be used everywhere. The reason your only seeing swirls on your hood is because its a horizontal panel and swirls are easy to see on horizontal panels. They are present on other panels too.

AIO should be used on a polishing pad. It gives bite to the cleaners and allows them to work better

UPP should be applied with a finishing pad.Do I apply the UPP to the whole car, or one section at a time? I'm assuming you don't for the Klasse, let it dry to a haze for a minute and then buff it off. This type of pad has no cut to it and is perfect for sealant/wax application.

the polish should be applied with one pad for the whole car. I would start with a polishing pad and if that gets the swirls out, great, if not go up to light cut, medium cut, etc pad until the swirls are removed. On your first section that you work on, put a ring of polish on the dry pad and then polish that section. For the rest of the car, your only going to need 3-4 dime sized dots of polish for each new section. Using too much polish will cause the polish to lose effectiveness so dont use too much. Dishwashing soap in a bucket with your pads is how most people here clean your pads. Just make sure to get your pads into the soap water right after your done with them. Dried polish is a PITA to get out of the pad with just dish soap.



wheny your polishing, move the machine slowly. Your not using a rotary, you dont have to worry about burning thru the paint. Give the polish time to breakdown and remove defects. slight pressure wouldnt hurt either.



I've printed out this entire thread. I think it's such an awesome resource, I'm going to reference it when all my stuff finally gets here. :D :2thumbs:
 
The UPP has to dry, depending on your conditions, it could take 1/2 hour or an hour.



AIO can be wiped off after each panel. If it is hard to wipe off you are using way to much. If the AIO is drying out before you think it should, give it a shot of QD on the pad.



I keep my MF towel over my shoulder when polishing. There is really no safe place to set it down where it wont pick up dust or something abrasive. Sometimes i can put it on my hood, but not always.
 
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