What am I doing wrong with Menzerna IP/FP?

[volkl23]

I've used the Menzerna twins twice now and found it be an extreme pain on both occasions. I am using a PC with a yellow pad for the Initial Polish and a white pad for the FP. The BIG problem I have are the the little specks/powder of IP the go flying everywhere. Let me elaborate...



I first spray a few shots of QD (Final Inspection in this case) on the pad to moisten it. I then proceed to place two lines of IP on an area. Next, I spread around the product with the PC to spread it around so I don't splatter it everywhere once I turn it on.



I set the PC to 4 and start working it in. I gradually turn it to 5 then 6. Here is the problem. When I get it to 6, the PC is going pretty fast and the IP is pretty much being broken down (getting dry and powdery). When I am done with an area, it's a COMPLETE MESS, because now I have little specks of DRIED IP EVERYWHERE. Size range from fine powder to salt-sized specks. It removes easily with a MF, BUT I can never get off all of it (it's just everywhere).



Fast forward 10 minutes and notice a few specks I've missed. I try to wipe it off, but it's still there! It's as if the IP speck has stuck onto the paint! I tried using AIO to no avail. It's still stuck there! If I use my nails, I can eventually scratch it off with many back and forth strokes I might add.



So the parts of the hood I missed are now covered with little tiny white dots! I tried claybar and was able to remove a few of them, but many still remain. I am so bummed out.



Can anyone give me feedback on my technique? Am I supposed to not let IP break down all the way before I wipe with a MF? Any suggestions on removing those stubborn IP specks on my hood?



Thanks everyone!

 

[thinksnow]

The dusting you are experiencing may be:



1) Too much product

2) Working the product too long



I'm inclined to think it's the former. The other thing you can do is get an old toothbrush and run it over the pad's surface with the PC set at 2-3. Do this on the right half of the pad with the PC pad facing up so the debris doesn't spray you. Clean the pad after every panel, and switch pads once you feel the pad has "loaded up" on product. I typically go through 2-3 pads (maybe overkill) using IP so as to avoid this.



As for the residue, it's surprising that following with FP didn't remove the IP residue. "Gluezerna" is an apt nickname for both of these products, but working small areas should help you out. The trunklid of the Honda is three areas, for me (for example).



Once the budget makes it possible, try some FPII. It contains some oils so that you can work the product longer, and is *much* easier to remove.



For a great read, check out Dr. Jones' tutorial. It's very comprehensive.



Get Your Menzerna "Learn" On



OT: Is your user name a ski reference? My planks are 5 Stars.

 

[volkl23]

Thank you Thinksnow for your prompt reply!



I must admit that I did not have time to actually do the FP this time around. I was on a major time cruntch to finish. It was either finish now or wait a month for my next opportunity to detail again so I chose the former and did the following:



QEW, Clay, Menzerna IP, Klasse AOI followed by SG.



I have a few question for you since you seem to be quite knowledgable on the Gluezerna Twins.



How can you tell if you've worked the product too long? Isn't better for the product to break down all the way (so it's in a powder form) much like DACP?



Why is a loaded up pad bad? I've only been using one yellow pad for the whole car. It gets loaded up like heck- the yellow pad pretty much tires completely white, but I still continue to use it. Not a good idea?



I actually used the link you provided as a guide when I initially started. I obviously didn't do something right! It seems like the amount I'm using is very similar to how much he's using. I think I might be working it too long though. I work it to the point where the product is dry and literally disappears! If I go over and over again, the PC acts as the last step of using a MF to remove the product. Should I just stop when it's semi-hazy and still wet?



As always, thanks for you pearls of wisdom!