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I didn't take any before pictures (The swirl marks were absolutely dreadful.) But you can all enjoy the result of three hours of polishing and waxing!
For those who do this, I used a combination of Menzurna 400 cutting compound and 3M Perfect-It! finishing polish. I used Sonax paste wax - made in Germany of course!
Looks awesome, I'm still afraid that I'll damage car if I use a DA polisher. Is the 400 cutting a mild compound? Could you briefly describe your method from start to finish. Every time I see cars this well presented I get the urge to address my own.
Looks awesome, I'm still afraid that I'll damage car if I use a DA polisher. Is the 400 cutting a mild compound? Could you briefly describe your method from start to finish. Every time I see cars this well presented I get the urge to address my own.
If you use a DA polisher you'll be fine. A DA polished is something like a porter cable or similar. It's pretty difficult to damage the paint with one to be honest. You'd have to put some real effort into it. I used a rotary polisher which is more dangerous and I'd recommend using a DA before trying rotary.
Rotary can heat up quickly and burning the paint is easy to do if you're inexperienced.
The general procedure to both DA and rotary is to put the compound on the pad, and spread it along the surface you're polishing at low speed. after it is spread evenly turn up the speed and work it into the paint.. Typically anywhere from 2 - 4 passes will work. medium pressure on the polisher will work. It's better to do more passes with lower pressure than to do fewer with more.
The 400 is pretty aggressive and is capable of taking out 1200 grit sand paper scratches.
You will need to go over it again with a finishing polish otherwise the cutting compound will leave holograms and swirl marks.
Looks great!! Red is really beautiful when it's that clean.
I need to get on mine this weekend. I have a Flex polisher from Germany that works really well. It has a forced rotation but still has a random motion also. Makes it hard to do damage with reasonable care.
Looks awesome, I'm still afraid that I'll damage car if I use a DA polisher. Is the 400 cutting a mild compound? Could you briefly describe your method from start to finish. Every time I see cars this well presented I get the urge to address my own.
don't be afraid of a DA, just to a little section at a time, they are pretty fool proof. Now a true rotary....that's where you'll get yourself in trouble.
thanks for posting! looks great- the paint looks really slick. i'm due for a polish too.. i only did the driver fender and door so far with my PC w/ 105 and 205.. LOL
Looks awesome, I'm still afraid that I'll damage car if I use a DA polisher. Is the 400 cutting a mild compound? Could you briefly describe your method from start to finish. Every time I see cars this well presented I get the urge to address my own.
Even with a DA at low speed you need to be really careful around sharp edges.
For instance if you remove the headlights or the bumpers, be really carefull around the edge as you will rub through the paint in no time.
But take your time at first to read around different detailers forums and you will get alot of instructions.
This again will save you time when you start working on your car as you will better understand how polishing works, and what equipment you use.
I have a DA and a menzerna kit (like OP), 400, 2500 and 4000 compounds.
And i've read alot about this, but still its a bit hard to get that proper shine, and knowing where to use the different plates and compounds.
And remember the shine lies in the polish not the wax
