Polishing a few panels at time: question

[8675309'SS]

I want to work on just a few panels at a time, on the black Impala. So I don't want to strip the whole thing. After cleaning and claying the panels I'm going to work on, will 50/50 ISP and distilled water be enough to remove wax before I begin to polish? Thoughts? suggestions?

[Chonke]

Im not sure about the isopropyl, but why not a wash bucket with adams strip wash, but just wash the panel youre going to work with? Instead of the whole car. Maybe a smaller wash sponge too, so you dont accidentally strip other areas of the car. Just another option

[mathews31]

that's what I did, I used a bucket with a good amount of water maybe 3 gallons and some strip wash and washed the area (and clayed) then dried it so I could polish

[8675309'SS]

Thanks fellas. I had considered that as well. Just wanted to get opinions from the smart kids

Edited July 3, 2017 by 8675309Maro

[Firebuff17]

I did my full size truck a few panels at a time. Here is how I worked it.

Stripped washed the whole truck.

Day 1: clayed then 3 step polished the bed sides and tailgate then 1st coat paint sealed.

Day 2: clayed then Microfiber blue pad and orange foam pad corrected drivers side 2 doors.

Day 3: clayed then Microfiber blue pad and orange foam pad corrected hood and front bumper.

Day 3: clayed then Microfiber blue pad and orange foam pad corrected passenger side 2 doors.

Day 4: white pad corrected entire cab and 1st coat paint sealed.

Day 5: 2nd coat of paint sealant on entire truck.

I only had 1 set of pads of each step so it worked out well splitting it up into multiple days for time and equipment constraints. Took some planning for on my end for weather cooperation and work schedules but when the time came all went very smooth for my first time paint correcting.

Edited July 3, 2017 by Firebuff17

[falcaineer]

Thanks fellas. I had considered that as well. Just wanted to opinions from the smart kids.

Thus the reason I didn't reply.

[Beemer]

Yes. 50/50 IPA will strip your wax and sealant. Your "one panel per day" plan will work fine.

[Triumph Man]

This is how I have done all our small car insections, for physical respond those consecutive days are not feasible, so a section at a time, wash clay swirl removal as long as I get some wax on it. Cleaning just the roof may be a technical challenge, which I am currently working on.

[Chonke]

This is how I have done all our small car insections, for physical respond those consecutive days are not feasible, so a section at a time, wash clay swirl removal as long as I get some wax on it. Cleaning just the roof may be a technical challenge, which I am currently working on.

By "cleaning the roof" do you mean claying and polishing or just washing?

[Triumph Man]

Thank you, yes it needs claying and correction, I could use ONR to wash it without compromising the rest of the vehicle, for me to correct this SUV roof in one session would be a functional challenging, I have had help previously.

[Chonke]

Thank you, yes it needs claying and correction, I could use ONR to wash it without compromising the rest of the vehicle, for me to correct this SUV roof in one session would be a functional challenging, I have had help previously.

I dont think ive ever polished or clayed the top of my truck lol. I have a hard time drying the top when I wash it, let alone detailing it. Ive seen people use step ladders to reach the top but I havent tried it yet. I do have a long scratch on the top from a tree branch. But you can only see it when standing on the truck bed. 

 

My car is T-tops so there is very little paint on the top. And it sits low so its very easy to reach just by standing up.