compudiva

My SUV was swiped at some point but thankfully it was not too bad.  Used Adam's Clay Bar and topped off with some Buttery Wax to hold me over til the next full detail.  A little more paint correction is needed but it will do for now.

Thanks Adam's!!!

The Detail Diva

Cool, thanks for the replies and I will let you know how it turns out.

I used the Quick Sealant and did two coats.  Last time I used it, I only did one coat and no problems.

So, I detailed the car last week, a few hours a night in the garage.  I am not sure if it was due to the poor lighting, or humid conditions but I now have what appear to be smears or dark streaks that seem to be visible in the sun light.  I am hoping I don't have to redo the entire detail.

Any ideas on fixing this problem?  The process I used during the detail was a strip wash, clay, polish, sealant, glaze and wax.

Thanks

Looks like I may be redoing the detail....  Looks like I have smears....

Thanks for the replies.  I may have to redo this detail but will wait and see.  Will definitely start earlier next year so I don't have to contend with the weather.

So, this is the second time using the PC.  I basically got by with just the finishing polish.  But I feel like the first time I got better results.  Perhaps the heat and humidity got to me this go around.  The lighting in the garage is definitely not great so I have a shop but it is a pain to have to move it around - I will probably get a second one.  But if want additional lighting in the garage, what would be the best type of lighting to get?

I got home this evening and pulled the car out of the garage thinking that the lighting would be better and I could perhaps see any scratches I may have missed.  I had also tape off some areas that I needed to hit with the 4" pads but outside I could not see any of the scratches.  Seems as though the shop light really brings out the scratches.  Is this normal?

Hmmm, gotta try the sealant on the wheels tomorrow.

Well, that is good news.  But I can't find the 6.9oz tub by itself.  Looks like it may only be available now with the premium shine kit?  http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-566-adams-premium-shine-kit.aspx

I have been in hibernation this winter.  Just checked the Adam's site and was surprised to see all of the discontinued products.  I could not find the Americana wax, has it too been discontinued?

Michelle

What is DAT vs SMAT?

Thanks Dylan.  I guess what I was wondering was if I used the new polish products would make sense at all to lets say also use the Revive product?   I am trying to figure out if I completely adopt the 2 step method will I ever need to use the old polish products.  Would I want to/would there ever be a need to.

So have the full suite of the old polishing system that I have yet to use.  Is it best to keep those products separate from the 2 step polish system or can some of the products be used with the 2 step?  Not sure why I would want to do a 3 step process over a  2 step process.

Right now i am using the foam pads.  Not sure, but is there a way to clean those as you are polishing?   Nevermind, just re-watched the video for the cleaning which I do have but thought I could use it for the microfiber.  So much to learn and remember!!!  I think I will invest in the microfiber pad for the next time.

So, on average how long does it take you to do a car with moderate correction needs - including the wash, clay, etc.

Thanks Doug.  I was using the new 2 step polish products.   And I do believe I fell into the trap of adding more and more polish.  At some point I did add more detail spray only to the pad and was able to continue with just that but then sometimes I added too much spray and did have some polish slinging about.    I am definitely hearing a reoccurring theme here - polishing takes time.  This is good to know.  Looking forward to my next detail.  A lot of work but I love the shine after.

Well, I pre-soaked my towels in dawn and then after ringing them out put them in the wash.  Felt a little better knowing that perhaps a lot of the polish residue may have been removed first.  I think the utility towels though I will only hand wash.  I put them in the wash once and  was not pleased with the seemingly black break dust that was left as a ring.

Thanks for the feedback Frank.  Looking forward to putting this advice to work next time.

Hi Jason,  thanks.  Yeah, I did not mean that Revive would dull anything but if the paint is dull, will it help to bring back some of the luster assuming of course it was a decent paint job to begin with.

So, do you wash your towels in the washing machine or by hand?  I had been doing mine in the washing machine and then followed it with a clean cycle in the machine.  But I am wondering if the wax residue and stuff is reducing the life of my machine.  The machine is far to expensive for that.  Perhaps I need a dedicated washing machine or laundry mat? Or, should a good pre-soak in a bucket do the job get out most of the residue and then toss in the machine?   Thoughts?

If a car only has few scratches does it make sense to just polish those areas?  Will polish help dull paint - if no scratches would just doing step 2 of the 2 step polish help bring out the shine more?

I believe I have the Revive product, would that help a dull paint or is it not needed with the new 2 step products?  

Thanks

Gerry, I was in the garage out of direct sunlight.  I was able to get a couple of passes back and forth, up and down but it seemed like it was flashing after a minute or two.  Then I would either add more polish or hit it with the detail spray.

Is there an easy way to upload some pictures now or do I need to start a new thread.

Thanks Gerry.  Any tips for when the polish flashes quickly due to the temperatures/humidity?  I may try my mom's vehicle later this week.

Roshan,

Good to know - so polishing is NOT a quick thing.  Thought maybe it was just me not having a lot of experience.