JBirdFX4

Did you happen to section off a test spot on your hood?

 

This is helpful as it will tell you how many passes of each product is needed to reach your desired results with your technique. Be sure not to use too much product, 3 pea size drops/small X on the pad should be enough to test.

 

In the earlier days of detailing I made a mistake of polishing the whole car with a two step polish then later discovering that I had some swirls remaining. A test spot (about 12 x 12) will do you a world of good. Any stubborn or deeper scratches can be revisited with the 4" pads and a drill.

 

Regarding technique, slow and overlapping passes (about 50%) with moderate pressure (weight of the machine plus weight of your arms) is a good guideline. Some panels may need more attention (hood, roof etc) it will be up to you once you get a feel what the panel responds to.

Nice start Joshua.  

 

I would suspect you are correct, you probably need to work on your technique, and usually that means slowing down and using less product.  

If you have not done so, try taping off a 2 ft. x2 ft. area and work that until you are statisfied.  You may need to work the area multiple times with the cutting pad and PCP to remove all the damage (make the cross hatach passes until the product flashes, wipe to check progress, and reapply & polish again).

 

That being said, no need to remove the current protection, just wait 5 months or so (it you can stand it!).

Thank you both! I did do a test patch on the hood and was really happy with how it turned out. I think I just got a little over zealous and went to town. But it looks 10times better then it did when I started. So no need to start over for me! Just going to take more practice I presume.

Alright so today I decided to tackle my Black F150 for the first time ever. I am really pleased with how it turned out but I didn't get as much correction as I would have liked. More than likely it is my technique, too fast, too much product etc.. Here at my steps:

1. Strip wash with APC

2. Clay with DS

3. Paint correcting with orange MF pad (cyclo)

4. Paint finishing with white MF

5. Brilliant Glaze

6. Liquid Paint Sealant

7. Topped with Americana

Like I said I am incredibly pleased with my results but there were a few swirls that I can not get out. Here are some pics. Finished pics will be tomorrow, ran out of daylight. Any pointers please let me know!

My next purchase will be an Audi! Great looking car!

Looks awesome!!

If it was me I would go back and express your concern and see what they have to say, $400 is a lot of money and should show great results for what you paid for. Just my opinion of course.

+1

 

BTW, I find the best results going in this order:

 

1- Clay

2- Correcting Polish

3- Finishing Polish

4- Brilliant Glaze

5- Americana Paste or Buttery Wax on garage queens. Liquid Paint Sealant on drivers.

 

So you are a shine-sick-freako?  So am I.  I use Brilliant Glaze more than anything else applied/ removed.  

 

I love how you say detailing, '....puts you in a happy place."  I just did my truck on Saturday, and got some major satisfaction!

So, glaze before seal on my DD? I am getting ready to tackle my Black F150 for the first time and just want to make sure I have the correct steps. Im still a noob!  

Welcome to the obsession Garett!

Very interesting! ^^^^

So, is it best to seal then glaze then top with americana?

My favorite color of Corvettes! Great looking car!

Congrats on the sale and the new purchase!

Unreal! Great job. Now come to Mass and do my Black F150!!  

Detail King

False. We have landscapers at my condo!

The next person is married with two kids.

Amazing Job!!

I have not noticed any slickness but I do put a very thin amount on it. I should have taken before and after pics!! They clean up nice!

I use APC on my WeatherTech mats and then a little bit of SVRT for a clean look!  

Gone fishing

Thank you all for your help! Happy Holidays!

I am looking to put some protection on my black F150 before it gets too late. I have not been able to purchase the flex and 2 system polishes yet, so I will be doing all of this by hand. This is what I have in mind:

1. 2 bucket strip wash with apc and adams car wash

2. Clay bar with detail spray

3. Re-wash and dry before revive???????

3. Revive polish with blue applicator

4. Quick sealant

5. Brilliant Glaze with red glaze/wax applicator  

6. Buttery Wax with yellow applicator

Is this the proper order? If I left anything out please let me know. Happy Holidays to you all!

Jealous!!

High Roller

AMAZING! Great work!