6 passes and still swirls?

[Charger06]

So I started detailing my car this weekend and started with the 2 bucket wash, then clayed it. I started with SSHR n then SHR and did about 6 passes of both and still have some swirls and marks that dont seem to want to budge. I am using the PC and taking my time and doing it in small sections. Just wondering if I can keep going without taking too mich clearcoat off. I'll post pics when it decides to quit raining and the wind quits blowing 30 mph plus.

[JerseyGator]

Did you start in a small section to perfect the process? Or did you proceed to doing 6 passes over the whole car?

 

6 does seem a bit much, but need to see pics first.

[XQIZT]

6 of each does seem to be a lot. Be doubly sure of your technique. Pressure, amount of product and time working the product. Also, you didn't mention FMP. Try finishing off the section you were working on with FMP on a white pad. Sometimes I see that I don't get total satisfaction until I go through all 3 polishes.

[Charger06]

Sorry forgot to put that I did start in a 2x2 section and used FMP in the whole process..I work nights so it's going to be awhile before I can get some pics up.. Just wondering if I didn't apply enough pressure..

[Tim]

Pressure - depends on whose techinque you are trying to use. Junkman's technique requires almost no pressure, Adam's requries more.

[Chris@Adams]

I would say that you were moving too fast and not using enough pressure.

Watch Detailing Videos.

[Osok]

6 passes is def more than you'll need unless the car was totally trashed. It's a sure bet your technique is probably off. Watch the vids for sure. Chances are you're not using enough pressure, moving too fast, and not taking the polish to flash level allowing it to break down enough and do some work.

 

This is normal though if you're just starting out with a polisher. Practice practice practice Oh and patience. It'll come in due time.

 

You should really only need one or two good passes of SSR and a pass of SHR and one of FMP IF your paint has some bad swirls in it. Once you get it in good shape though going forward you'd probably only need one pass of SHR and one pass of FMP twice a year at most to keep the paint looking mint! Assuming you're using a good two bucket wash technique.

[mc2hill]

Six passes of SSR is a lot! We did 2 passes of SSR on the Flex on the black Ram, probably would have been 3-4 passes on a PC - http://www.adamsforums.com/forums/trucks/16083.htm.

 

And just to be clear, these are swirls you are still seeing, not scratches?

[Team Adam's]

If the swirls are remaining unchanged or unimproved after that many passes you're technique may be off. You at the very least should see SOME improvement.

 

Have you watched the updated PC polishing video?

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsvSiF5KbAE]Adam's Polishes Vol. 7- Porter Cable Machine Polishing - 2012 UPDATE - YouTube[/ame]

[Adroc33]

I am having this same issue although I do notice an improvement. It seems like I can correct 80-90% of the damage but then I hit a wall where no matter how many passes I do the 2x2 area remains unchanged.

[Ron Meadows]

I may get in trouble for posting this, but I ran into the same issue this past weekend trying to work on my 2006 Suburban. 4 passes of severe swirl and haze remover with the PC and the swirls/scratches just laughed at me. I too thought that my technique may be the problem but just for grins I tried another, more aggressive, product and it worked wonders. One pass of it and the swirls are gone!

 

It seems logical that you should use the least aggressive method required to rid your car of damage, but what is the real difference in clear removed, assuming the less aggressive method eventually gets you there, in using a single pass of a stronger compound than using 6 passes of something less damaging? I guess it comes down to how much time you're willing to spend beating your brains in.....with a truck the size of the Suburban I chose to go with more umph. It still took me all weekend and a couple evenings after work to get there, but I'd still be at it with the severe swirl and haze remover.

 

Just some random thoughts from a new guy.......YMMV!!