2011 Ford F150 My First Paint Correction

[JBirdFX4]

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!

[AmyAtAdamsAustralia]

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.

Edited May 26, 2014 by Joseph@AdamsAustralia

[mc2hill]

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!).

[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.