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Junkman's, How To Restore Your Finish - The Videos


Junkman2008

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The title says it all folks. In this 10 video series (1 hour and 18 minutes), you will witness me using various Adam's products to restore half of the hood on my 1979 Chevy El Camino. This car has not been washed in over two years. I usually let the rain take care of the dirt and it shows. This car is my daily driver and usually sits outside year round in the elements (that's 4 seasons in the state of Kentucky).

 

I have used the hood of this car for everything including cleaning my Corvette floor mats, various bench projects and as a storage area for my bar-b-que cook outs. It works as a good ladder in the garage too! Basically, every kind of abuse that a car's finish can see has been seen by this hood. If I can bring the shine back from the dead using Adam's products on this finish, your cars should be a walk in the park.

 

One important thing to note. This is the way I do things and is not a set in stone template of what you have to do. This is more of a documentation for folks who have little to no experience in professional paint care, and are looking for a direction to go in order to get started. You should use this as a foundation to learn about the products used in the video, but feel free to deviate as you become more familiar with the Adam's line. As you become more experienced, you may want to add to or take away from my process to make it more that of your very own. You can also feel free to do just as I do, as you will witness from the videos is a very effective method in restoring a superb shine.

 

I will add some text before each video which will be very important for you to read before watching the video. This should clear up any confusion that may occur from watching a particular video.

 

With that said, get your 3D glasses on and sit back in your easy chair. A "Junkman in His Garage Production" is about to spill onto your screen.

 

Hide the women and children. lol.gif

 

paint_restore_pic.jpg

 

 

 

Here are the videos!

 

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWlpT_QMGCU&feature=plcp&context=C35c9b29UDOEgsToPDskLLpdymruzWtxA32mMwesCL]Part 1 - Adam's Polishes Intro - YouTube[/ame]

 

Just what is says!

 

 

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Pq8IiDLAxY&feature=plcp&context=C331f4c9UDOEgsToPDskKOdWHXLHjnxeDJm1XU-2Es]Part 3 - Rinse & Paint Inspection - YouTube[/ame]

 

In this video, I rinse off the big dirt and dust. This is the very first thing you should do when washing the car. As I inspect the paint, you will actually hear the grit in the paint as I rub my hands across it. Normally, you never want to do this to your finish as any kind of rubbing on the car with your hands will cause immediate scratches. Since the paint on this car was in such bad shape, I did it for demonstration purposes only. Once your paint has been corrected, never do this or allow folks to do this to your paint.

 

 

 

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHS9_6ycJuA&feature=plcp&context=C32ffa1aUDOEgsToPDskJONpytc8GSoHp7X7JfHfft]Part 4 - Clay Bar & Foam Gun Discussion - YouTube[/ame]

 

This video shows the technique used to determine if your finish needs to be clayed. A vehicle that resides in a garage is NOT going to have to be clayed as often as one that sits outside all year. Thus, claying is not a necessary step of paint correction unless it fails the clay bar test.

 

This video also discusses and demonstrates the use of the foam gun. As stressed in the video, the foam gun is not a high pressure device that blast dirt off the car. It is a device that soaks the car down with foam, which loosen the dirt and makes it safe to remove without scratching the finish.

 

 

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc8InoK9zpE&feature=plcp&context=C3554376UDOEgsToPDskLGEQafCNmUcU5-M_8jZh8J]Part 5 - Two Bucket Wash & Claying - YouTube[/ame]

 

In this video, I discuss the practice of using 2 buckets to wash your car, utilizing the Grit Guard system. I also demonstrate and talk about the proper way to clay your finish.

 

One thing that I forgot to show in this video is my drying technique. What I usually do after washing the car is disconnect the spray nozzle and turn the water down to a slow flow. I run that over the car which causes all of the water to pool and run off the car. Once most of the water has done this, I use a leaf blower to blow it dry. I then finish up with a microfiber towel if necessary.

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnPEYo6_3ZI&feature=plcp&context=C3b5c037UDOEgsToPDskIoMMfl02FSLV_eq2IZVTyV]Part 6 - Claying Inspection, PC & SHR Discussion - YouTube[/ame]

 

 

In this video, I inspect the results of my claying. I also assemble my PC and discuss the use of the PC and Adam's Swirl and Haze Remover (SHR) as compared to Adam's Fine Machine Polish (FMP).

 

Important Note: In my experience up to this point with using both the SHR and FMP, I have found that FMP did more to remove swirls and scratches than SHR. This is in direct conflict to what is stated in the Adam's website, and in the makeup of both products. In fact, the SHR is actually the more aggressive compound when you look at the molecule makeup. You should thus ALWAYS follow SHR with FMP. The reason I may have experienced different results could have been due to a multitude of factors including temperature, the condition or hardness of the clear coat that I was dealing with, or the amount of damage that I perceived was on the car.

 

With that said, you should follow the posted information on the website and assume that the SHR is more aggressive than the FMP. If in your comparisons you experience something similar to what I did, post your experiences here. Normal use according to the posted instructions will have you follow SHR with FMP, in order to lessen the damage done by SHR. You can try my technique, but you should follow Adam's instructions if you don't have the success that I did. Remember, Adam knows his products in a whole lot more detail than I do! The more I use them, the more I learn and thus my process will constantly evolve and improve.

 

Another thing that I did in this video which is not the norm is the amount of product that I used. Normally, I would have used half of the amount that you will see in the very last shot of the video. If I was in direct sunlight or if the surface of the car was hot, that amount of SHR would have created a stubborn mess. However, I was indoors on a cool night which are the conditions where I have had the most amount of success when correcting paint on a car. Because of those conditions, I was able to use more product and work the product longer which cut down on the amount of passes that I had to make. Do not use that much product unless the conditions are ideal for you to get away with it. Outside in your driveway on a hot summer day IS NOT the right condition.

 

 

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMbZN6aaerg&feature=plcp&context=C32cd193UDOEgsToPDskKtN-woZvNUbDOwpCBt5Gq5]Part 7 - Applying Polish with The PC - YouTube[/ame]

 

In this video, I address how to apply polish with respect to technique and pressure. Working with polishes using the PC should be done at no higher a setting than 5. If you go higher, you need to be experienced in knowing when the product has completely broken down, which it will do much faster. If not, you will end up doing more damage to the finish than correcting. Working at a speed higher than 5 also makes the PC vibrate quite noticeably.

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAZI8VeIGio&feature=plcp&context=C3ff34eaUDOEgsToPDskL_cpCa7d0Utey5BgpeDFUv]Part 8 - Polishing Inspection and Discussion - YouTube[/ame]

 

In this video, I inspect my polishing and discuss my results. I also recap my process thus far.

 

 

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlXJQR5ge9s&feature=plcp&context=C3a9ce59UDOEgsToPDskI-mGyU7i84qtjHHHX8Ds1z]Part 9 - Laying the Machine Superwax - YouTube[/ame]

 

Just what it says. I apply the machine Superwax, let it dry and wipe it off. I then inspect it in detail. One thing to note, I used more product than normal because of the condition of the paint. You will probably not be restoring paint on a car in this condition and thus, should only use as much product as the instructions call for. This was a unique situation that called for a little bit of an unorthodox approach.

 

 

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-5gvQtXVL8&feature=plcp&context=C3a391a4UDOEgsToPDskKSydLUHnV1okelw-1ooSXQ]Part 10 - The Conclusion - YouTube[/ame]

 

I recap the entire process as I do it. Again, my way is NOT the only way, nor is it set in stone. As I improve and become more familiar with Adam's products, my technique will probably change. This however, should give you a foundation to start creating a process that works for you. Experience is the key. The more you use these products, the better your results will be.

 

 

 

 

Some photos from the experience:

 

 

meano_dirty_before.jpg

 

meano_dirty_before1.jpg

 

meano_dirty_before2.jpg

 

meano_dirty_before3.jpg

 

meano_dirty_before4.jpg

 

meano_dirty_before8.jpg

 

meano_dirty_before9.jpg

 

meano_compare.jpg

 

 

 

That's it boys and girls. Feel free to give me your input and question anything that you saw. All suggestions or questions are welcome so ask away!

 

The Junkman :thumbsup:

Edited by Junkman2008
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Hi Junkman,

 

The backing plate is 5' 7/8" ..wouldn't this call for the 6" counterweight because the measurement is much closer to 6"..also, the pads are 7"!

 

Actually, the 6" counterweight is technically made for this backing plate:

 

6inch_backplate.jpg

 

The 5" backing plate is made for the Adam's backing plate you have and this one:

 

5inch_backplate.jpg

 

What you are not taking into consideration is that the diameter of the backing plate is not the only thing you have to take into consideration when choosing the correct counterweight. The composition of the backing plate adds to the weight of the backing plate and the counterweight is used to offset the distribution of that weight as the pad is spinning. The counterweight acts just like the weights on your car's wheels to keep them from vibrating at higher speeds.

 

Thus, if you experience heavy vibrations at high speeds, you can either slow down the OPM's or go to a bigger weight. Since I don't like working at speeds higher than 5, either counterweight will work for me.

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Hey, Junkman:

I have read that the clay leaves a residue on the paint, but I haven't seen what you do after claying to remove the clay residue before polishing. I've watched your videos (many times!), but I must not be too bright because I seem to have missed this step.

Thanks.

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Hey, Junkman:

I have read that the clay leaves a residue on the paint, but I haven't seen what you do after claying to remove the clay residue before polishing. I've watched your videos (many times!), but I must not be too bright because I seem to have missed this step.

Thanks.

 

When claying, you must insure that you keep the area well lubricated as you go across it. If you don't, it is possible to mar the paint. Marring the paint means to leave slight scuff marks on the clear coat. The scuff marks are very light damage that easily are removed with the polishing process (Swirl & Haze Remover/orange pad or the Fine Machine Polish/white pad combo). There is no "residue" left behind except for the Detail Spray that you use as a lubricant. If you clay on a very hot surface (which you shouldn't do), bits of clay can be left behind also. All of this is easily removed when you wash the car, which is the step after claying.

 

To recap, any marring is removed by polishing and everything else is removed by washing the car, which should always follow the claying process.

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Junkman:

I was confused from reading the "Adam's Detailing Reference Guide," which is very handy. Under the part called: "6. Clay bar and detail spray" it says as the last step: "I: Leave residue on the finish!" So, I didn't know how to interpret that. I wondered if it means "leave the residue on the finish," or does it mean "oh my god! It leaves a residue that needs to be washed off!" I think you've clarified it for me. I need to wash off the residue. Thanks!

Edited by Darth_Emma
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Junkman:

I was confused from reading the "Adam's Detailing Reference Guide," which is very handy. Under the part called: "6. Clay bar and detail spray" it says as the last step: "I: Leave residue on the finish!" So, I didn't know how to interpret that. I wondered if it means "leave the residue on the finish," or does it mean "oh my god! It leaves a residue that needs to be washed off!" I think you've clarified it for me. I need to wash it off and residue. Thanks!

 

Adam and I do a few things differently (as do a million other detailers :willy:), and we both have our reasons and logic behind that. That's perfectly fine because as you get deeper and deeper into this, there are things that you may change as you will find that they work best for you. As a novice, you use a technique that works as a template to learn by. :thumbsup:

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The composition of the backing plate adds to the weight of the backing plate and the counterweight is used to offset the distribution of that weight as the pad is spinning.

 

Thus, if you experience heavy vibrations at high speeds, you can either slow down the OPM's or go to a bigger weight. Since I don't like working at speeds higher than 5, either counterweight will work for me.

So a 6" counterweight will reduce the vibrations with the Adam's backing plate and pads? Is this something Nightmare R/T should consider switching to, since he had wrist pain from using the PC? And what about the 4" Focal Pads? Will they be alright with the 6" counterweight (just for the sake of not changing the weights repeatedly)?

 

Please don't make me write an essay to answer my own questions again :lol: J/K

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So a 6" counterweight will reduce the vibrations with the Adam's backing plate and pads? Is this something Nightmare R/T should consider switching to, since he had wrist pain from using the PC? And what about the 4" Focal Pads? Will they be alright with the 6" counterweight (just for the sake of not changing the weights repeatedly)?

 

Please don't make me write an essay to answer my own questions again :lol: J/K

 

You wouldn't have any vibration issues if you didn't crank the PC all the way up to 6. You are not doing yourself any justice by doing so until you master the unit. If you used a speed of 5 with the proper amount of pressure, 5 will work wonders. Have you seen how much damage I was able to remove with the slow cut technique? I NEVER used a speed of 6.

 

As for the focal pads, they are so small that no vibration needs to be countered. Thus, it doesn't matter what counter-weight you use. If you understand that the counter-weight is counter-reacting the movement of the polisher's face plate, it would make sense to you that more weight would require more counter-weight and less weight would require the opposite.

 

With the many hours that I have used the PC, not to mention the all day demos I do in the hot sun at shows, I should see any issues that you are going to experience. However, proper speeds and technique keep me from getting fatigued or hurting my hands. :thumbsup:

Edited by Junkman2008
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Yea, I've been a click (or 2) under 5 each time I've gotten the PC out. Not enough practice with it yet to say I've gotten the technique mastered. Gotta walk before I run!

 

Curiosity & covering bases.

Edited by RyGo
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Hey, Junkman, you recommend using the PC at 5 for all tasks? I'm getting ready to order mine this week.

 

No. I recommend using a setting of 5 when removing swirls and scratches, using 9-14 pounds of pressure. However, when using the slow cut technique, you do it exactly as I do in the slow cut videos. Remember, the slow cut technique is not something that you do an entire car with using SHR, it is used to unclog your pads when they fill up with product. After your pad is unclogged, you go back to a speed of 5 using 9-14 pounds of pressure. This is also true when using FMP.

 

Machine Superwax should be applied at a setting of 3.

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Hi Junkman,

 

Just ordered my PC, :pc: and will be ordering products from Adam's soon.

 

Quick question, more of an observation I guess. I thought it was interesting that you use a leaf blower to dry your car. I read of someone else doing that on another site a few days ago. It seems counterintuitive to me; though I'm sure it works. I would think it would stir up sand/dust/dirt that would land on your paint. Obviously that's not the case or you wouldn't do it.

 

Thanks again for your time and for helping those of us who are new to the detail world. I live just south of Carlisle...I'll have to head up there sometime in the future when you're there and shake your hand.

 

Great stuff.

 

Just wondering...you a UK fan or a Louisville fan...I won't say which way I roll until I hear from you...you might cut me off!!

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Hi Junkman,

 

Just ordered my PC, :pc: and will be ordering products from Adam's soon.

 

Quick question, more of an observation I guess. I thought it was interesting that you use a leaf blower to dry your car. I read of someone else doing that on another site a few days ago. It seems counterintuitive to me; though I'm sure it works. I would think it would stir up sand/dust/dirt that would land on your paint. Obviously that's not the case or you wouldn't do it.

 

Thanks again for your time and for helping those of us who are new to the detail world. I live just south of Carlisle...I'll have to head up there sometime in the future when you're there and shake your hand.

 

Great stuff.

 

Just wondering...you a UK fan or a Louisville fan...I won't say which way I roll until I hear from you...you might cut me off!!

 

Nahhhh! Some of my good colleagues are fans of my rival team! I'm a UofL fan. So which way do you bleed? paddle.gif

 

You bring up a good point with the leaf blower. The deal with me is I am washing my car in the garage. Thus, I can wet the entire area down so that there is no dust to blow around. My controlled environment is why I can do a few things that someone would have a hard time doing in their driveway.

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Makes sense, makes sense. I wasn't considering the wet ground. That would do away with dust, dirt, etc. I might try it.

 

Well, 14 years ago I began dating the girl who would become my wife (who by the way could hold her own in talking hoops with anyone--she even coached girls b-ball at the high school level for a few years--I am one of the lucky guys whose wife loves sports. Anyway, her dad's side of the family hails from Ohio/Kentucky and are big time, out of control UK fans. I didn't have a strong rooting interest in NCAA at the time, outside of local Philly teams...so I jumped on the bandwagon and haven't looked back. I actually wonder if they would have welcomed me into the family if I didn't wear blue!:) The past several years have been rough, but this season speaks for itself. What a turn around, and what a fun team to watch.

 

As much as I love football, there's nothing like March Madness!!

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... I actually wonder if they would have welcomed me into the family if I didn't wear blue!:)

 

Allow me to answer that.... hell no! :lol:

 

We Kentuckians have our loyalties and once you cross the state line, you better choose a side or you may end up pushin' daisies! :jester:

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That's funny! :)

 

PC 7424XP came today. I also picked up a quick connect set and shutoff valve from Sears and Ace Hardware online. I found them at a good price there.

 

Now I just have to grab some pads and polishes, etc. from Adam's. I'll be sure to use the "Junkman" code if that's still available. After that I'd like to get a foam gun.

 

Then all I need is a free day and nice weather!

 

Talk to you soon!

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That's funny! :)

 

PC 7424XP came today. I also picked up a quick connect set and shutoff valve from Sears and Ace Hardware online. I found them at a good price there.

 

Now I just have to grab some pads and polishes, etc. from Adam's. I'll be sure to use the "Junkman" code if that's still available. After that I'd like to get a foam gun.

 

Then all I need is a free day and nice weather!

 

Talk to you soon!

 

Got your pads yet?

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