my first time venturing into here.....

billz · Post by **billz** » Thu Aug 18, 2016 6:16 am

Check this link out for making your own Sun Gun for less than £30. Using one of these is a good way to find out how many swirls and scratches you have.
https://zroadster.org/threads/how-to-ma ... gun.13698/

billz · Post by **billz** » Thu Aug 18, 2016 6:21 am

What can be achieved. Took me about 40 mins to get rid of the scratches on show

: Same area after using a Rotary with medium pad and cutting compound; 20160807_101239.jpg (88.72 KiB) Viewed 1379 times

: Scratches caused by the Grandkids; 20160807_075758.jpg (54.66 KiB) Viewed 1379 times

Beedub · Post by **Beedub** » Thu Aug 18, 2016 7:21 am

Smartbear wrote:Hi, what buffer have you purchased, is it a rotary or a DA machine?
Rob

it's a rotary and I'm not skilled enough to use it comfortably yet.

Beedub · Post by **Beedub** » Thu Aug 18, 2016 7:22 am

billz wrote:What can be achieved. Took me about 40 mins to get rid of the scratches on show
20160807_101239.jpg
20160807_075758.jpg

thats insane!!

billz · Post by **billz** » Thu Aug 18, 2016 7:33 am

Beedub wrote:
Smartbear wrote:Hi, what buffer have you purchased, is it a rotary or a DA machine?
Rob
it's a rotary and I'm not skilled enough to use it comfortably yet.

Use it on low speed only. I have only just started doing this and have not caused any damage. Like i say use it on lowest setting untill you get used to it, only do around 18" sq area at a time. Only use a small amount of cutting compound, i just put it on the pad and move it around till the pad surface is covered then start the cutting process by going side by side and up and down overlapping where you have just come from. Then change pad to a medium and do the same to remove the scratches the cutting compound causes then go to the polish pad and finish off. Once you have done a panel the confidence will come.
I would prob do the boot top as it is an easy area to start on.
I am only in Nottingham if you want to come to mine i can run through it with you.

Beedub · Post by **Beedub** » Thu Aug 18, 2016 10:49 am

so these buffing machines are only used for cutting compounds?? or do we use the cutting compound, then buff, then use the machine to apply a wax?? or is the final wax piece done by hand??

sorry to ask so many questions...

billz · Post by **billz** » Thu Aug 18, 2016 11:37 am

If you are just polishing then use a DA with polishing pad and polish. If you have swirls and light scratches use the cutting pad and compound then the medium cutting pad then the polishing pad with polish of choice. I apply my wax by hand using a sponge.
Once paint is at an acceptible level you will just need to wash and dry the car and then twice a year remove old wax using fairy liquid and just polish with DA and reapply wax.

HubertK · Post by **HubertK** » Fri Aug 19, 2016 9:57 pm

Beedub wrote:so these buffing machines are only used for cutting compounds?? or do we use the cutting compound, then buff, then use the machine to apply a wax?? or is the final wax piece done by hand??

sorry to ask so many questions...

Rotary is usually used by more skilled/experienced detailers as the cutting pad just spins in one direction which can easily burn out edges or paint if left in one spot for too long. Dual Action (DAS Pro) is the way forward for someone like me and your self, it's very easy to use and you are unlikely to damage to paint work as long as the car has been cleaned and clayed properly.

The first thing to do is clean the whole car with shampoo without wax to get rid off dirt and all dust. I then fill up a sprayer bottle with little bit of warm water and Farecla G3 Body Prep Shampoo (Halfords). I spray one panel at a time and start using clay bar/mitt on each panel until all marks are gone and the panel feels really smooth. Make sure you use plently of the lube from the spray bottle when claying and work in small section at the time. After you have clayed all panels use the same soapy solution to give the whole car quick wipe over before polishing it with compound. There is plenty of videos on how to polish cars with dual action and I would recomend something like: Poorboys SSR 2.5 Super Swirl Remover, in this price range and for beginner this will be perfect. After polish I like to do few coats of Autoglym super resin finish for the extra deep gloss finish and then to seal the effect you have to wax the car. Waxing can be done quickly by spray like Autoglym rapid wax that is really good however I feel like it doesn't last as long as proper wax. I use few layers of normal wax G3 SuperGloss Paste Wax or Autoglym HD once a year and then on normal weekly washes throughout the year I will use rapid wax just to top up the layers.

Marlon · Post by **Marlon** » Fri Aug 19, 2016 10:43 pm

You're a brave man Beedub

Seriously though, some really good advice on offer - before I came here I used a sponge

Now I use a mitt

Beedub · Post by **Beedub** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 11:56 am

ok guys,

one last question....

if i wash, clay the car can i polish and wax at a later date or does the car need to be polished and waxed directly after going the Clay?? Inbwetween the stages the car would be covered, and re-washed before the wax / polish is applied via a DA machine.

I've decided the DA polisher is where i want to go... I'm handy with a spanner, not so much so on the detailing side of things! the rotary seemed like running before i can walk.

billz · Post by **billz** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 1:48 pm

What i do is. Dewax 1 panel then machine polish, wipe down with white spirit and dry off then apply wax. Then i do the same on the next panel. Then i give it a final wash and rewax again. Ours is outside all year round so i have to do it as the weather allows and also it means the other panels are still protected. I have even done a panel 2 weeks after doing the one before.

Beedub · Post by **Beedub** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 3:36 pm

billz wrote:What i do is. Dewax 1 panel then machine polish, wipe down with white spirit and dry off then apply wax. Then i do the same on the next panel. Then i give it a final wash and rewax again. Ours is outside all year round so i have to do it as the weather allows and also it means the other panels are still protected. I have even done a panel 2 weeks after doing the one before.

awesome, basically i want to clay the car, then start the polish another day or the weekend after. ( i got to do this around my son and work)

Beedub · Post by **Beedub** » Sat Aug 20, 2016 4:25 pm

does anyone have any issues with this technique??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm62usnRycU

Beedub · Post by **Beedub** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 5:27 pm

ok,

car has now bee thoroughly washed,

then i clayed the car, but the results weren't quite as smooth as planned, but i think for a first go its come out really well, ill have another bash it claying next wash, then I'm going to have my first go at using the DA.

Before i do anything further i need my APC to arrive with detail brush so i can clean some hard to reach areas. i then ruined all my hard work by driving the car, couldnt resist!! lovely !!

i will start posting some pics soon.

Harpal · Post by **Harpal** » Sat Aug 27, 2016 1:55 pm

Hi Beedub,

Looks as though your going for it!

It can be very addictive, just read as much as you can / watch you tube , I am still learning.

I bought a cheap polisher as I am no pro. I do feel i could go deeper into laquer to make perfect, but there are some scratches. I may practice wet sanding on them.

Just keep at it. If you have garage you could do a panel at a time. However, you just want to move on.

I couldn't see pics.

I think the detailer is very good after each wash, once you have done the whole process.

Good luck & njoy

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