First attempt with a DA polisher

IRD · Post by **IRD** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 12:31 pm

I was planning to have some paint correction work done on my Z. Then this catastrophe struck and like a lot of folk I ‘m confined to barracks with time to fill. Not being particularly practical I was hesitant about using something on the car’s paintwork where I might do more harm than good. However I was persuade by ‘skelters’ and ‘mjennings’ that I wouldn’t end up needing an expensive respray.
So with a bit of advice from the helpful guy at ‘Clean Your Car’ I bought a DA polisher with some Meguiar’s micro fibre pads, some paint correction fluid and some wax finisher. Having thoroughly cleaned and clawed the paint work I set about using the polisher. All in all it took me three days. I am pleased with the result. Most of the swirls have gone and the paintwork really shines. So thank you ‘skelters’ and ‘mjennings’ for your encouragement and reassurances,

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IRD · Post by **IRD** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 12:35 pm

I didn’t ‘claw’ the paintwork. I ‘clayed’ it.

Chris_D · Post by **Chris_D** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 12:41 pm

You just need to get rid of those outrageously mis-placed M badges now...and it will look tip top.

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 12:52 pm

Got any 'after' pics?

Just kidding. Looks good. And I do like those wheels.

Pretty impressive wheelie bin collection too.

Pooltee · Post by **Pooltee** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 1:05 pm

The best and most rewarding colour to detail! Looks fantastic. If you are bored I have another one you can practice on if you want

maxman · Post by **maxman** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 1:55 pm

Looks good,now next project.

Looks like Red is the must have colour in your house.

IRD · Post by **IRD** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 2:48 pm

Thanks guys. I really enjoyed doing. The weather was kind too. Dull, cloudy and very little breeze.
Chris D. The MSport badge was on the car when I bought it. I expected to get some stick but so far after nearly two rears you are the first to mention it. However, you will be pleased to know that I have some black replacement grills which will be fitted soon.
Pooltee , thank you for your kind offer but I’ve still got a long list of jobs to be done here.
Madman, yes we do like red cars. The Corolla is new and zi have given it a couple of coats of Meguiar’s ceramic gubbins so I am going to make that do for now.

Cheers

mjennings23 · Post by **mjennings23** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 2:50 pm

Out of curiousity, what specific pads and polish did you end up using?

IRD · Post by **IRD** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 3:18 pm

mjennings23 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 03, 2020 2:50 pm Out of curiousity, what specific pads and polish did you end up using?

Following the advice of the guy at ‘Clean my Cars’ I used:

Meguiar’s DA Microfibre 5 inch cutting disc with DA Microfibre Correction Compound and then DA Microfiber 5 inch finishing disc with DA Microfiber Finishing Wax.
Finally I gave it a coat of Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant by hand. This goes on very easily and wipes off with no effort after leaving it for about twenty minutes to harden off.

One of the things that surprised me was how well the paint protection film on the front third of the bonnet came up. Before using the polisher it was really dull with lots of scratches. It now looks like new now. So overall I am really delighted.

idej_z4 · Post by **idej_z4** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 3:24 pm

Looks great and taking 3 days is a good amount of time to get it just right.

I remember the feeling when I first used my DA, standing and marveling at my brilliance...which just means any idiot can do it with a DA.

It was Clean Your Car who helped me with the right setup. They're top guys who will always take the time to advise you.

IRD · Post by **IRD** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 3:40 pm

idej_z4 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 03, 2020 3:24 pm Looks great and taking 3 days is a good amount of time to get it just right.

I remember the feeling when I first used my DA, standing and marveling at my brilliance...which just means any idiot can do it with a DA.

It was Clean Your Car who helped me with the right setup. They're top guys who will always take the time to advise you.

Yes very helpful indeed. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

GAZA62 · Post by **GAZA62** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 6:13 pm

Looking at the views behind your Z they are some fine barracks to be confined to and as for the Z she looks superb red has got to be one of the most rewarding colours to detail nice work

PDJ · Post by **PDJ** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 6:30 pm

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IRD · Post by **IRD** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 6:32 pm

GAZA62 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 03, 2020 6:13 pm Looking at the views behind your Z they are some fine barracks to be confined to and as for the Z she looks superb red has got to be one of the most rewarding colours to detail nice work

Yes we are lucky, having a decent garden which opens on to the fields at the back so we can safely walk our two dogs, often not seeing anybody else. I feel sorry for those folk who have no outside space, especially if they have children.
As far as colour goes red is definitely my favourite colour for cars. But some cars look better in different colours. I had an E85 in silver which I really loved too.

Beedub · Post by **Beedub** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 6:33 pm

Great work!!!

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