My Journey begins here

Chicago Tommy said:
On an A4 sized car, 30 tops. I did a G6 in less than 15 the other night with a "helper", and I use that term loosely. Solo, I just did a Trailblazer top to bottom in about 45. It hadn't been clayed ever, and was pretty neglected. If you did the car in the spring, it should be quick.

As far as the dry buffing, were you working outside? I've only had that happen working in direct sunlight. The heat of the panel will make the product flash faster.
Click to expand...

While I won't disagree that you may be able to touch every surface with a clay bar in ~30 minutes... are you checking to ensure you are completely removing all of the contaminates from the surface of the paint?

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...nspect-above-surface-bonded-contaminants.html

Your clay bar may be picking up contaminates, but on a vehicle that has not been clayed in many years, you can expect to have to make several passes over the same area with your clay bar to remove the contamination properly.

If you've figured out how to do this in "30 minutes tops" then my hat goes off to you.
 
I had really bad scratches on my hood, some D bag slid down it and I never thought id be able to get them out without sanding or more. but most of it is gone visably.
Before( top portion was a lot worse but you get the idea) I didnt think I would get it out so I did not bother taking a pic. lessoned learned.

After:



Next up are the door sils that had marks

After:


And the paint ( the lighting in my garage is terrible)

After:


My 3in pad broke after one time use took it off washed it put it on the DA to spin dry and boom..

 
And the final product. I wish i had better before/after pics but the weather was bad past few days cloudy and rainy. But heres something. Ive had a few people say how the car really glows, and im very happy. still have a long way to go

Next i want to learn how to treat glass and headlights, mine left one is scratched as you can see from someone.





Imput?
 
zmcgovern45 said:
While I won't disagree that you may be able to touch every surface with a clay bar in ~30 minutes... are you checking to ensure you are completely removing all of the contaminates from the surface of the paint?

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...nspect-above-surface-bonded-contaminants.html

Your clay bar may be picking up contaminates, but on a vehicle that has not been clayed in many years, you can expect to have to make several passes over the same area with your clay bar to remove the contamination properly.

If you've figured out how to do this in "30 minutes tops" then my hat goes off to you.
Click to expand...

Would you like me to come show you? I'd be more than happy to. You provide the clay, I'll drive out to Peoria, that sounds fair. Claying to me is a fast, methodical process. We aren't talking about a 60's Caddy with 19ft long quarter panels either.


To the OP, car looks good. Glad you're finally having positive results!
 
The Audi looks great!

As for compounding/polishing. I have had much better luck by changing pads often, do a couple panels then get a new one. I can tell when I have used the pad for too long as the product becomes really hard to remove after a section pass. I also use less and less product as the pad is used more. It is definitely a trial and error type of thing when you are learning, just keep on practicing.

Also, some cars colors are harder to get good contrasting 50/50 shots. The gray car you did looks pretty good. For me, that is one of the harder colors to find defects in (swirls/scratches) and as a result, might not portray a 50/50 as well as say a black car.

Justin
 
Thanks for feedback guys

I have been switching the pad every panel, right now I only have 2 pads for each color. Here is how I got away with it.

-Prime pad few mins before use (most important step) check back to page 1
-hit a panel, before done prime the next pad
once done hit the sink with a tooth brush and dawn to rinse and wash the pad.
-Spin dry on the DA and set pad infront of a fan. By the time im ready to hit the next section I can prime it and its about 90% dry.
Also to combat a pad getting to hot on the passes every two or three sections ill set the DA down infront of a fan while I grab a drink or what have you or hit up the GG3, and it will bring down the temp pretty quick without drying the pad out.

Id love to get a pad washer eventually but cant see myself spending that kind of money this soon.

I have noticed around the curves of the car (front fender and read quater panel) the 6.5in pad is way to bulky. But I already spent the money so ill live with it, but down the line will invest in 5in backplate with corresponding pads. For a finishing polish and wax it was not so bad, but in terms of paint correction it was working against me at times.

The GG3 really does have no power, in contrast to other machines.(only played with the GG but looking at the specs) But after planing around with it in tight areas like the door handles, and around the trunk lid. it does work enough to satisfy me. As you can see the pad that came with mine is not that great in comparrison to my hexlogic pads. They just feel cheap, and falling apart after one quick use is sad. I hope it was just that pad and not how all 3in pads from that company are.

Areas to work on-

Before and after pics- have to figure out this lighting situation.

Paint correction- M105 have gotten a little more comfortable using it and once in a while hitting it with a QD to refresh it. I also notice at time the swirls would come out with just the weight of the DA and sometimes id have to add light pressure depending on where I am on the car.

Prep- I taped out the trim around the window but I guess hitting different angle some shot up to the window, Also hitting the back bumper some shot up on the tail lights. so Ill prolly cover the lights and windows I guess just be more mindful and wipe right away.

Time- I found myself spending way to much time in certain areas. Im hoping it was because it was my car and I am still new.

All in all right now I feel a lot more comfortable using the DA and I see things shaping up well.
 
So with the prices AG held this past weekend I simply could not resist. here is 1 of 4 packages I picked up figured Id post and then review once I use them.


So I wanted squeeze bottles to make things a tad easier. These bottles feel very very flimsy. I read on the forum the caps are the weak point. So once i try them I will review them.


Next up was the spray bottles, already tried them and they are very nice, and seem durable as well.
Next was a brush for vinyl and leather. The brissles are very stiff, which makes me a little afraid of using them on leather. so might need to find another option.
and finally in this picture are the 1 oz measuring cups. The description says 3 pack, and I recieved 4! So thank you guys very much!


Next up Pinnacle Micro Rejuvenator, did not sure yet, but it smells very soapy. looking forward to trying this on my old MF towels.
Then Wolfgang Vinyl and Rubber protectant. Smells like a vanilla protein.
Up next was micro fiber applicator pads. For the price I got them for I am shocked how soft they are.
and finally some Pinnacle Black Onyx Tire Gel. I didnt even this this was worth a mention because its a sample, but once I opened it and all I can saw is wow. The smell is amazing, cherry/something scent to it.
 
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