4*UltimaPaintPrep and UPGP use together?

Rebelranger

Rebelranger

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Hey everybody,
I'm new to these forums and and have a question about using products.
I've clayed vehicles before and cleaned and waxed. Never thought about quality or looks...

But now I'm getting a bit more serious about the final looks I want to achieve.

So on my 08 Tahoe (Blue Metallic) I used the UEPCS, which was different but results were very good followed by Ultima Paint Prep Plus and am not sure what to do next. I have both the 4 Star Ultimate Paint Protection and UPGP (with PC). Can I use both and in what order?
Or should I just use the UPGP? Or layer one of each-using the UPGP last?
Sorry if this has been asked before but my searches didn't find the question quite this way.

Also, After my deep cleaning I found a few light to medium scratches. How should I remove those?

And last question, Is it wise (or even necessary to follow up with a carnuba as my last product?

Any help will be appreciated!!

My next project is to move on to my A8 (black) and get it nice and sexy too!
 
Since you have already used Ultima in the prep, I would use UPGP next, 3 coats. I would not use both, there is "to much of a good thing" in detailing. Use the 4 star at a later time by itself.
 
You are in the right place! Definetly use the UPGP now that you have used the UPPP. The Ultima Paint prep plus works very light polish but also as a primer for the UPGP. My red Skybaby has this system and I love it! I placed 3 layers of UPGP over the paint 12-24 hours apart.

Apply the UPGP by hand and follow the directions! Don't use too much. Even though it seems like you aren't putting anything on your paint at times just TRUST the product. It will come out great if you don't over apply. I didn't have any trouble at all but I have read a lot of people apply too much. It is a little disconcerting not always being able to tell if you are putting anything on your paint.

You must fix the light to med scratches before you seal the car. You will get some different answers from different people (who are almost all more knowledgable then me) so I will give you a head start on what products I assume they will point you towards. Menzerna, Wolfgang, or Meguiars polishes for starters. See attached polish cut charts...

Menzerna Polishing Compounds Products, menzerna polishes, menzerna car polish, menzerna nano polish, menzerna final polish, menzerna compound,
Autogeek Swirl Removers & Compounds Comparison Chart

The Carnuba is not needed but you can put it on if you like
 
This is Great information. And since quality of outcome is really important, I appreciate the advice/direction!
I'll store that 4 star to use later (Sad I bought it before asking these questions)!
I'll read up on the type of polish to fix the scratches. I've got some mild key scratch marks on the drivers doors and a couple rock skips that left small marks on the hood.

I'm not in a hurry to add more work like Carnuba-but will if it adds more beauty! So, I'll get the hang of this and patiently put on three coats of UPGP. Do I re-wash/dry prior to each coat or just a quick detail wipe down?
 
Last edited:
Rebelranger said:
This is Great information. And since quality of outcome is really important, I appreciate the advice/direction!
I'll store that 4 star to use later (Sad I bought it before asking these questions)!
I'll read up on the type of polish to fix the scratches. I've got some mild key scratch marks on the drivers doors and a couple rock skips that left small marks on the hood.

I'm not in a hurry to add more work like Carnuba-but will if it adds more beauty! So, I'll get the hang of this and patiently put on three coats of UPGP. Do I re-wash/dry prior to each coat or just a quick detail wipe down?
Click to expand...

1.-The 4 Star is a great product as well from what I understand. killrwheels uses it on his vette and loves it. If he chimes in he might be able to comment on his opinion of adding the 4 Star over the UPGP. If you wanted to do it the products probably wouldn't "dislike" each other. It's probably not much risk or reward with layering these 2 products. Both amazing products that don't need each other...

I have heard adding Danase Wet Glaze (DWG) between the 1st and 2nd or 2nd and 3rd coat of UPGP looks amazing on red cars. Not sure what it does on blue metallic.

2.-As far as the scratches, when you are polishing to remove scratches you have to remember that you are not removing scratches but actually removing the clear coat of paint down to the level of the depth of the scratch. So, light scratches no big deal but at some point a scratch gets deep enough that polishing can make it look better but not remove it completely without removing more paint then you would like. Sounds like you don't have anything that bad though!

3.-I am going with the Menzerna polishes but it is a very difficult decision for me. The Wolfgang combo Wolfgang 8 oz. Swirl Remover Combo, Wolfgang polishes, total swirl remover, finishing glaze, machine glaze (also in 16 oz. sizes are an amzing price for something that is also made by Menzerna but is said to be more user friendly, have a much longer working time, and less dusting. I forgot to ask if you are machine or hand polishing.

3a.-If you are looking to get a machine look at the "Dual Action" types. I just bought the "Griot's Garage 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher" 129.99 after a lot of research. Griot's Garage 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher, Dual action buffer, DA polisher This type of machine is very safe and not likely to burn your paint.

3b.-If you are looking to polish by hand and are interested in just getting out or toning down these easily noticeable isolated scratches then look at:
"Meguiars SCRATCH X 2.0" Meguiar's SCRATCH X 2.0 Fine Scratch & Swirl Remover is a rubbing compound that can be applied by hand. Meguiars ScratchX polishes away fine paint

4.-Assuming you have a garage that isn't dusty you can place the second coat after 12 hours. If there is going to be a little dust on the car then I would qd with Ultima QD spray and then add next coat. (Not my favorite QD spray due to price and lubricity but works nice with UPGP if the paint is really clean) If the car has more than a little dust I then I suppose you have to wash it. Do you have a garage? I believe Rsurfer has like 9 coats on his car! If you are going to wash before adding another coat I would recomend you buy the Ultima Paint Gaurd wash. A little pricey normally but not quite as bad as it seems since it is so concentrated. Also right now it is BOGO (44 oz. for 19.99). http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-car-wash.html Normally it is anywhere from 13.99-19.99 for 22 oz.

5.-I have never used a carnuba by itself or layered it but please click this link: great info to know Carnauba Car Wax vs. Paint Sealants, carnauba wax reviews, paint sealant reviews
It will tell you a little (generalized info) Oh and UPGP does have UV protection.

:dblthumb2:
 
CEE DOG said:
1.-The 4 Star is a great product as well from what I understand. killrwheels uses it on his vette and loves it. If he chimes in he might be able to comment on his opinion of adding the 4 Star over the UPGP. If you wanted to do it the products probably wouldn't "dislike" each other. It's probably not much risk or reward with layering these 2 products. Both amazing products that don't need each other...

I have heard adding Danase Wet Glaze (DWG) between the 1st and 2nd or 2nd and 3rd coat of UPGP looks amazing on red cars. Not sure what it does on blue metallic.

2.-As far as the scratches, when you are polishing to remove scratches you have to remember that you are not removing scratches but actually removing the clear coat of paint down to the level of the depth of the scratch. So, light scratches no big deal but at some point a scratch gets deep enough that polishing can make it look better but not remove it completely without removing more paint then you would like. Sounds like you don't have anything that bad though!

3.-I am going with the Menzerna polishes but it is a very difficult decision for me. The Wolfgang combo Wolfgang 8 oz. Swirl Remover Combo, Wolfgang polishes, total swirl remover, finishing glaze, machine glaze (also in 16 oz. sizes are an amzing price for something that is also made by Menzerna but is said to be more user friendly, have a much longer working time, and less dusting. I forgot to ask if you are machine or hand polishing.

3a.-If you are looking to get a machine look at the "Dual Action" types. I just bought the "Griot's Garage 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher" 129.99 after a lot of research. Griot's Garage 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher, Dual action buffer, DA polisher This type of machine is very safe and not likely to burn your paint.

3b.-If you are looking to polish by hand and are interested in just getting out or toning down these easily noticeable isolated scratches then look at:
"Meguiars SCRATCH X 2.0" Meguiar's SCRATCH X 2.0 Fine Scratch & Swirl Remover is a rubbing compound that can be applied by hand. Meguiars ScratchX polishes away fine paint

4.-Assuming you have a garage that isn't dusty you can place the second coat after 12 hours. If there is going to be a little dust on the car then I would qd with Ultima QD spray and then add next coat. (Not my favorite QD spray due to price and lubricity but works nice with UPGP if the paint is really clean) If the car has more than a little dust I then I suppose you have to wash it. Do you have a garage? I believe Rsurfer has like 9 coats on his car! If you are going to wash before adding another coat I would recomend you buy the Ultima Paint Gaurd wash. A little pricey normally but not quite as bad as it seems since it is so concentrated. Also right now it is BOGO (44 oz. for 19.99). http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-car-wash.html Normally it is anywhere from 13.99-19.99 for 22 oz.

5.-I have never used a carnuba by itself or layered it but please click this link: great info to know Carnauba Car Wax vs. Paint Sealants, carnauba wax reviews, paint sealant reviews
It will tell you a little (generalized info) Oh and UPGP does have UV protection.

:dblthumb2:
Click to expand...

Thanks CEE DOG!
Good to come back and read this! Thanks for taking the time to reply and help!

I just read most of the how to articles on the site and a few videos elsewhere. Lots to learn. I Will look into the DWG and may consider it to be an addition to this regiment that I started. Or depending how I approach the Audi, use it there.

Interesting to use both the 4 star and UPGP. I read somewhere on another forum where someone used the 4star for first 2 coats and then 3 of the UPGP. But also recommended using FK QD. Of course I have the Ultima. When on a spree and got all of their products at once. Thought I had done a lot of research--but there is always more to learn!

I will more than likely do this by hand and am considering a Christmas gift to myself of a dual action machine (Christmas may come early in Rebel's house!). I'll take a look at the Scratch X, I had read reviews that were mixed on that. But I don't have any major scratches so it may be a worth while shot especially considering the cost!

I do have a garage and did get the Ultra Paint Guard Wash and of course the Ultima QD spray. So I'm prepared for the dust in either heavy or light scenario.
 
So, I started out today and picked up some Meguiars SCRATCH X 2.0 and got most of the scratches to the point where you cant see them. There is one area where its still somehwat visible.
I"ll try again shortly. But if I still have the light scratch still visible, does it mean that I'd have better success with a more abrasive polish or will it fill in at some point with the the layers of sealant? Or just keep muscling this Meguiars SCRATCH X 2.0 in?
I also noticed Ive got some rubbing-scratches on the bumper and front lower skirt (thought it was sap or bugs but its actually scratches). So more work to do!
 
Rebelranger said:
. But if I still have the light scratch still visible, does it mean that I'd have better success with a more abrasive polish or will it fill in at some point with the the layers of sealant? Or just keep muscling this Meguiar's SCRATCH X 2.0 in?
Click to expand...

After you remove the lighter scratches, the deeper scratches will either take more applications of the ScratchX or maybe just improve them to the point that they're hard to see then apply your sealant and live with them. Removing scratches means removing paint and sometimes you're better off to simply improve the deeper scratches not completely remove them.

:)
 
Re: 4*UltimaPaintProtection and UPGP use together?

Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
After you remove the lighter scratches, the deeper scratches will either take more applications of the ScratchX or maybe just improve them to the point that they're hard to see then apply your sealant and live with them. Removing scratches means removing paint and sometimes you're better off to simply improve the deeper scratches not completely remove them.

:)
Click to expand...

Thanks Mike!
I stopped yesterday at the point where I feel I can live with them. I can barely see them now. After my work yesterday, I'm going to move onto the UPGP one coat per day for the next 3 days.
Not sure what I'll do with the bottle of 4 star Ultimate Paint Protection... Looks like I'll save it for my Audi?
 
Finally finished and......not pleased with shine. Its a nice reflective look but I want more shine... 3 coats of UPGP.... Seems something is missing. Any advice? Should I add more coats? I've tried the Ultima QD, Still not that popingly shiny mirror like finish that I was expecting.
Could I have done something wrong?
I suspect that this vehicle has never been detailed before, and I'm thinking that I am just getting started in terms of layers...Maybe I need a better product?
 
My guess is that the gloss and shine you are looking for can only be obtained by machine polishing. LSPs and glazes can only add so much. The real shine comes from the removal of swirls and the smoothing, leveling, and burnishing of the paint surface. If this is really important to you, then you might want to consider purchasing a dual action polisher, pads, and polishes (est. $300-$500 initial investment).

By all means try, e.g., the Four Star sealant or a carnauba wax, but you probably will not see a significant improvement in gloss. Polishing is the secret to a reflective, wet finish.
 
akimel said:
My guess is that the gloss and shine you are looking for can only be obtained by machine polishing. LSPs and glazes can only add so much. The real shine comes from the removal of swirls and the smoothing, leveling, and burnishing of the paint surface. If this is really important to you, then you might want to consider purchasing a dual action polisher, pads, and polishes (est. $300-$500 initial investment).

By all means try, e.g., the Four Star sealant or a carnauba wax, but you probably will not see a significant improvement in gloss. Polishing is the secret to a reflective, wet finish.
Click to expand...

:iagree:
 
Here are a few pics to show the present condition after my days of hand/hard work. I am now understanding the need and more so use of a good machine. I was able to try out the flex 3401 and the PC 7424XP on my Maxima and can see now machines help. Although I favor the Flex, I have to admit my hands were like jelly with 15 minutes of use... So I will go that route!
My real question is what products and pads should I be looking at to get the Tahoe in shape? I am not so concerned about costs but really want to get the best job in getting super results. I have the patience of a saint and will work on this for as long as it takes. I also learn very fast and have no problem with criticism and (Light) scolding to get me to the point of becoming a champ at getting this "art" perfected.
So by all means teach away..recommend away and help me get to the stage that many of you are at....

I don't mind using my Maxima as the testing ground for my flex or PC.

Thanks everyone!!!
 
rwisejr said:
You have the 4 star why not give it a try as it will have no problem bonding to the UPGP
Click to expand...
Im thinking of doing just that for now and eventually starting all over and using a machine.........
 
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