First Time Detailing using a Polisher

[protodad]

So I finally took the plunge and bought a PC from autogeek yesterday. I decided on the kit with the XMT swirl remover and finishing glaze. Now, I have never used a polisher for more than about a few minutes but I feel comfortable with the process. Its the different usages that I have some questions on.

First, I assume the swirl remover can take out some light scuffs as well with the same pad? My wife's 2006 Odyssey (Sage Brush Pearl) seems to have very few swirls (some on the rear pillars) but as it is a minivan with 100k+ miles it has some serious scuffs.

Here is part of the hood.

Second, the paint (or clearcoat) seems to have some major "orange peel" in many areas. The carfax was clean and it was only about 5 years old when we bought it so I don't think it has been repainted but is that something that I can repair or something I have to live with?

Lastly, my wife unfortunately drives a short dirt road every few days on the way to her parents house. I've never wiped it off because I was afraid of scratching the paint but if I put on a strong layer of glaze/sealant should i be able to wipe the dust off the van without damaging the paint?

Ill try to get some better photos as these were taken on a phone.

I have a ton more questions, but I think I will spend some time searching the forums before I come back with more.

 

[mwoolfso]

The first pic shows what I think is road rash moreso than swirls. Pics don't necessarily show everything though so I do believe you.

With a dirt road I suggest you get a semi-permanent or permanent coating that will withstand the dirt road. Otherwise it won't matter how often you polish and wax you will be losing paint as the years go by.

 

[vman]

The orange peel is something you'll have to live with unless you decide wetsand which isn't worth it on a daily driver IMO. Hondas are known to have orange peel so I doubt it has been repainted.

Orange peel really bothers us as we have an eye for it that others may not see. It only bugs us autogeeks and I think having a swirl free finish is far more important in looks than removing orange peel from the car.

Also, metallics hide swirls very well so check the paint in multiple angles and different lighting before choosing a plan of attack. I have a truck that is metallic but a lighter shade and I have a problem finding defects under normal sunlight even though I know the paint isn't perfect.

Do not touch the paint if there is dirt on it without any lubrication. That could lead to a costly and time consuming scratch. A glaze or wax won't protect the car from scratches as the wax/glaze that is left on the car is a microscopicly thin layer relative to the size of the dust particles. Try using a waterless wash or rinseless wash for those times when a touch up is needed.

 

[protodad]

The first pic shows what I think is road rash moreso than swirls. Pics don't necessarily show everything though so I do believe you.

You are correct, the hood has quite a few small chips in it.

Hondas are known to have orange peel so I doubt it has been repainted.

Now that I think about it I had a prelude about 8 years ago that had the same issue and the paint was only 1-2 years old.


Since it gets dirty so often, I really don't mind washing the van properly every week as needed (the interior needs a lot of vacuuming with 3 boys). I was thinking I would put a long lasting sealant on it though to keep from having to do the bigger steps as often (it gets garaged).

My car currently is a Ford Edge with an off white paint. I feel kinda the opposite about it since it just sees about 15 freeway miles a day to get me to work. I would rather wash it less often but when I do I wouldn't mind putting more effort into it.

 

[CM8 6MT]

Many Hondas 2003+ have road rash that shows up prematurely. Its the result of Honda's questionable paint quality they have been using lately. My 05 Accord has the same issue on the lower hood. Road rash and crows feet on the clear coat. While this requires a re-paint, with the right products you cant tell its there unless you got down and looked for them. You can minimize their appearance. I would suggest Opti Coat 2.0 for this.

As for myself, eh im not concerned about it getting worse. Its very minimal at most and hasnt affected any other portion of the car. Some 06+ Civic si's have recalls issued on them and owners get a free re-paint paid by the dealership. Other model owners arent so lucky....yet.