Okay here goes, first time with Griots polisher

chosenone

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So I have a black used 2009 Cadillac CTSV. Paint has been taken care of but is my daily driver. It has minor swirls and little imperfections along quarters from winter months. I have been preparing to attack the car with the right tools. So here is my game plan. I am going to use the Original Forum Favorite Kit.
Wolfgangs swirl remover 3.0
Klasse All-in-0ne
Klasse High gloss sealant glaze
Pinnacle Souveran Paste Wax


Step 1 - Using Griots DA polisher and an orange Lake Country 6.5 pad will apply Wolfgang swirl remover 3.0. Remove with microfiber towels

Step 2 - Using Griots DA polisher and a white Lake Country 6.5 pad will apply Klass All-in-one and remove with microfiber towels

Step 3 - Using Griots DA polisher and a blue Lake Country 6.5 pad will apply Klasse High gloss sealant glaze and remove with microfiber towels

Step 4 - after letting Klass High gloss cure for 8-12 hours will a use a Griots DA polisher and a red Lake Country 6.5 pad to apply Pinnacle Souveran Paste wax and remove with microfiber towels.

I also purchased a 3" dual back plate and some of the same pads mentioned above for the small awkard panels.

So any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. I have not done this before and advice is always wanted. I have purchased everything so far except for the Griots DA polisher, still hoping I get one in the giveaway.
 
Step 1 - Using Griots DA polisher and an orange Lake Country 6.5 pad will apply Wolfgang swirl remover 3.0. Remove with microfiber towels

Read the links below and watch the videos...

click the link below and watch the videos...

Video: Mark your backing plate to make it easy to see pad rotation



In this video I demonstrate how the basics of how to use a DA Polisher for Dave Bowman of Crank & Chrome fame as well as Shade Tree Mechanic and Two Guys Garage. After this segment, a few weeks later he purchased everything I demonstrated and buffed out his Corvette. In the video I also shove the pad against my hand to show how safe these types of tool are...




Removing Swirls and Oxidation By Machine
[video=youtube_share;PWdYCHZrpd8"]How To Remove Oxidation by Machine Polishing with...[/video]​



Step 2 - Using Griots DA polisher and a white Lake Country 6.5 pad will apply Klass All-in-one and remove with microfiber towels.

That will work... the KAIO is a one-step cleaner/wax, technically a cleaner/sealant. Might be easier to wipe off if you let it dry first.

Step 3 - Using Griots DA polisher and a blue Lake Country 6.5 pad will apply Klasse High gloss sealant glaze and remove with microfiber towels

I don't know anyone that applies SG by machine. I wrote an article just for this product, I would highly recommend reading the article and following the recommendation for your first time with this product.


The below is also from my article list...

A tip for working with waxes, paint sealants or coatings that are new to you




Step 4 - after letting Klass High gloss cure for 8-12 hours will a use a Griots DA polisher and a red Lake Country 6.5 pad to apply Pinnacle Souveran Paste wax and remove with microfiber towels.

Use speed 3-4 for this step...




I'd also take a look at these,


How To Do a Test Spot
(and why it's so important)


I recommend everyone read this article first - before you need to troubleshoot :)

DA Polisher Trouble Shooting Guide


Factors that can cause a pad to stop rotating on a DA Polisher

Video: How-To do a "Section Pass" when Machine Polishing with a DA Polisher


The Compression Washer

How to prime a foam pad when using a DA Polisher


Wet Buffing Technique

DA Polisher Articles - Help for Newbies to Machine Polishing <-- Walks you through detailing your car...


Might as well read this and then throw the handle away...

Handle? Or No Handle? - Using DA Polishers Without the Handle


You can wax by machine too...

How-to Machine Apply Wax using a DA Polisher

How to Apply Dodo Pastes Waxes by Machine

How To Apply Mothers California Gold Carnauba Paste Wax by Machine



Feel your paint after washing and drying but before machine polishing...

The Baggie Test - How to inspect for above surface bonded contaminants


The above will get you going in the right direction...


Before you start, read through this, all the tips and techniques apply to both a brand new car or an older car...


How To Detail Your Brand New Car by Mike Phillips


:)
 
There's a LOT of tips and techniques shared in the below video. In the video we use a Porter Cable but everything we show applies to any DA Polishers.




How to remove shallow RIDS and how to machine
apply both a paint sealant and a finishing wax
[video=youtube_share;3xJH_MGgbLw&hd=1"]How to remove shallow RIDS and how to machine...[/video]​



This how-to video also covers,

  • RIDS - Random Isolated Deeper Scratches
  • Removing watches and any jewelery
  • Using a DA Polisher without the handle
  • Placing cord over shoulder
  • Priming the pad on a DA Polisher
  • Speed settings for removing isolated defects
  • Downward pressure needed for removing isolated defects
  • How to clean a pad on the fly
  • Where and why to mark your backing plate with a black mark
  • Rotating the body of the tool to keep the pad flat to a panel
  • Why to allow the pad to stop spinning before lifting the pad off the paint
  • How to swap backing plates from a 3.5" to a 5"
  • Machine waxing using 5.5" Hydro-Tech Crimson Finishing pads with Menzerna Power Lock
  • The "Kissing the Finish" Technique
  • How to do the Swipe Test to check if a wax or paint sealant is dry
  • How to remove dried paint sealant using a microfiber bonnet on a dry pad on a DA Polisher
  • How to clean a microfiber bonnet on the fly with your fingernails
  • How to apply a paste wax by machine - Souveran Paste Wax
  • How to carefully wipe a WOWO wax off by hand using Microfiber Gloves and plush Microfiber Towels
  • How and why to fold a microfiber towel 4-ways to wipe wax off
  • How to break-open a coat of wax and then creep out to carefully wipe off a coating of wax
  • How to do the "Final Wipe"

:)
 
Great info Mike, thanks so much. I am waiting for the nicer weather to come to me before I dive in so I can do some reading for sure. What is the main reason for not using the machine for the SG? I read the article about spreading a thin layer, can that not be acheived with machine or do you just not get optimum results with a machine?
 
I was wondering what people do after they have waited for the sealant to cure for 8 hours or more than likely a full day, do you have to use detailer spray and wipe the car back down. For the everyday person who is just cleaning there own car at home in their garage its not going to be completely dust free. Would you cover the car with car cover after the first few steps or would you wipe the car down when you come back to put your last wax down?
 
Just to be clear, when sealant is said to be curing, it has already been wiped off, and the cure time is how long it takes to fully adhere to the paint. So, once you've applied the sealant and then wiped it off, the curing begins. You don't need to do anything at that point unless you want to top it with a wax.
 
I was wondering what people do after they have waited for the sealant to cure for 8 hours or more than likely a full day, do you have to use detailer spray and wipe the car back down. For the everyday person who is just cleaning there own car at home in their garage its not going to be completely dust free. Would you cover the car with car cover after the first few steps or would you wipe the car down when you come back to put your last wax down?

i don't let anything sit on paint for more than 30 minutes, including bfwdps
usually i'm not worried, unless its petes, you should be terrified after 5-10 minutes lol, IME there's been no benefits or need for it to cure more than 30 minutes, although it does continue to cure and "cross-link" etc once buffed off, thats why I never top until atleast 30 minutes after buff off
just some imo ime input
 
I have never used my GG 6" to apply sealant, especially KSG and IMHO should be applied by hand for one reason, its a WOWO and when using your machine you've gotta put it down every section, real annoying!

KSG should be applied the following way and this is coming from someone who's been using it since 2005:

-get a bowl and pour some water in there
-pour your KSG in a spray bottle (I use the 4 oz GG bottles)
-take your cotton applicator and dunk it in the bowl
-wring out the cotton applicator so its just damp
-spray 1-2 sprays across the damp applcator (less is more here)
-do a section at a time, wipe on and wipe it in good and get good coverage
-wipe off right away
-along the way, when the damp applicator isn't so damp or fresh, dunk it back in the bowl and wring out.

*apply a 2nd coat 12 hrs later...HUGE RESULTS!*

This is just for the KSG step, after polishing the paint out and using KAIO, which not only cleans anything left over from the polishing but does give you a little protection and a great base for KSG.

Sent from my SPH-M930 using AG Online
 
Great info guys, really are helping out a lot. Being a newb I thought I had the process all laid out, thanks for the tweaking. So Let me change it up:

Step 1 - Using Griots DA polisher and an orange Lake Country 6.5 pad will apply Wolfgang swirl remover 3.0. Remove with microfiber towels

Step 2 - Using Griots DA polisher and a white Lake Country 6.5 pad will apply Klass All-in-one and remove with microfiber towels

Step 3 - By hand will apply Klasse High gloss sealant glaze and remove with microfiber towels. WOPO then let it cure for atleast 30 minutes or longer and then move onto step 4.

Step 4 - after letting Klass High gloss cure for 8-12 hours will a use a Griots DA polisher and a red Lake Country 6.5 pad to apply Pinnacle Souveran Paste wax and remove with microfiber towels.

Feel free to keep on tweaking the plan. I will more than likely work on the first 3 steps all day in my garage and then start step 4 the following day. Do I need to cover my car to keep it dust free, or quick detail and wipe off with microfiber or what?
 
Let me add another questions, The Klasse All in one talks about removing swirls and light haze. Is the Wolfgang swirl remover step worth doing for a black vehicle that basically just has swirls from the previous owner washing the car. I would rather not spend 30.00 and a lot of time and a step that is the same.
 
Also was just reading up on the proper instructions from Klasse One to apply to car. As you can see below they say to apply to the whole car wait 30 minutes and then remove. A lot of the advice I have been reading says it is WOWO. Im a bit confused now. Here are the steps listed

Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze Hand Application
Apply Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze just like you applied the All-In-One. With a damp (NOT WET) applicator pad or towel, spread a nickel-sized amount of Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze onto the surface in long, overlapping strokes. Go over each area a few times to ensure even, thin coverage. Remember that Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze is only for painted surfaces.

Apply glaze to the entire vehicle before you wipe off residue. Allow Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze to set for at least 30 minutes or until it is completely dry. Buff with a soft, microfiber towel for the best results.
Feel free to apply as many coats as you like, buffing each coat off before applying another coat. Wait 8-12 hours between coats. Multiple coats of Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze will not yellow or discolor your vehicle.
Tip: If Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze streaks, you’ve used too much product. Use a clean microfiber towel to wipe the area to remove residue.
Tip: Let Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze set on your vehicle for as long as possible. At least 8 to 12 hours is recommended before applying another coat. Remember, the best things come to those who wait!
 
Don't leave KSG on for 30 minutes and then remove or did you mean apply wax after 30 minutes? I would suggest putting nothing ontop of KSG for 12 hrs, if they say to wait that amount of time to apply another coat of KSG then it would make sense to wait that long for a nuba topper....anyone else agree?

Glad to see Klasse being used here. Although I have/use other products I still like Klasse!

Sent from my SPH-M930 using AG Online
 
KSG is tough to remove if put on too thisk as Kalss Act has said.

ive applied with my DA and a blue LC pad...i used the Klasse instructions of put on the whole vehicle, wait 30 min and remove, and it was tough...i sprayed the KSG as well, but it was still ahrd to remove, but it can be done by spritzing more KSG, or a QD to aid in removal...

i have also applied as Klasse Act has said and that is the best way IMO. a light mist applied by hand and wipe off..but do the second coat for sure...then if you really feel the need use your "topper" of choice.
 
Yeah the 2nd coat not only gives you more protection but also ensures 100% coverage as well, not to mention how it looks which IMO is top notch!

Depending upon the color of your car and/or the look your going for, you really don't need a topper after the 1st or 2nd coat of KSG IMHO.

Hope to see some pics of the black Caddy too!

Sent from my SPH-M930 using AG Online
 
What is the main reason for not using the machine for the SG? I read the article about spreading a thin layer, can that not be achieved with machine or do you just not get optimum results with a machine?

I think for most people ti will be easier to apply a thin coating of KSG by hand than by machine. If you put too thick a layer of Klasse Sealant Glaze on and let it fully dry it will be like trying to wipe off Elmer's Glue.

That's why anytime someone posts to the forum they are using this product for the first time I give them the link to this article which I wrote specifically for Klasse SG

A tip for working with waxes, paint sealants or coatings that are new to you


Tip: Test to small area first
Anytime you're going to use a wax, paint sealant or coating that is a product you've never used before, especially if you're planning on applying it to the entire car... to get a feel for how the product applies and most important, how it wipes off, first test the product to a small area.

This way you'll be familiar with the application and wipe-off characteristics for the specific product before applying to the entire car.


A small area = about a foot squared
The average size square microfiber towel is 16" by 16", which is a little larger than a foot squared. So for your test section, lay a clean microfiber towel out flat, like this,

MicrofiberTowel001.jpg



Then use this area as a guide as to how large of an area to apply the product onto in order to get a good feel for both the application and wipe-off characteristics of the new-to-you product.


Follow the manufactures directions
Manufactures know their product formulas best so take a moment to read the directions for application and removal on the label and then follow them as recommended.

Waxes and Paint Sealants that dry
If the directions state that you should allow the product to dry to haze before removal then allow the product to dry before removing it.


The Swipe Test
Here's a handy test to check and see if a wax or paint sealant is dry and ready to remove, The Swipe Test


Wipe-on, wipe-off waxes and paint sealants
Some products are formulated to be removed before they dry, these are called wipe-on, wipe-off waxes. If you're using a wipe-on, wipe-off wax then immediately after applying the wax to the entire car go ahead and remove it.


Products vary and climatic conditions vary
The chemistry between products can be very different; some products wipe off a tick on the difficult side while some products wipe off incredibly easy.

Products perform differently in different environmental conditions; a product that applies and remove easily in a humid area may apply and wipe off with great difficulty in another geographical location that's hot and dry.


The idea behind this tip is for you to become acquainted with a product you've never used before in your specific geographical, environmental and climatic location.


For some people, what this may teach them is the importance of applying a thin coating and if you're new to the world of detailing in general and waxing by hand in specific, you might not know 100% exactly what is meant by a thin coating and you don't want to learn what thin means the hard way.


:xyxthumbs:



Do I need to cover my car to keep it dust free, or quick detail and wipe off with microfiber or what?

You can do either, if you have a couple of soft, flannel bed sheets, place these over the major horizontal panels.



Let me add another questions, The Klasse All in one talks about removing swirls and light haze.

Is the Wolfgang swirl remover step worth doing for a black vehicle that basically just has swirls from the previous owner washing the car.

I would rather not spend 30.00 and a lot of time and a step that is the same.

The KAIO is a non-abrasive cleaner/wax, technically not a wax but a cleaner/sealant. Any swirl removing ability comes from time, pressure and the foam working whatever cleaning agents are in the products. It offers very little ability to remove paint off a modern clear coat.

The Wolfgang TSR is a Medium Cut Polish and will actually "work" to remove some paint and thus remove swirls. You will not only save time and actually remove some swirls using the Wolfgang TSR but it finished out damn nice and you'll like the results.

Used the TSR on this swirled out mess...

Christmas Detail - Ferrari P4 - Move over Rudolf

Ferrari_P4_Detailed_by_Mike_Phillips_002.jpg



Ferrari_P4_Detailed_by_Mike_Phillips_011.jpg







KSG is tough to remove if put on too thick as Kalss Act has said.

So now you have me, Klasse Act and primo spaghetti all telling you that KSG is hard to remove if you put too thick of a coating on... are you starting to see a trend here?


:dunno:



Read my article above, I copied and pasted the ENTIRE thing into this reply.

It offers you a FRIENDLY TIP


Tip: Test to small area first
Anytime you're going to use a wax, paint sealant or coating that is a product you've never used before, especially if you're planning on applying it to the entire car... to get a feel for how the product applies and most important, how it wipes off, first test the product to a small area.

This way you'll be familiar with the application and wipe-off characteristics for the specific product before applying to the entire car.


A small area = about a foot squared
The average size square microfiber towel is 16" by 16", which is a little larger than a foot squared. So for your test section, lay a clean microfiber towel out flat, like this,

MicrofiberTowel001.jpg



Then use this area as a guide as to how large of an area to apply the product onto in order to get a good feel for both the application and wipe-off characteristics of the new-to-you product.
 
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