First-Timer with the PC 7424XP and Paint Correction

[lex-]

I am thinking about purchasing a PC 7424XP with Lake Country CCS pads and I'm looking for a little advise for a first timer.
I'm going to purchase the orange, white, gray pads.

I have a 2009 Lexus RX 350. The color is Smoky Granite Mica.
The condition of the paint has light swirl marks and scratches.

Here's my plan of attack for the paint.
1. Wash with Z7 - Zaino Car Wash
2. Clay with Mothers clay bar
3. Menzerna Intensive Polish (PO91E) on a CCS Orange Pad
4. Menzerna Final Finish (PO854) on a CCS White Pad
5. IPA wipedown with Car Pro Eraser
6. Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant on a Gray Pad

For step 6, I was thinking about using Zaino Z-5 PRO with ZFX applied by hand followed by Z-6 Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray in between (applied 3 times).

However that is a lot of work and I was told that Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant does just as good on step 6.

I believe lexus paint is soft so I was going to do a test spot on the car and use Menzerna Final Finish (PO854) on a CCS White Pad and see if I can get the swirl marks and scratches out first.

If not, I will try the Menzerna Intensive Polish (PO91E) on a CCS Orange Pad and then use Menzerna Final Finish (PO854) on a CCS White Pad.


Are there any problems with my plan?

What speeds on the PC 7424XP should I use for Step 3, 4 and 6?

Does any "griots garage dried on wax remover" permanently removes the dried wax from black bumpers?

Any and all recommendations are very appreciated!

Thanks
Lex-

 

[Andr3wilson]

You have a good start here! Everything is good except for your initial polishing step.

I have a 2010 RX350 in Smoky Granite Mica.

You are correct, Lexus uses very soft clear coats and really does not need the aggressive IS-1500 polish

I found on many occasions, lexus paint polishes out great with PF-2500 on an orange pad.

FF-3000 i have never really liked too much, a deeper gloss is achievable with SF-4000 or 4500 on a red pad.

For finishing SF-4000 is an awesome polish, I love it and use it professionally and have never had a bad result.

SF4500 will make the paint more glossy than 4000.

This is a maintenance polish with SF4500 on a white pad
Before:

After:

Now I used a white pad with SF4500 because I wanted a one step process and the white pad gives fairly decent cut.

After your initial polish, you will not need to cut anymore, so for that reason I would recommend a finishing pad like: blue, black, red, gold jeweling.

Your speeds should be:
Polish- 5-6
Finishing- 3-4

As far as wax remover, I have never used it, I always tape off the area, and if you do get some wax/polish on the bumper, quickly wipe it off the second it goes on, and you shouldn't get any residue.

Menz PL I use as my base paint sealant. I like it and it gives a decent protective layer. I would also recommend Klasse all in one sealant; stuff is great.

If you want a wax, try Menz CL; i have heard great things about it. If you want to step it up another gloss level, try Dodo juice Blue velvet, that stuff is awesome.

Here is mine with Exo, I love Exo

Hope this helps!

 

[Johny B]

A special note use 5".5 pads for an easier job.

 

[rmagnus]

Well you've given your process alot of thought.

My last RX was a 2006 and I found the clear to be average not hard or soft. I used a PC mostly white pads and M206 topped with Col845. I did use a yellow pad and M105 for some door scratches and water spotting on the roof. Remember the PC is a great tool just not the most powerful tool in the bin so adjusting your products may be needed.

Menzerna Intensive Polish (PO91E) on a CCS Orange Pad may be needed for some of your defects with the PC. Let us know how it turns out.

Definately stick with 5.5" pads on the PC. I polish at speed 4 or 5 usually 5. 6 gets uncomfortable.

 

[ihaveacamaro]

I like flat pads more than CCS and the Griot's Garage more than the PC. That's what I would use, had I have to start again.

 

[lex-]

You have a good start here! Everything is good except for your initial polishing step.

I have a 2010 RX350 in Smoky Granite Mica.

You are correct, Lexus uses very soft clear coats and really does not need the aggressive IS-1500 polish

I found on many occasions, lexus paint polishes out great with PF-2500 on an orange pad.

FF-3000 i have never really liked too much, a deeper gloss is achievable with SF-4000 or 4500 on a red pad.

For finishing SF-4000 is an awesome polish, I love it and use it professionally and have never had a bad result.

SF4500 will make the paint more glossy than 4000.

This is a maintenance polish with SF4500 on a white pad
Before:

After:

Now I used a white pad with SF4500 because I wanted a one step process and the white pad gives fairly decent cut.

After your initial polish, you will not need to cut anymore, so for that reason I would recommend a finishing pad like: blue, black, red, gold jeweling.

Your speeds should be:
Polish- 5-6
Finishing- 3-4

As far as wax remover, I have never used it, I always tape off the area, and if you do get some wax/polish on the bumper, quickly wipe it off the second it goes on, and you shouldn't get any residue.

Menz PL I use as my base paint sealant. I like it and it gives a decent protective layer. I would also recommend Klasse all in one sealant; stuff is great.

If you want a wax, try Menz CL; i have heard great things about it. If you want to step it up another gloss level, try Dodo juice Blue velvet, that stuff is awesome.

Here is mine with Exo, I love Exo

Hope this helps!

Thanks Andr3Wilson

I think I will take your advise and go with the following:
Here's my plan of attack for the paint.
1. Wash with Z7 - Zaino Car Wash
2. Clay with Mothers clay bar
3. Menzerna Power Finish (PF-2500) on a CCS white Pad. If needed then step up to the Orange pad. (PC speed 6)
4. Menzerna Ultimate Finish (SF -4500)on a CCS Grey Pad. (PC speed 4)
5. Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant on a CCS Blue Pad. (PC Speed 3)

Does this look correct?

 

[waderw24]

You may want to also consider a round of Iron-X after your initial wash and before you clay.

 

[Andr3wilson]

Thanks Andr3Wilson

I think I will take your advise and go with the following:
Here's my plan of attack for the paint.
1. Wash with Z7 - Zaino Car Wash
2. Clay with Mothers clay bar
3. Menzerna Power Finish (PF-2500) on a CCS white Pad. If needed then step up to the Orange pad. (PC speed 6)
4. Menzerna Ultimate Finish (SF -4500)on a CCS Grey Pad. (PC speed 4)
5. Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant on a CCS Blue Pad. (PC Speed 3)

Does this look correct?

Bang on! Although for step 5. The PL, you may want to do that by hand with an applicator. I find sometimes by machine the pads can get over saturated. Nothing wrong with it, only using more product than needed.

If you do it by machine, then speed 1 is what you should be using. I like this because it is easier to control. Remember sealing is the final step, you do not need to all that power to spread a sealing.

You have a good pad choice too!

 

[lex-]

What's Up Andr3Wilson

I have a question for you. Can I start off with the Menzerna SF 4000 with a white pad to see if I can remove the very minor scratches and swirls instead of starting with Menzerna 1500 with a orange pad?


I just purchased the porte cable kit with Menzerna 1500 and 4000 from Autogeek.