2013 Mercedes SL550 - Big Red

[zmcgovern45]

So I don't think anyone has asked this...

but why not just step up to a more aggressive product like FG400 instead of making multiple passes with small pads over the same area with a finishing polish? You can still achieve fantastic results with these heavier cutting products if you work them long enough on rock hard paint.

FF3000 has a cut level of "4" and gloss level of "9" while FG400 has a cut level of "9" and gloss level of "7". Using FG400 definitely would have allowed you to use a pad like 5.5" and then you could have finished with SF4500 (cut of "2" and gloss of "10") if your inspection revealed any haze remaining from the compound. It just seems way more tedious trying to knock out defects on rock hard paint with a finishing polish and a tiny pad.

Anyway, car looks great!

 

[Centexhokie]

So I don't think anyone has asked this...

but why not just step up to a more aggressive product like FG400 instead of making multiple passes with small pads over the same area with a finishing polish? You can still achieve fantastic results with these heavier cutting products if you work them long enough on rock hard paint.

FF3000 has a cut level of "4" and gloss level of "9" while FG400 has a cut level of "9" and gloss level of "7". Using FG400 definitely would have allowed you to use a pad like 5.5" and then you could have finished with SF4500 (cut of "2" and gloss of "10") if your inspection revealed any haze remaining from the compound. It just seems way more tedious trying to knock out defects on rock hard paint with a finishing polish and a tiny pad.

Anyway, car looks great!

Good question. The answer is because I didn't inspect it prior to setting about to do it on Friday. I did not have FG4000 and live in an area that doesn't have much access if any to Menz. I probably should have gone to Autozone and gotten some Megs 105, but sometimes (generally) I am stubborn when I start.

Thanks for the compliment. By the way, I may put a silica product on as you suggested in about 3 months. I wanted to see if I could get the paint really good before committing to doing that.

Come to think of it, the first thing I learned was to do a better job inspecting the paint before setting up to do the work.

 

[zmcgovern45]

Good question. The answer is because I didn't inspect it prior to setting about to do it on Friday. I did not have FG4000 and live in an area that doesn't have much access if any to Menz. I probably should have gone to Autozone and gotten some Megs 105, but sometimes (generally) I am stubborn when I start.

^ Being stubborn is one thing, but learning to be efficient is key. M105 definitely would have made your life easier.

Thanks for the compliment. By the way, I may put a silica product on as you suggested in about 3 months..

^ The time to do a coating is immediately after polishing. You may be able to do a quick finishing polish with SF4500 before applying a coating, but it is crucial to remove all polishing oils and/or any wax or sealant that may remain prior to coating as these products will interfere with the bond between the coating and the paint. SF4500 is particularly oily, so if you're up for purchasing another finishing polish, I would recommend CarPro Reflect prior to applying a coating.

Come to think of it, the first thing I learned was to do a better job inspecting the paint before setting up to do the work.

^Which is exactly why I inspect all cars in person prior to quoting a job and agreeing to do the work!

Live and Learn... all that matters is you're clearly taking the right steps to maintaining your vehicle :dblthumb2:

 

[Centexhokie]

^ Being stubborn is one thing, but learning to be efficient is key. M105 definitely would have made your life easier.


^ The time to do a coating is immediately after polishing. You may be able to do a quick finishing polish with SF4500 before applying a coating, but it is crucial to remove all polishing oils and/or any wax or sealant that may remain prior to coating as these products will interfere with the bond between the coating and the paint. SF4500 is particularly oily, so if you're up for purchasing another finishing polish, I would recommend CarPro Reflect prior to applying a coating.



^Which is exactly why I inspect all cars in person prior to quoting a job and agreeing to do the work!

Live and Learn... all that matters is you're clearly taking the right steps to maintaining your vehicle :dblthumb2:

Thanks for the tips and the recommendation.