Back for the Finest - 2000 BMW Z3 Paint Correction, CQuartz Finest Installation, Interior, and Engine Detail

Wow that's amazing!! Keep up the good work! What did you use last year on the trashed paint? I just picked up a black 1998 323 a few months ago and used Poorboy's ssr3 and yellow pad....and i have some swirls remaining (on the body im sure some swirls were created b/c of the aggressive combo but on the roof and trunk lid it looks like someone took a brillo pad to the paint...its horrible). The paint on this car is HARD which I'm not used to coming from a '97 accord.
 
itsinthedetails said:
Wow that's amazing!! Keep up the good work! What did you use last year on the trashed paint? I just picked up a black 1998 323 a few months ago and used Poorboy's ssr3 and yellow pad....and i have some swirls remaining (on the body im sure some swirls were created b/c of the aggressive combo but on the roof and trunk lid it looks like someone took a brillo pad to the paint...its horrible). The paint on this car is HARD which I'm not used to coming from a '97 accord.
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Thanks!

Last year I used M105/M205. M105 is more aggressive than SSR3. Also, I would recommend trying MF Cutting pads instead of yellow foam pads - you'll get better cut and finish with MF cutting pads.
 
I've looked at lot of your stuff and it is always very professional and well done. Very inspiring work, car looks great!
 
zmcgovern45 said:
Thanks!

Last year I used M105/M205. M105 is more aggressive than SSR3. Also, I would recommend trying MF Cutting pads instead of yellow foam pads - you'll get better cut and finish with MF cutting pads.
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Yw! Okay, I've been meaning to try the MF DA system, just haven't wanted to spend the money. It's like $100 right? How do the mf pads hold up to the ccs and flat foam pads? I'm using a GG DA.
 
itsinthedetails said:
Yw! Okay, I've been meaning to try the MF DA system, just haven't wanted to spend the money. It's like $100 right? How do the mf pads hold up to the ccs and flat foam pads? I'm using a GG DA.
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$100?? The MF Cutting pads come in a pack of 2 pads for like $22. Maybe the entire kit with cutting pads, finishing pads, D300/D301 is closer to $100, but you don't need that stuff.

I do like D300, but as far as D301 and the MF Finishing Pad... I say stick with foam pads and a finishing polish.

Just pickup some MF Cutting pads and use them with M105 you already have.

I've got 4 MF pads that I have had for about a year now and they show no signs of falling apart. These pads are much more sensitive to heat and product saturation compared to foam pads so it is important to allow them to cool/dry during use. You must also clean them after EVERY SECTION (note: section, not panel).

The best way to extend the life of MF pads is to rotate between 2 or 3 pads at a time. What I mean is use one pad for a panel (ie a door) and then switch to another pad and place the original pad somewhere to cool off/dry. Then switch to a third pad, or back to the original pad, after the next panel and allow the 2nd pad to cool off/dry. Make sense? :dblthumb2:
 
zmcgovern45 said:
$100?? The MF Cutting pads come in a pack of 2 pads for like $22. Maybe the entire kit with cutting pads, finishing pads, D300/D301 is closer to $100, but you don't need that stuff.

I do like D300, but as far as D301 and the MF Finishing Pad... I say stick with foam pads and a finishing polish.

Just pickup some MF Cutting pads and use them with M105 you already have.

I've got 4 MF pads that I have had for about a year now and they show no signs of falling apart. These pads are much more sensitive to heat and product saturation compared to foam pads so it is important to allow them to cool/dry during use. You must also clean them after EVERY SECTION (note: section, not panel).

The best way to extend the life of MF pads is to rotate between 2 or 3 pads at a time. What I mean is use one pad for a panel (ie a door) and then switch to another pad and place the original pad somewhere to cool off/dry. Then switch to a third pad, or back to the original pad, after the next panel and allow the 2nd pad to cool off/dry. Make sense? :dblthumb2:
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Ahh okay. I must have been looking into the kit before then....I will have to get some pads now :D. That's good news. Thanks for the tip! I usually clean after each panel, that's good to know. Yes, makes sense, thanks!!
 
itsinthedetails said:
Ahh okay. I must have been looking into the kit before then....I will have to get some pads now :D. That's good news. Thanks for the tip! I usually clean after each panel, that's good to know. Yes, makes sense, thanks!!
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Glad to help :xyxthumbs:
 
Havn't been on for a while, and I was browsing through old post. Man, I am flat out impressed by your work. I also love how you do your 50/50 shots. Just amazing! I've been on the fence about FG400, and am definitely going to be purchasing the product after reading your post.
 
statusdetailing said:
Havn't been on for a while, and I was browsing through old post. Man, I am flat out impressed by your work. I also love how you do your 50/50 shots. Just amazing! I've been on the fence about FG400, and am definitely going to be purchasing the product after reading your post.
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Zach, I haven't said on this particular write-up so, really nice work!
How long did you wait between coats on the paint? Did you need or use any lights to help the curing process? (Guessing you did not since you had the car sitting for 48 hours.) I've been going back looking through coating application posts seeing who uses the curing lights and trying to figure out just when they are needed. (I understand that these light help to speed up the curing time.) I don't have any curing lights and trying to gauge how much they are used, thus needed.

Status, by no means do I have the experience (thus the skill-set) as you, Zach and many others, however I have used and really enjoy using FG400. Especially with the MF Finishing pad on not too hard of paint. Of course there have been many excellent write-ups and shots, however some of my favorite 50/50s using FG400 alone that come to mind are from Zach, Pureshine, and DR Pain. <-- Thanks again guys...

As far as gaining knowledge and the experience working paint work, I'm confident in my learning abilities with that, I'm just worried about the photography skillset that is needed as well that I severely lack. Think I'll re-read Zach's camera posts and learn some skills from a couple of photographer friends that I know.
 
cire said:
Zach, I haven't said on this particular write-up so, really nice work!
How long did you wait between coats on the paint? Did you need or use any lights to help the curing process? (Guessing you did not since you had the car sitting for 48 hours.) I've been going back looking through coating application posts seeing who uses the curing lights and trying to figure out just when they are needed. (I understand that these light help to speed up the curing time.) I don't have any curing lights and trying to gauge how much they are used, thus needed.
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Thanks!

CQuartz Finest is a different application than any other coating. The 2nd coat is applied immediately after the first coat.

I do not use IR curing lights... it simply takes too long to monitor the lights and move them around the vehicle since you can only do one panel at a time unless you make a serious investment in lights... in which case I do not have the electrical capacity in my garage to allow for that haha. You'll notice many of the full time, larger establishments will utilize them as it speeds up the curing process, and therefore allows them to work on more cars and make more money.

-Zach
 
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