Beautify the Base Coat

C

CleanFlow

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Hello all! This is my very first post. Over the last year or so I've been really interested in detailing mine and other people's cars. Over the past few weeks I have been completely consumed in reading up on techniques and attempting to decide what to purchase. Somehow I ended up spending $300 on various polishes, wash, clay bar, 7424XP... everything.

My goal of all this is to get good enough to do this on the side for a little extra cash. My brother is intrigued with my goals and has offered up his Ford Escort for me to practice on. He wants me to do a half and half job, perfecting one side and leaving the other as is. The only problem is, the clear coat is completely gone from the roof of the car and various spots on the body.

I know there is no "fix" for this problem, but is there a way to kind of "beautify" the dull base coat and make it shiny without a repaint?

Is it safe to polish, seal, and wax it? Will that accomplish anything at all? I want to get to practicing, but don't want part of the car swirl-free and beautiful and the other half be void of clear coat.

Anyway, great site, and expect to hear a lot from me in the future!

Matt


Products I purchased: (Feedback greatly appreciated)

Porter Cable 7424XP Polisher
Purple Power Shampoo
Microfiber Wash Mitt
Mother's Clay Bar Kit
Scotch Blue Masking Tape
Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Medium Cut Polish
Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Swirl Remover Polish
Mother's Sealer and Glaze
Mother's Brazilian Carnauba Cleaner Wax
Invisible Glass Cleaner
Lake Country 5" velcro backing plate
LC 5.5" Flat Pads: Orange x2 White x2 Black x2
36 microfiber towels
My car-specific touch up paint
Blue Coral Upholstery Cleaner
Meguiar's Interior Detailer Cleaner Wipes
Meguiar's Supreme Shine Protectant
303 Aerospace Protectant
Gunk: Engine Degreaser Gel
 
-Although a few folks have attempted, (at varying degress of 'success'),
using one of the new "Coatings" on CC failure...

-IMHO...A re-spray is usually the "fix".

Why not think in these terms:

1. Your Brother's Escort is the "guinea pig".
2. Use his suggestion...50/50
3. Perfect/correct: 1/2
4. This vehicle now becomes:
a.) A showcase for your correction-skills
b.) A showcase highlighting the results of car-care neglect...Including CC failure. :eek:
c.) "Sell Yourself" as the: Man-With-the-Plan!! :buffing:

Just a couple of thoughts I had..

:)

Bob
 
CleanFlow said:
The only problem is, the clear coat is completely gone from the roof of the car and various spots on the body.

I know there is no "fix" for this problem, but is there a way to kind of "beautify" the dull base coat and make it shiny without a repaint?
Click to expand...


Nothing that will be worth your time, money or persperation...

Plus, you don't use a car with clear coat failure to try to show others what you can do because all they'll focus on is the clear coat failure.


Find a different car...


And... welcome to Autogeek Online!



:welcome:
 
Thanks a lot, fellas. I'll just use his hood to practice and move on to my mustang once I've had a little experience. I'll be sure to post pictures!
 
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