Detailing help for newb with first black car

[rudedog830]

I have recently bought a car for the first time that is black. I would appreciate any advice from those who have struggled to keep a black car looking freshly detailed.

Specifically though, shortly after taking delivery, I clayed the car and then put on a coat of Klasse AIO with my PC. The finish now has some hazy spots on it. I suspect that it is the result of running my PC at too high of an RPM and/or using a 4" pad.

Now, I would like to strip off the AIO to start over and possibly put down Opti-Coat instead. What would be the best process to ensure that I remove all of the AIO and start with a pristine finish before OC?

 

[HD.Detailing]

ever detailed before?

No offense, but I'd do some research and learn about different pads and polishes, before trying opti-coat..

If you had trouble with an AIO you are not ready to be applying opti-coat yourself.

However, we all need to learn and this site has a wealth of knowledge... read, read, read, practice, practice, practice.

But to answer your question some dawn soap wash to remove you io and start over

 

[Kenny94]

I wonder the cause of the hazy spots with KAIO? I would like to know the source that caused problems on my last polish, before I move on. Just making a suggestion.....

I use Wolfgang Paintwork Polish Enhancer before applying LSP. Previously, I used to use chemicals but, after reading articles from Mike and taking advice from the "experience detailers" here.

True preparation work is what gives you that showroom shine. Basically, shine on top of shine.....:xyxthumbs:

 

[Evan.J]

I have recently bought a car for the first time that is black.

Your in for a full time job!
"Black is not a color, it's a full time job"

I would appreciate any advice from those who have struggled to keep a black car looking freshly detailed.

What kind of car did you get?

Specifically though, shortly after taking delivery, I clayed the car and then put on a coat of Klasse AIO with my PC.

What pads did you use?

The finish now has some hazy spots on it. I suspect that it is the result of running my PC at too high of an RPM and/or using a 4" pad.

This sounds like DA hazing. Too fast of speed too aggressive of pad choice, too soft or paint, are just some of the causes of DA haze but it can be corrected with the proper pads and technique. rops:

Micro-Marring - Tick-Marks - DA-Haze

These three terms are pretty much the accepted terms for a scratch pattern left in some paints from the oscillating and rotating action from a compound or polish and a buffing pad when applied using a DA Polisher.

Unlike Cobweb swirls or Rotary Buffer Swirls, the scratch pattern instilled by a dual action polisher is made up of millions of tiny scratches, some are curved or circular but some are straight, like a small tick mark you would make with a pencil if you were keeping track of a count of some type.

Tick Marks are a sign that either the paint is on the soft side, so easily scratched or the pad and compound or polish you're using are too aggressive to finish out without leaving a mark.

In most cases Tick Marks can be removed by re-polishing with a different pad and product combination.

Now, I would like to strip off the AIO to start over and possibly put down Opti-Coat instead. What would be the best process to ensure that I remove all of the AIO and start with a pristine finish before OC?

Stripping off the AIO will just need to be re-polished this will remove anything thats on there now.

What all items do you have in your arsenal?

 

[Kenny94]

By the way, welcome to the Auto Geek Forums rudedog830!

 

[281]

Welcome to AGO! Let the obsession begin keep black clean lol!

 

[rudedog830]

Your in for a full time job!
"Black is not a color, it's a full time job"


What kind of car did you get?

2014 VW Passat TDI SEL

What pads did you use?

I used a 4" Wolfgang Concourse Series Finishing Pad with a PC 7424

Stripping off the AIO will just need to be re-polished this will remove anything thats on there now.

What polish/pad combination do you recommend? What is the recommended speed/technique to avoid the hazing? I've used this same technique on a deep red car many times and never had the hazing. Maybe I just didn't see it.

What all items do you have in your arsenal?

PC 7424 orbital polisher
P2s -- shampoo, paint cleanser, carnuba
Klasse AIO
California duster

 

[asalesagent912]

well i have 3 black cars in my family so i know 1 thing about them.
when they are clean and shiny you cant beat the look.
anyway im not sure what went wrong but maybe you should use a light polish and FINISH glaze and then try pinnacle souveran . paste wax.
I used it on my black car and it puts a nice shine and lasts a few months.
it is a little pricy but you could get the mini for like 50 bucks

 

[281]

since you have a PC, I'd suggest LC CCS pads with Menzerna SF4000 or Meguiar's M205. Sorry but get rid of the Cali duster, you'll end up putting swirls on the ride using that. ...

 

[custmsprty]

I've used Souveran, Black Ice, DoDo Blue Velvet and Fuzion in the last 20 months or so on my GC. I purchased PBL Diamond Paint Sealant during the X Mas sales, here's the results. This is defintely my go to combo now. PBL Surface Cleansing Polish followed by PBL Diamond Paint Sealant. Nothing else on top. Super easy to apply, I used PC with 4" white pad for the SCP and gray pad to apply DPS. Let it cure for a little while and wipe off was a breeze on the sealant.

 

[Kenny94]

Ditto! I used to use GG pads. Recently, I have changed and noticed the difference in performance wise with LC Lake Country (Pad manufacturer):

Lake Country CCS Pads, lake country polishing pads, ccs buffing pads

 

[281]

coating is the way to go for black car imo...

 

[Evan.J]

ok I took this right from the application guide. I have never used Klasse AIO so its not something I am familiar with.

Klasse All In One Machine Application

1. Thoroughly wash and dry your vehicle.

2. Work in the shade. Mist a white polishing pad with water or Wolfgang Instant Detail Spritz. Apply a nickel size amount of Klasse All In One to the perimeter of the pad. Remember, a little Klasse goes a long way. If you’re using a Porter Cable 7424XP Variable Speed Polisher, set it at 3.5 or 4. Place the buffer on the surface before turning it on. Work in a large, overlapping oval. You do not need to apply pressure.

3. Once you’ve applied the Klasse All In One to a section, buff off residue with a soft, terry or microfiber towel. You can also use a bonnet on your buffer. Keep the buffer at a low setting.

4. Buff hard-to-reach areas by hand if your buffer missed anything.
If your vehicle still has swirl marks and oxidation, you can repeat the process at a slightly higher setting, or with a cutting pad.

Tip: Instead of water, you can mist your applicator pad with Wolfgang Instant Detail Spritz. Its lubricants will make application even easier.

If your bonnet gets gummed with residue, turn it inside out, or switch to a clean one.

Wash your foam pads in soapy water or Detailer's Pro Series Polishing Pad Rejuvenator and air dry. Bonnets can be machine-washed with a mild detergent.

Im not sure about the Wolfgang pad. Is this something you got with a kit? I personally I have never heard of that one before but I will say that you should pick up some LC flat pads or the CCS pads.

Now with the hazing on the car do you see it all over or just is some areas?

Did you do a test spot with the Klasse AIO if so what was your process and how were the results?

What towels are you using to buff of the residue after you work your 2x2' area?

I have not worked on a newer VW lately so I can not say for sure wether the paint is hard or soft. Traditionally VW paint os known to be hard but yours might not be the case. This is why a test spot is key and why its important to do. If you can dial in the process on the test spot you should have no issues when it come to the rest of the vehicle.