First polisher and first attempts

[memphisraines26]

So I've been reading here and there about detailing. I finally got a Griot's Garage polisher and a few products to start. I want to practice what I've read to get started and refine the process as I go. Maybe after doing this, more of the this site's content will make sense.

I have a 5yr long project del sol that is under going extensive modifications before putting it back together. I needed a new hood to replace the junkyard hood I was using temporary to replace the original crushed hood.

Well, I was happy since this hood was black to practice on. It was covered in dust so I used a shop rag to wipe a section off. (big mistake but was a good one) I then tried out the DP rinse less wash and M/F towel to really get a good look at it. It was in decent shape but the area the 'rag' hit was marred. So I taped it off in sections to get an idea how well I was doing. The right side of the tape is untouched. The far left 1' area down is the rag marred area.

I used a LC orange pad with M205 and orange pad with Poorboys 2.5. Near the tape edge there are a few fine lines the pad didnt take out. I hope to refine this and maybe try different combos. I have a black car to work on soon and need to get this down to make it shine!

Before:

After:

Please share any advice!

 

[tuscarora dave]

Use the flash on your camera to capture the results of before and after. Do you have any other SSRs such as SSR2 or SSR1? If you take the shot with the light at the same angle or out in the sun shine we will see the defects or lack of defects better to give you opinions. SSR2.5 is a bit abrasive on black and may cause more work than necessary.

I have used Poorboy's products exclusively for 2 years and feel that SSR2.5 is tough to break down and always needs to be followed with something less abrasive. SSR2 however is a joy to work with and finishes out very nice. I have a pretty good working knowledge of Poorboy's products and will help you where I can.

 

[memphisraines26]

I will take more pics with flash, good tip and didnt think of that light source.

I got the Griots Polisher, M105, M205, EXP, LC orange, white, red, and gold pads. The SSR2.5 was a freebie with the order.

I used to buy Meguiar's off the shelf and by hand but have learned a lot the past year reading on here. Shame I haven't had the spare cash to make a purchase before now. I do have a red Jeep Cherokee to work on next. It has a ton of fine swirls.

 

[tuscarora dave]

I haven't touched my SSR 2.5 in over a year but going from all Poorboy's World products to M-105 has been a tough change for me with the product being totally different and the fact that I do most of my work in direct sun light. Poorboy's will spoil you if you're working outdoors but they really don't have anything that cuts fast like M-105 without a ton of dust (Syn1) I see that you are working in the garage so you should be good with your M105 and 205. I suggest reading about the difference between SMAT and DAT abrasives (Mike Phillips article) to get a good understanding of the differences between a polish like SSR2.5 and M-105. That of course is if you already haven't read it. Maybe search and study the Kevin Brown method for DA polishing. Really good subject matter.

 

[memphisraines26]

So the SSR2.5 doesn't cut as well? I will work outside and the Poorboy's will work in either and seems cost effective so I would like to get more of their line. I'm glad I have a 2 car garage that I'm prepping to work in and to avoid the snow.

I have been reading a lot of Mike Phillips articles and trying to soak it in. Without practice, I feel overwhelmed and not getting it all.

Thanks for the advice and I need to make some extra cash to build the supplies and get a paid job as well.

Are you using the M105 and M205 now for heavy swirls? Any suggestions for Red paint on a Jeep? I will have to update with daytime pics of the Jeep.

 

[tuscarora dave]

So the SSR2.5 doesn't cut as well? I will work outside and the Poorboy's will work in either and seems cost effective so I would like to get more of their line. I'm glad I have a 2 car garage that I'm prepping to work in and to avoid the snow.

I have been reading a lot of Mike Phillips articles and trying to soak it in. Without practice, I feel overwhelmed and not getting it all.

Thanks for the advice and I need to make some extra cash to build the supplies and get a paid job as well.

Are you using the M105 and M205 now for heavy swirls? Any suggestions for Red paint on a Jeep? I will have to update with daytime pics of the Jeep.

SSR2.5 cuts very well but the deal with 2.5 is that is is a pretty abrasive "diminishing abrasive polish" (DAT). Meaning that the abrasives in it start out at a certain size and over time with the pressure applied to the machine the abrasive particles begin to crumble into smaller sized particles (breaks down) eventually as you work it long enough you end up with spent abrasives and the carrier that the abrasives are in.

With SSR2.5 these particles seem to take more time than we expect to crumble to a very small size so what you're left with is a hazy finish that needs to be followed with a less abrasive polish/pad combo. SSR2.5 works better with a rotary polisher as it breaks down much faster under the friction of a fast spinning pad.

M-105 on the other hand uses a super micro abrasive (SMAT) that is much smaller in size and is very much harder and very uniform in size. The (SMAT) abrasives just cut and cut until you turn the machine off. They do not break down as they are harder than a (DAT) abrasive. Because the (SMAT) abrasive is very much smaller in size and doesn't break down in size the M-105 finishes nicely from start to finish but must be worked just long enough to get your desired results. You must check your work often to see if the swirls have been removed or not.

I know this is a lot to take in when your brain already hurts from trying to take in a world of detailing info so I suggest that you divide a section into 2 parts and try SSR2.5 on one side and with a clean unused (freshly washed) pad, try M-105 on the other side and see what gives you better results. This stuff takes a lot of practice and that means picking up your tools and getting to work as you have. Keep on testing stuff out and read up on technique. Sometimes we just need to take a rest and start over fresh another day to avoid getting frustrated. Remember this is supposed to be fun.

Try your M-205 on your Jeep first, If you don't get the results you desire with 205 then go up an abrasive level and use the 105. You can adjust the cut by using a more aggressive pad (orange) or by using a less aggressive pad (white). Hang in there Bud.

 

[tuscarora dave]

I personally have been testing out Optimums Polishes and compounds which work very nice in the sun with much less to zero dusting. I will suggest that if you decide to go the Poorboy's route to become a detailcity.org member too and go in the chat room in the evenings where Poorboy hangs out usually between 8 and 10 pm. His name is Steve and he is a very nice man who will help you with what you need to know about his products. He has helped me tremendously in the past few years. AutoGeek will also help you to understand things if you call their product support line during regular working hours (daytime) Most of the online stores have very good customer support.