First Time DA Blues

NoleFan

NoleFan

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Hey Guys and Gals,
I got a Griots 6" and LC pads for Xmas. Well today I had a chance to try it out, so I headed out to get some Megs Ultimate Compund and SwirlX for now.

I have and used the following: (After an ONR wash and Megs Clay/ONR Lube)
- 3 5.5" Flat Orange LC Pads
- 3 5.5" Flat White LC Pads
- Pad Brush
- Wolfgang Spritz
- DP Pad Cleaner
- Megs Ultimate Compund
- Megs Swirl X

I started off with my ride, a White 2000 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab. It is white so not much fun, but it does have a decent amount of oxidation, so it will be fun to do. I only did the hood, and it made a huge difference. It is in no way perfect, but a good 70% better. Most swirls are removed, and some deeper scratches remain for more finessing later on.

I then proceeded to do the hood of my wife's Black 2005 Nissan Xterra. I couldn't wait as I knew the 50/50 would be great! (NOT)

I can't get a good outcome. Sure, it looks better, but there is still a ton of micro marring. I have tried all of the info on here, use a smaller area, clean pads, slow down, more weight, etc etc, but I can't get rid of the micro marring.

Any other ideas? I am using an X pattern of product on the face of the pad before each of my 6 section passes.

Do I need a different product or pad? Doesn't seem like many people talk about doing Xterras on here, although I am sure it is my technique, as I am a newbie! :buffing:
PC280012.JPG


PC280014.JPG
 
I also need to note, that I read in another post about laying down tape, and after removing, where the tape was is more "black" than the polished area. This happened to me also. I also need to go buy some green automotive paint, as the blue painters tape leaves a bad line.
 
Well, it's your first time. To expect perfection is a high standard.

The white paint isn't going to tell on you near as much as the black, and the black may be softer too, so you could have multiple things playing against you.

You didn't really outline your exact method, so it's hard to critique...
However, I would say that you should get the UC to finish fairly decent with the orange pad. If not, you might only need a white pad with it. Don't be afraid to experiment. It is easy to be over aggressive so that you can hope to get to that shine.

I would guess you could finish with the DA on a "medium" speed, white pad, SwirlX, light pressure, and get a pretty good shine. If that combo isn't working, adjust your speed and pressure.

You can achieve it with the products you have most likely, but it may take longer than what you want it too.

Good luck.

DLB
 
Also, are you doing any kind of wipe (with IPA or Mineral Spirits) to be sure you are just seeing polish residue? That sounds possible with your last post there.

DLB
 
I start off with the Orange Pad and UC, do 6 section passes, Mineral Spirits wipe down, and then White Pad and SwirlX.

I put the X pattern on the pad(s) and spread around on 3, and then work on 5. I never thought about finishing on a slower speed with teh white pad and SwirlX.

And I guess I could be making more work for myself as it looks like most if the Infinity Black CC are very soft.
 
Also, I am going to switch to IPA. I used mineral spirits as it is what I had, but the smell is too much.
 
i have found that megs swirlx leaves that marring on my paint as well. megs UC needs to be worked a while for it to give good results- 6 passes is not enough. I will regularly do 12 passes with MUC - keep it moist with some QD and keep working it. i would skip the swirl-x
 
I think if you switch to the white with the swirllx the marring should clear up. I'm thinking the paint is too soft for the orange pad and once the uc is spent the hard pad is marring the paint. Just my opinion. Remember on your last couple of passes to release some pressure to reduce the bite and polish out what you can with what you have left of the section.
 
i would opt for some 3m 39109 (or 39009 if a darker car) over the swirlx - it's a much better product to work with
 
I assume the micro-marring is after the white pad/swirlX. If so, how about finishing with a softer pad like LC black or blue.
 
Are you placing a full x of polish after every time? I would use that much on a fresh pad but less after the pad has been primed (first run)
 
Great trouble shooting all the way through this thread... :xyxthumbs:

Quick questions...

Are you still at the test spot stage?
Have any of the previous suggestions worked so far?
Do you have a softer pad than the white one? If so what?


:)
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
Great trouble shooting all the way through this thread... :xyxthumbs:

Quick questions...

Are you still at the test spot stage?
Have any of the previous suggestions worked so far?
Do you have a softer pad than the white one? If so what?


:)
Click to expand...

All great ideas guys, gives me lots to try.

- Yes, I am applying a full X after every 6 section passes. How much should I apply after ther first initial X?
- Yes, I am still in the test spot stage on the X.
- I will be trying some of the ideas shortly.
- And the softest pad I have is the white 5.5".
 
I am also noticing that after 6 section passes, the residue is still rather difficult to wipe off, so maybe as meantioned above, I am not working the product enough. I know too many variables exist, but how many section passes or minutes is everyone using this combo?
 
i the long run, you may need a finishing polish such as menzerna final polish or po85rd etc.

but for now, try to trap a microfiber in between your white pad and the paint and use your swirl-x. that should clear alot of the micro marring up.

in general, the white pad may be a little too aggressive to finish factory fresh.

give the microfiber a try!
 
rfinkle2 said:
i the long run, you may need a finishing polish such as menzerna final polish or po85rd etc.

but for now, try to trap a microfiber in between your white pad and the paint and use your swirl-x. that should clear alot of the micro marring up.

in general, the white pad may be a little too aggressive to finish factory fresh.

give the microfiber a try!
Click to expand...

Interesting idea, I will give that a try.

On what speed and pressure should I be applying the SwirlX on the white pad?
 
After the first application of the product using the X. You only need to put like a dime or nickle size of product to do a 24x24. Maybe your using too much product and too much pressure.
 
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