First time polishing, something isn't right!

XLNTShine

XLNTShine

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Well I will assume that I am the part of the process that is not working correctly. I am working on my first paint correction, my DD '04 Cavailer. Last night I tried out the Megs DA MF pads using Wolfgang TSR 3.0 and I was not pleased with the results. On the suggestion of another board member I switched to the Hydro Tech Cyan pad and the TSR this afternoon.

I understand that anything deep enough in the clear coat to feel with my finger nail is most likley something I will have to live with for now. The thing is the TSR and the cyan pad did not do any more then the MF pads did. I know that the pad is turning, and I have the GG DA set to speed 5.

I worked the polish until I started to notice the polish drying and stoped the machine and wiped the area off. It may have made a small diffrence in the swirels but they are still visible. I know that the paint does feel smoother then before the polishing.

I did wash the car with DP soap, rinsed, sprayed the car with Iron X, rinsed, clayed the car for the second time in two weeks just to make sure any sap was off the paint. Rinsed again and dryed with MF towel.

What am I doing wrong?? I am going to go watch some of Mikes videos again to make sure I am doing this correctly.
 
Some pictures may help. That GM clear is very hard, and it's possible the swirls will take some work to get out. The amount of time required to actually do correction is something that is frequently misunderstood from watching videos online and reading posts. It really can take a long time, a lot of slow passes, pressure, etc. If you watched the Optimum portion of the Detail Fest videos, you saw Jose Fernandez saying that he might spend 40-50 hours on a correction (not a daily driver correction), and he's a pro. If you've got learning curve, etc., it might take you 16 or 20 hours of polishing the first time.

It may also be that you are trying to remove "RIDS" (random isolated deep scratches) that are not going to be removeable without compromising the paint.
 
Could it be that you're using Meguiar's DA Microfiber Pads with Wolfgang TSR 3.0 instead of the products designed for this system? I'm not criticizing you I'm merely asking the question because I don't know if what you're using will work the way yo think it will...
 
Setec.....

I guess I was looking for results like I saw in the videos. If in fact I am going to be spending 10+ hours on this job I think I am going to have to get more polish. 8oz isnt going to do the job. I will have to try to take a few pictures with good light tomorrow.

Bobby....

I did take the advise from my other post about using the MF pads with the TSR and ditched that combo for a Hydro Tech Cyan pad and the TSR. I was looking to see if in fact that made for a better combo.
 
8 oz will do the job...you want to be in the garage or shade, ideally...it's just that you really have to work the polish in, break it down...it's a slow process. Pressure, slow arm speed, small sections.
 
I am working in the shade but its late in the evening when I get a chance to work on the car. Sucks having to rinse the car down every day when I get home so I can start working on it. I may try to bring it to work on the weekend and utilize the shop.

I do question how the polish brakes down. It seems like the product begins to produce a fair amount of dust when I get to the 4-5 section pass. Is this normal? I guess I need to clean the pad after every pass apply more product and repeat until I see the majority of the swirels gone.
 
Did you get the Meg's DA MF compound? What is it, D300? It was cheap for the little bottle, that's probably your best bet with that MF pad and hard factory paint. Although I love the Hydro-Tech pads, I've never had to use my cyan yet, but I'd think you'd be able to get some results with that and the WG TSR...how much pressure are you using?
 
I am pressing down pretty good. The pad is compressing quite a bit, but I do see the pad still rotating. Here are a few pics of what I am trying to remove. Not the best pictures, I will try to take some of the results tomorrow.

IMAG0101.jpg


IMAG0100.jpg
 
Setec Astronomy said:
Did you get the Meg's DA MF compound? What is it, D300? It was cheap for the little bottle, that's probably your best bet with that MF pad and hard factory paint. Although I love the Hydro-Tech pads, I've never had to use my cyan yet, but I'd think you'd be able to get some results with that and the WG TSR...how much pressure are you using?
Click to expand...


I did not buy the D300 product. Looks like I might have to give that a shot if I can not remove these with the cyan pad and the TSR.
 
Well, it looks like you're doing pretty well. Even if you could get it perfect on a DD, it won't stay that way. Another pass or two and maybe you'll be happy with it.
 
Are you applying pressure to the polisher. I have found 10-15lbs of pressure makes a huge difference.

Also, prime the pad and make sure the entire surface has product applied to it. Then use 3 pea sized drops per 2'' square area.

Very important - make sure you are cleaning your pads after each section.

Lastly - go slow. a 2x2' area should take about 4-6 slow passes, about 5 minutes per section.

edit: priming instructions for MF system:
[video=youtube_share;THH3oqr14HQ] - Meguiars Micro Fiber System[/video]
 
It may be just me, but if I got all the correction with the first few passes, I would tend to think I was using too aggressive of a polish. I would rather take a little longer and save the clear.
 
BobbyG said:
Could it be that you're using Meguiar's DA Microfiber Pads with Wolfgang TSR 3.0 instead of the products designed for this system? I'm not criticizing you I'm merely asking the question because I don't know if what you're using will work the way yo think it will...
Click to expand...
My first thought too Bobby!
 
XLNTShine said:
Setec.....

I guess I was looking for results like I saw in the videos. If in fact I am going to be spending 10+ hours on this job I think I am going to have to get more polish. 8oz isnt going to do the job. I will have to try to take a few pictures with good light tomorrow.

Bobby....

I did take the advise from my other post about using the MF pads with the TSR and ditched that combo for a Hydro Tech Cyan pad and the TSR. I was looking to see if in fact that made for a better combo.
Click to expand...
The MF pads and a Megs Compound would be much more efficient IMO. Ultimate Compound can be purchased OTC.
 
try 2-3 passes with the MF pads on a test spot to start. That is a powerful combo if you are coming off TSR..
 
I use Wolfgang and have no issues getting out the type of swirls you show. But then I am using LC thin flat pads. I have used 4" HT pads and can say I am NOT a fan. I don't think they correct as well as the flat.

It looks to me like most of your issue is from trying to mix polishes with pads not designed for them. The MF pads were designed for Megs MF polishes. If you choose to mix in another product then you've dicked with the system and that's on you.
 
I am using the HT standard thickness pads. Maybe the M105 with the Cyan pad will do the job??

As for the MF system, I am done with that for now!
 
I guess the TSR and the Cyan pad is working. Just hard to tell with a low light situation. These pics are just some that I took when walking into the house this evening. I think it looks better, maybe not perfect but better.

View attachment 8097

View attachment 8098
 
I think I need to get the car indoors and get some good lighting or a good inspection light. I will give it a shot on saturday and see what comes out. I appreciate all the feedback and suggestions. L

Last thing... when I am done with the polishing what would you use to wipe down the car before applying DP Poly-Coat as a LSP??
 
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