Need help with detailing process

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Pam

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Hi,

I have a black Titan and am having a difficult time removing outlines of water spots and can't seem to get the reflective mirror-like finish I want. From a distance the truck looks really good, but up close and angled just right with the sun, the outlines are still there. The truck sits in the Louisiana weather - showers and then sun comes out to bake it. I used the 8-pass process with PC but can't seem to get all the outlines removed and the finish is still just a bit dull-looking. Here's the process I use:
Megs Ultimate Compound - Orange CSS Pad
Megs SwirlX-White CSS Pad
Megs Tech Wax - Blue CSS Pad
Megs Carnuba Wax - Black CSS Pad

Does anyone have any suggestions? Should I keep working with what I have or should I change products and or pads?

Also, I use the PC with an orange Css pad and DP glass restorer and can't get all the water etching off the glasses. I've tried clay, vinegar, bar keepers and other household products. The DP will eventually work, but takes a long time and lots of product. I looked at the glass cutting and polishing pads, but am not sure about using these. Any tips/suggestions about the glass cleaning?


Thanks in advance for any help,
Pam
 
Please post some pics. it sounds like your using all the right products.
 
Sometimes hard water can etch in bad enough that all you can do is smooth them out, but the outline can remain. I think Stoops or Pennington did an article on this on here, so try searching for it..
 
Pam said:
From a distance the truck looks really good, but up close and angled just right with the sun, the outline is still there.

Thanks in advance for any help,
Pam
Click to expand...

dtuna42 said:
Sometimes hard water can etch in bad enough that all you can do is smooth them out, but the outline can remain.
Click to expand...

The key word here boys and girls is outline :)
 
I finally have some pics that I hope will show the problem I'm having. The problem only shows if the sun is angled just right and then it looks like a spider web effect on the paint leaving it with a dull appearance. From a distance the truck looks great. Does anyone have any suggestions?
 
Maybe you can try using a rotary and wool pad with M105. Its a very aggressive approach but if your DA is not removing it, rotary is the next step.
 
I think I would try a different pad. I like LC flat pads a little better than CCS pads. Hydro pads would be good to try also.

Depending on how bad it is you might not get the outline out but it's hard to know from a picture. I have a couple on my Trans Am that are unnoticeable until I get a spot light right on them. I couldn't get them out but I did reduce them to the point I have trouble finding them unless it's just the right angle and my face is almost on the panel
 
What size are the pads that you're using? Also, people seem to prefer flat pads vs the CCS pads on DAs - more surface area in contact with the paint for better correction.
 
M105 is more aggressive then UC. You might try that on a Surbuff or yellow LC cutting pad if an orange light cutting pad doesn't do it.
 
Ok-I'll try flat pads, maybe switch to M105. I don't think I would be comfortable using rotary - yet.

What about my window problem? Any suggestions? The back glass is bad and I'm looking for something less labor intensive than process I'm using now -pls see org msg.
Here's a pic - hope it will show spotting.

I really appreciate all the tips/suggestions. I've already learned a lot here.
 
You can try using M105 with an aggressive pad with your DA. You will learn DA can be used for a lot of other things. :dblthumb2:
 
A couple more questions:
How much compound can I use before it starts to damage the finish?

Is there a product that I can use to remove large water spots that form after a rain without having to pull out DA and polish/wax products and practically start over? I use Meg's Ultimate Detail spray, but can't get the spotting out. This is not the same spotting as in the original message.

Thanks again for all the help.
 
Pam said:
Is there a product that I can use to remove large water spots that form after a rain without having to pull out DA and polish/wax products and practically start over? I use Meg's Ultimate Detail spray, but can't get the spotting out. This is not the same spotting as in the original message.

Thanks again for all the help.
Click to expand...
After a rain while my car is still wet I like to mist it all over with UWW+ (Ultima Waterless Wash Plus). I then dry it off. No water spots.
 
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