Tricks, Tips and Techniques, UPGP???

tuscarora dave

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I read a lot of comments about how well UPGP works and that it has great durability but I haven't seen much as to how you UPGP users are applying it, as in how many squirts per panel, do you squirt the product on the supplied applicator or the panel being worked on, how does it get worked on the panel IE: circular or straight back and forth motion, does it begin to dry and then smudge if you go back over the same area twice?? Etc.Etc.

Any insight as to how to apply this product? Tips and techniques please...

Feed back please
 
Good question.

Myself, I prime the included microfiber pad with two sprays of the product then apply in straight lines. I generally just rub back and forward with straight lines because on a light colour it is very hard to see where you have applied it. Some people use circular
motions but it's really up to preference, there is no correct "motion" to apply it (although I'm sure there will be someone who will disagree with me). I will generally spritz the pad once for every door I do, or maybe once for the fender and a little bit of the hood. For me I generally use between 2-3 sprays when I'm applying on the hood, with there always being enough left on the applicator to apply some partially to a fender before re- spritzing the pad.


You will see it becomes thicker of you were to go over the same area twice, but that doesn't mean it will be much easier to tell. I usually look on an angle like you are trying to look for swirls (the Brinkmann swirlfinder light would possibly be useful here to check coverage of the product). I also swipe my finger on certain areas to check that the applicator is depositing product as the paint will be incredibly slick while it is wet. One thing with is that they mention on the side of the bottle to not touch it for an hour afterwards, so no fingers or anything. I generally re-wipe the area I've touched, with the applicator just to be safe.

Hole this helps, if you have any other questions feel free to ask.

Cheers,
Matt


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk so please excuse any grammatical errors
 
I noticed lots of typos above, sorry about that but I'm on my iPhone and about to go to bed.

Night all


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk so please excuse any grammatical errors
 
My UPGP tips:

I love all the Ultima products I've used.

Ultima Paint prep plus works as a light polish but also leaves behind a primer for the UPGP. You do not have to use the UPPP. If you don't then you should clean the paint after polishing so the UPGP bonds properly. Personally I would recommend using the UPPP if you want the best durability. Also it does leave a great gloss when used properly.

Ultima Paint Guard Plus

UPGP is extremely easy to apply. The mistake people make is they apply too much. Apply the UPGP by hand and follow the directions! Below is my method which should not contradict the instructions you receive with the product.

1.-Shake the bottle.

2.-Take a clean microfiber applicator and spray 1 spray onto it to prime it.

3.-Spray it once more and do about a 3 SQ FT area.

4.-Apply in circular motions just making sure to overlap and cover the entire area. You are not polishing so no need to rub too hard or over and over. I always finish with straight lines from front to back of the panel. 3 SQ FT is an estimate. Another thing to look for is that your applicator is no longer leaving anything on the paint. But on certain colors and without really good lighting its sometimes hard to tell anyway. I basically make sure I do about 3 SQ FT. Then I'll wipe over to the side a bit where I know I haven't applied any to see if there is still anything coming off the pad. Fred gave me a tip that is a great idea. When you are no longer sure if anything is on the pad touch your clean window with it and you'll be able to see if there is still product on the applicator.

5.-If I don't see anything then its time for (1) more spritz to the applicator.

6.-Repeat until you get to the last panel. Now just walk away. Their may or may not be a slight film on the paint for a bit but it starts it's bonding process immediately. Now just DO NOT touch :) Wait 12 hours and inspect. There should be no need to do anything else. This is not a product that you have to buff off. In the unlikely chance that their is a streak somewhere after 12 hours of curing simply take some Ultima QD and spray and wipe the streak with a high quality MF towel.

Notes:

Even though on some colors or in some lighting it seems like you aren't putting anything on your paint just TRUST the product. It will come out great if you don't over apply. I didn't have any trouble at all even the first time but I have read some people apply too much. It is a little disconcerting not always being able to tell if you are putting anything on your paint.
Assuming you have a garage that isn't dusty you can place the second coat after 12 hours. If there is going to be a little dust on the car then I would qd with Ultima QD spray and then add next coat. I place 3 layers of UPGP over the paint. One coat every 12 hours.
 
Nice tips. Thanks guys! Sounds like a piece of cake. I know what thin is and I have a light color so I am pretty well versed with full coverage. We get an extra hour of daylight next week so I'll probably be trying UPGP out then. I like the sound of easy and candy coated!!:righton:
 
What can I say that Matt & Corey havent! I do like Mat,i.e., front to back with half the MF pad overlapping. I will have to try circular followed by front to back as Corey suggests. It may look streaky but leave it alone and it will dry to a hard candy finish. Wait 12 or more hours before doing any thing else.
 
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