New user

[bean66]

Hi all,

I purchased the pcxp and it arrived in the mail this evening along with pads, polish and cloths. I was anxious to try it out and see how it would work on my 2002 F150.

I was only able to do one small section, using an orange pad and Megs 105 followed by M205 and a white pad, cleanup spray then some 4star UPP sealant with a blue pad. Basically did a 2x2 section.

First off this was my first time ever using any sort of machine or compound. This was easier than I thought it was going to be. And I very impressed with the results. Unfortunately it was dark out so I broke out the LED flashlight. Swirls were gone in the section I worked on and very evident on the section right next to it.

A few questions, How should I clean the pads after use? And how should they be stored?

Guess I'll be doing the rest of the truck over the weekend!

Any tips on how to deal with plastic? Especially the paint guard plastic on the Lotus?

Thanks
Ken

[mjlinane]

Welcome to AGO!!

Several different ways of cleaning pads. XMT Pad Cleaner works quite well. I've had varying degrees of success with other APCs. I keep a bucket with some MF detergent + water and toss the pads in for a pre-soak as soon as done. I've found it helps.

Match the pad size to the work area and go a bit slower than on metal. Plastic doesn't transfer heat as well as metal.

[BobbyG]

To Autogeek Online Ken!

Glad to see you're enjoying your new hobby and your choice of products are perfect.

Theres' one suggestion I'd like to make.

More often than not, I see someone that's new to detailing moving the machine and pad much too fast across the surface. This doesn't allow the process to work properly resulting in less than anticipated results disappointment. As a general rule I like to suggest polishing from left to right moving the pad at "about" 1 inch / second.

Compounds and polishes seem to perform well on a machine setting of 5 and on my Porter Cable 7424 dual action polisher I prefer the 5 1/2" diameter pads and corresponding backup plate...

There are dedicated pad cleaners and solutions and they do work. I've used a citrus cleaner along with Optimum Power Clean to soften and dissolve polishing products and it works quite well. Rinse the pads thoroughly squeezing out excess water and let dry. Simply store them where it's dry and where they won't become soiled or contaminated.

Plastic

Two products that I've found to work well on exterior plastics are CarPro PERL and Ultima Tire & Trim Guard...

[bean66]

Thanks MJ and Bobby G.

Those are good tips. The panel looks great this morning that I did.

I know 100% i moved to quickly last night. I'll try and do better when i do the rest of the truck.

i have the 5.5 inch pads! I read your prior posting on this and glad I have the smaller pads, for easier control.

I have another question. How do you work on spots that have concave shapes?

Thanks.

[bean66]

Some pictures for you after applying 4* and colinite 845.

[terra4r]

Originally Posted by bean66

Thanks MJ and Bobby G.

I have another question. How do you work on spots that have concave shapes?

Thanks.

The 3.5" pads and plate for smaller/rounded areas and painted trim pieces works well for me.

I'm currently using some snappy clean from LC that I picked up with an order to clean my LC pads, and they turn out pretty nice after a soak and scrub.

I was interested in trying some DP pad cleaner, it has good reviews and results, but its a little more at $1.50/oz.