BMW 540i Sport White - In Progress

[Totoland Mach]

Originally Posted by Russecu

Thanks I called a bodyshop supply around here and they haven't heard of it. I asked if they carry the 3M line and they did. I am guessing its maybe like the Menzerna that we hear about but I am not putting it in that class b/c I haven't seen any pics or heard any reviews about it. It definately seems more expensive than most of 3M's polishes and compounds. I think it is Finesse-it SRC. Thanks

The part numbers are:

#06064 Perfect-It Swirl Mark Remover
#05733 Perfect-It Plus Ultrafine pad

Toto

[NEC]

Very nice job! You can't really compound bumpers since they're made from plastic right? Or is it safe to do?

Amazing how many swirls gather up in a 2 YR period!

[sparkie]

Toto, you always make them BMW's look better then new! I always do enjoy looking at your work.

[Totoland Mach]

Originally Posted by NEC

Very nice job! You can't really compound bumpers since they're made from plastic right? Or is it safe to do?

Amazing how many swirls gather up in a 2 YR period!

Yes, you can compound plastic...IF YOU'RE VERY CAREFUL!....I've managed to get a burn mark or 2 on them!

I use the Festool in rotary mode with a polish pad and Optimum New Formula compound. Or, I use the rotary with a FINISH pad and Optimum. Either one requires lots of checking for temperature of the plastic...warm is ok, but that's it. I use little, if any pressure on the machine and let the product/pad do the work.

Another method that is safer (but longer in time) is a Porter-Cable and a polish such as Meguiar's 83 or similar (XMT 2 or 3 maybe).

Maybe some product engineer can formulate a special compound for plastic parts (they are getting numerous on all cars) and a special pad... Chime right in AutoGeek for product development.

Toto

[chu]

Toto, like everyone else already said, your work is amazing. I visited a BMW dealer a while back, and all of the detailers there use Meg's products. Is that a stable for you too? Or does the dealer just give you a budget to buy whatever you want? If that's the case, it's awesome!

[Totoland Mach]

Chu: the dealer mostly uses 3M products for the scratches and swirls. I use Optimum for the plastic as it is gentler and works longer.

My final product is Meguiar's #26 for the single reason that it doesn't dry white. I can use anything I want and if it's better, the dealer will order it for me. But, his experience is legendary around here for ultra-detailed cars and I listen to his advice carefully.

I have used Pinnacle Paste Glaze and Pinnacle Souveran for that extra "pop" on the really nice cars. That black 540i that I did was treated to a coat of Souve' after the #26....it really showed well.

toto

[cruzin61]

Hate to ask dumb ?'s with all you "Seniors" watching, but why do you tape the rocker panel? Also, I just purchased a pearl white Toy. Avalon and was wondering if the products you are using are color-specific? Haven't started my detailing yet, still listening to you experts before I jump in. Thanks

[Totoland Mach]

Originally Posted by cruzin61

Hate to ask dumb ?'s with all you "Seniors" watching, but why do you tape the rocker panel? Also, I just purchased a pearl white Toy. Avalon and was wondering if the products you are using are color-specific? Haven't started my detailing yet, still listening to you experts before I jump in. Thanks

Not dumb at all! One Word: PLASTIC! A rotary will burn those rocker panels when you are compounding the bottom portion of the door. I tape them purely for protection.

On X5 BMW's the entire bottom portion of the vehicle is black plastic/rubber and a couple of hits with the rotary on un-protected pieces will toast them.

Toto

[Russecu]

Good info Toto. Oh yeah you have pm