Just didn't get the results I wanted

[eversio]

Hello everyone, Happy 4th

This is my first post here, about my first full detail. My engine, trim and interior detail came out beautiful, I couldn't be happier. However, the exterior paint detail wasn't as dramatic as I had hoped.

The car is my 04 Sonata, clear coat finish. It's only seen about 5 swirl-o-matic washes in it's life, and maybe 4-5 hand applications of paste wax. So it's been pretty well maintained, but it did have some slight swirl marks and a curb rub mark on the front bumper.

I hand washed the car and then went over with a megs clay bar. I then applied megs ultimate compound with a foam pad on an orbital buffer. Then followed it up with an application of megs gold class liquid wax and a new foam pad. Buffed it out with a wool pad then followed it up with a final hand wipe with a MF.

The rub mark practically disappeared, I'm very happy about that. However, the swirl marks seem to remain intact, and as far as the overall "wow" factor, it's about a 6 on a scale of 10.

My question is, what can I do today without buying new products to ratchet up that wow factor? And second, what can I do in the future to turn a well maintained vehicle into a 9.5?

Thanks!

[loudog2]

So you used a orbital, not a DA? What foam pad did you use?

[CH.Detailing]

4-5 washes and waxes over six years really doesn't qualify as being 'pretty well maintained' by my definition!

Your hand wash and clay bar is a great start, nothing wrong here.

When you say 'orbital buffer', are you using a common "jiggle" motion buffer that you can get for ~$30 at most auto parts stores, or a dual action orbital like the Porter Cable 7424? If you're using one of the cheap "jiggle" orbitals, you really don't have the power to do any swirls removal, I would suggest upgrading to a DA orbital like the PC 7424XP or Meguiars G110v2.

Ultimate Compound is a good choice for swirls removal, what kind of foam pad are you using? You may want to follow up with ScratchX if Ultimate Compound leaves some hazing, although UC might finish out fine for you.

Meg's Gold Class liquid wax should be fine for you, once again, what kind of foam pad? You shouldn't be using a pad with any cutting ability.

You buffed it out with wool? Wool is used for heavy cutting action, and will almost always leave a hazy finish, it is not meant for buffing off wax residue, you can do that by hand with a quality microfiber cloth.

I think if you upgrade to a good buffer, get some nice foam pads (if you don't have these items already), and correct your polishing procedure you should have a slick lookin' ride! :xyxthumbs:

[Cosmin]

with lack of products and equipment you will never get any wow finish. period!
when come to correction it needs the right tools and tehniq to do the job.
Cosmin

[eversio]

4-5 washes and waxes over six years really doesn't qualify as being 'pretty well maintained' by my definition!

Your hand wash and clay bar is a great start, nothing wrong here.

When you say 'orbital buffer', are you using a common "jiggle" motion buffer that you can get for ~$30 at most auto parts stores, or a dual action orbital like the Porter Cable 7424? If you're using one of the cheap "jiggle" orbitals, you really don't have the power to do any swirls removal, I would suggest upgrading to a DA orbital like the PC 7424XP or Meguiars G110v2.

Ultimate Compound is a good choice for swirls removal, what kind of foam pad are you using? You may want to follow up with ScratchX if Ultimate Compound leaves some hazing, although UC might finish out fine for you.

Meg's Gold Class liquid wax should be fine for you, once again, what kind of foam pad? You shouldn't be using a pad with any cutting ability.

You buffed it out with wool? Wool is used for heavy cutting action, and will almost always leave a hazy finish, it is not meant for buffing off wax residue, you can do that by hand with a quality microfiber cloth.

I think if you upgrade to a good buffer, get some nice foam pads (if you don't have these items already), and correct your polishing procedure you should have a slick lookin' ride! :xyxthumbs:

Haha I should have been more clear, although it's only seen 4-5 hand waxes, I wash it every 1-2 weeks.

Yes, it is an old Craftsman "jitterbug" style buffer. Good to know those aren't powerful enough to really cut deep. Also, thanks for the tip on the wool.

So where to from here? Would it be worth doing another application by hand and then a nice hand buff with a MF, or is that just a waste of time at this point?

[CH.Detailing]

Your tools and products are what is holding you back. If you don't want to spend more money on supplies there isn't a whole lot more you can do. You could polish out the entire car by hand, but the results won't be nearly as good as what you can achieve with a DA buffer, and it will take significantly more time and effort!

For about two hundred bucks, you can get yourself a nice setup and really step your game up!

[Flash Gordon]

So you used a orbital, not a DA? What foam pad did you use?

Better yet, what wool pads are you using with a DA :help:


4-5 washes and waxes over six years really doesn't qualify as being 'pretty well maintained' by my definition!

Your hand wash and clay bar is a great start, nothing wrong here.

When you say 'orbital buffer', are you using a common "jiggle" motion buffer that you can get for ~$30 at most auto parts stores, or a dual action orbital like the Porter Cable 7424? If you're using one of the cheap "jiggle" orbitals, you really don't have the power to do any swirls removal, I would suggest upgrading to a DA orbital like the PC 7424XP or Meguiars G110v2.

Ultimate Compound is a good choice for swirls removal, what kind of foam pad are you using? You may want to follow up with ScratchX if Ultimate Compound leaves some hazing, although UC might finish out fine for you.

Meg's Gold Class liquid wax should be fine for you, once again, what kind of foam pad? You shouldn't be using a pad with any cutting ability.

You buffed it out with wool? Wool is used for heavy cutting action, and will almost always leave a hazy finish, it is not meant for buffing off wax residue, you can do that by hand with a quality microfiber cloth.

I think if you upgrade to a good buffer, get some nice foam pads (if you don't have these items already), and correct your polishing procedure you should have a slick lookin' ride! :xyxthumbs:

:whs: X 1,000,000


Haha I should have been more clear, although it's only seen 4-5 hand waxes, I wash it every 1-2 weeks.

Yes, it is an old Craftsman "jitterbug" style buffer. Good to know those aren't powerful enough to really cut deep. Also, thanks for the tip on the wool.

So where to from here? Would it be worth doing another application by hand and then a nice hand buff with a MF, or is that just a waste of time at this point?


Get yourself a Griots DA, Along with a 5" BP and 2 each, 5.5 flat yellow, green and black pads. Also, work in small areas and take your time for maximum results :buffing:

As for the Craftsman model....Well, you might wanna put that in a garage sale or donate to charity. Its practically worthless :nomore:

[Shane731]

@ eversio, where are you located? If you are just wanting to do a one-time swirl removal type of thing and then use proper tools and techniques from that point on to keep the swirls from re-appearing, you might want to see if there is somebody near you who would be willing to either loan you a polisher or show you how to do it, or have you pay them to do it, etc. If you are wanting to do it yourself on your car and/or other cars, a DA is definitely worth it. I think you will find that most Auto Geekers are more than willing to help out a fellow member in need. :dblthumb2:

[eversio]

Thanks for the replies everyone. From what I'm hearing, I'm in serious need of a machine upgrade but not necessarily a chemical upgrade.

[Lasthope05]

@ eversio, where are you located? If you are just wanting to do a one-time swirl removal type of thing and then use proper tools and techniques from that point on to keep the swirls from re-appearing, you might want to see if there is somebody near you who would be willing to either loan you a polisher or show you how to do it, or have you pay them to do it, etc. If you are wanting to do it yourself on your car and/or other cars, a DA is definitely worth it. I think you will find that most Auto Geekers are more than willing to help out a fellow member in need. :dblthumb2:

:iagree:

There are plenty of members on this board, including myself, that are willing to help a brother out for a case of cold brew! :cheers:

[A4 1.8tqm]

Thanks for the replies everyone. From what I'm hearing, I'm in serious need of a machine upgrade but not necessarily a chemical upgrade.

Yeah, the machine is what you really need. Megs over-the-counter polishes will work for what you need.
Some reading may be in order too... http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-articles-mike-phillips.html

Good luck! :xyxthumbs:

[eversio]

:iagree:

There are plenty of members on this board, including myself, that are willing to help a brother out for a case of cold brew! :cheers:

Haha alright, well I live in Champaign, IL but also make a trip to Chicago about once a month or so.

[Mike Phillips]

Welcome to Autogeek Online! :welcome:

Here's a pertinent article on old school polishers...

The Traditional Orbital Buffer aka The Wax Spreader (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/25148-traditional-orbital-buffer-aka-wax-spreader.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/794/WaxSpreader02.jpg



Here's some more articles I've written on electric polishers...

Electric Polishers
The Definitive How-To Article for Removing Swirls, Scratches and Water Spots Using a Porter Cable 7424XP, G110v2 or Griot's Garage Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/20021-definitive-how-article-removing-swirls-scratches-water-spots-using-porter-cable-7424xp-g110v2-griot-s-garage-polisher.html) - Includes Videos
How to choose the right polisher for your detailing project (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/22263-how-choose-right-polisher-your-detailing-project.html)
Can an air-powered DA Sander be used to polish paint? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/)
The Traditional Orbital Buffer aka The Wax Spreader (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/25148-traditional-orbital-buffer-aka-wax-spreader.html)
Step-by-Step How-To Article using Pinnacle Products with the new PC 7424XP (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/19994-2008-lexus-250-pinnacle-detail.html)
Griot's Random Orbital Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/20437-griot-s-random-orbital-polisher.html)
Meguiar's G110v2 - 2nd Generation G110 Dual Action Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/22103-meguiar-s-g110v2-2nd-generation-g110-dual-action-polisher.html)
Griot's Garage 3" Mini Polisher - Extreme Demo - Warning! (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/22065-griot-s-garage-3-mini-polisher-extreme-demo-warning.html)
3" Mini Polisher- 2nd Generation Griot's Garage Mini Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/21846-3-mini-polisher-gen-ii-griot-s-garage-mini-polisher.html)
Rotary Buffers: Stick Handle - Hoop Handle - Or no handle at all (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/circular-polishers-rotary-polishers-high-speed-polisher/20290-stick-handle-hoop-handle-no-handle-all.html)
DA Polishers - Stick Handle - Hoop Handle - Or no handle at all? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/porter-cable-7424xp-updates/20291-stick-handle-hoop-handle-no-handle-all.html)



And even more articles and videos here...


How-To Videos (http://tinyurl.com/yhqfo26)
How-To Articles (http://tinyurl.com/y9gcarg)



:xyxthumbs:

[eversio]

Welcome to Autogeek Online! :welcome:

Here's a pertinent article on old school polishers...

The Traditional Orbital Buffer aka The Wax Spreader (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/25148-traditional-orbital-buffer-aka-wax-spreader.html)

Here's some more articles I've written on electric polishers...

Electric Polishers
The Definitive How-To Article for Removing Swirls, Scratches and Water Spots Using a Porter Cable 7424XP, G110v2 or Griot's Garage Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/20021-definitive-how-article-removing-swirls-scratches-water-spots-using-porter-cable-7424xp-g110v2-griot-s-garage-polisher.html) - Includes Videos
How to choose the right polisher for your detailing project (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/22263-how-choose-right-polisher-your-detailing-project.html)
Can an air-powered DA Sander be used to polish paint? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/)
The Traditional Orbital Buffer aka The Wax Spreader (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/25148-traditional-orbital-buffer-aka-wax-spreader.html)
Step-by-Step How-To Article using Pinnacle Products with the new PC 7424XP (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/19994-2008-lexus-250-pinnacle-detail.html)
Griot's Random Orbital Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/20437-griot-s-random-orbital-polisher.html)
Meguiar's G110v2 - 2nd Generation G110 Dual Action Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/22103-meguiar-s-g110v2-2nd-generation-g110-dual-action-polisher.html)
Griot's Garage 3" Mini Polisher - Extreme Demo - Warning! (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/22065-griot-s-garage-3-mini-polisher-extreme-demo-warning.html)
3" Mini Polisher- 2nd Generation Griot's Garage Mini Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews/21846-3-mini-polisher-gen-ii-griot-s-garage-mini-polisher.html)
Rotary Buffers: Stick Handle - Hoop Handle - Or no handle at all (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/circular-polishers-rotary-polishers-high-speed-polisher/20290-stick-handle-hoop-handle-no-handle-all.html)
DA Polishers - Stick Handle - Hoop Handle - Or no handle at all? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/porter-cable-7424xp-updates/20291-stick-handle-hoop-handle-no-handle-all.html)



And even more articles and videos here...


How-To Videos (http://tinyurl.com/yhqfo26)
How-To Articles (http://tinyurl.com/y9gcarg)



:xyxthumbs:
Wow, thanks for the very informative article. Now that I know where the problem lies, I look forward to investing in a quality DA polisher. :thankyousign:

Oh, and what's an Auto Detailing thread without pics?? :xyxthumbs: Just my engine for now, as I want to wait until I get my car looking like a 9.5 before I share.

[Mike Phillips]

Wow, thanks for the very informative article. Now that I know where the problem lies, I look forward to investing in a quality DA polisher. :thankyousign:





Your very welcome. Some of my articles can trend towards being long but I try to explain all the whats and whys so after reading an article a person can move forward armed with knowledge.

Myself and the forum members love helping others to be successful in their garage!


:)