Wetsand / Buff factory paint 05 CTS

[94blackcamaroz2]

I just joined this forum and have some questions. When you get some time feel free to let me know what you think.

I have painted a few vehicles (4 to be exact) and have a little bit of experience in wetsanding & buffing. I was given a porter cable 7424 as a gift a few years back and am still trying to learn the best techniques and products to use.

My current task is to wetsand/buff my wife's 05 cadillac CTS. I have read on here that its not a good idea to wetsand factory paint.

Any suggestions?

I have a PC 7424 (2 years old).
I need new pads and compounds, just looking for some input.

Thanks for your help!

-Bill

[Porsche Pilot]

I just did a black 05 CTS a few months ago. Does it really need to be wetsanded? I acheived really good results with the Flex 3401, M105/205 on the LC orange and white pads. I didn't find the clear to be much of a battle but like all things, patience is a virture.

[94blackcamaroz2]

I think you have a good point. I'm not sure that it needs to be wetsanded like you've said. It does have a little bit of factory orange peel. did you happen to notice any?

I see that you were using the Flex 3401. My 7424 PC should do the job right?

On the products you used, do you suggest I purchase the 32oz bottles, or do I need more?

[slickooz]

32 ounce should be enough if you just doing your car. Each time you compound you use about 2-3 ounce at most, so the bottle should last you about 10 cars.

The pc should get the job done if your technique is right, it might take a bit slower.

[Porsche Pilot]

I didnt find the peel to be excessive. The customer didnt know what it was but I was able to achieve about 90% correction and the car looked sweet. Like slick said, 32 ounces should be more than plenty and the PC will do it with the right combo. I guess the big question is...what sort of results are you looking to achieve?

[94blackcamaroz2]

Thanks for the input.

I think I need to watch some of Mike's video's of the PC. I dont believe I'm doing it right. I buffed my 94 black Z28 camaro and it looked fantastic in the garage. Took it outside and talk about a kick in the junk. swirls all through it. Then again I was using some 3M product.

[94blackcamaroz2]

I'm trying to achieve near factory shine. I would like it to look brand new, orange peel set aside.

There are swirl marks, and some scratches all over it.

Are my expectations set too high?

[Porsche Pilot]

Ah, the sunlight kick in the junk. I can assure we have all experienced that. A great investment, and cheap, is the Brinkmann light. Swirls can be sneaky and not show under different types of lighting. Your expectations are not too high in my opinion. That PC can yield amazing results. Definitely take the time to pour over Mike's tutorials and hop on the forums. There is a wealth of knowledge on here. What color Caddy?

[Porsche Pilot]

Let me add one more bit of advice. There can be a learning curve with the M105. I have found the Wolfgang twins to be a great product line and a bit easier to work with if you are just starting out.

[SeaJay's]

I have the PC and I've gotten some great results with it using the M105/M205 combo and the LC CCS yellow, orange, and white pads.

It takes a little longer and you have to have some patience but you can achieve great results with it. Watch a couple of Mike's videos and search the forum. You'll find all the info you need. Remember to do a test spot first to ensure your process works and to get the right combo of pad and polish. On my 06 Avalanche I had to use M105 and the LC CCS yellow pad, followed by the M205 on the White LC CCS pad. Took some time but got the paint to near perfection. You may have to be satisfied with 90-95% correction. Especially if it's a daily driver with chips taken out of the paint or anything.

Also, I'd suggest trying to stay away from wet sanding if you can. It's tough to get out wet sanding marks with the PC, or so everyone here says so. I've never tried it myself, but everyone says that if you wetsand to hit it with a rotary after. Makes quicker work of it.

[SeaJay's]

As for lighting - sorry left that out. Pick up some halogen lights at your local box store. They are cheap and do a great job of picking up the swirls. Plus enables you to be able to move them around to the area you are working. Be careful though they get REALLY hot!

[LuxuryMobile]

Surbufs will help you alot with the PC7424.

[slickooz]

If the car was lightly swirled can I finish with orange pad with 205? Will orange pad with M205 leave new swirls onto the car? Or do I always have to finish with a white pad?

[94blackcamaroz2]

Porsche thanks for all your input. Ha turns out the 05 caddy is black as well. Black is beautiful but man it shows everything!

I have heard of the M105, but not the wolfgang twins. Even though I have a little experience with buffing I would have to say that my ability is still at the "starting out" phase. The second vehicle I painted was a black 88 chevy pickup truck. Had some orange peel, wetsanded and buffed it and it came out looking real nice. Had to use a rotary buffer to get the wetsanding marks out then finished it with the PC. Still had minor swirl marks, maybe thats because of the 3M products I was using. I would still say it was mostly my small knowledge of buffing.

Seajay's I'm glad to hear that you've had great results with the PC. My wife bought it as a gift and I havent used it all that much, so it's great to see it has the potential to yield some great results.

I have tried to buff with the PC after wetsanding and its almost down right impossible! Definitely recommend a rotary buffer after wetsanding then hit it with the PC.

So it sounds like I can use the M105/M205 and will need a yellow, orange, and white pad?

[94blackcamaroz2]

Surbufs will help you alot with the PC7424.


LuxuryMobile this may sound dumb, but what are Surbufs? I'm sure everyone on here knows what it is, but can you elaborate a little? Is this a product?