Test spots for a newbie

[jto667]

So here is what I have going on....when the weather shapes up....I have a black 07 Yukon that needs some swirl correction. And being black I want it to look dripping wet. I've been reading and picking up as many tips and ideas as my little brain can take for about a month now. Here is the products I will be working with.....

Megs 205 on order
Megs #9 in stock
Harley Davidson scratch and swirl remover in stock (awesome otc product)
Mothers Carnuba Cleaner

Poorboys Sealer after the swirls are fixed

After that my protection inventory is
Zaino Bros in stock
Butter Wet Wax from Chem guys on order
Collinite 845 on order
Griots Show...I think I have some left!
Pinnacle sample on order

All this will be used with a PC7424xp and I have numerous pads to swap for the products. My idea is to tape off my hood in about 6 squares and use it as the test area for a few combinations of my products. Any red flags from you guys if I do this. Am I going to have a checker board hood with "good better and best" squares that are not able to be corrected or matched up?! Does anyone see any combinations above that would create a bad reaction with other products that would hurt anything? Or is there an obvious order I should follow and not worry about mixing and matching?

Thanks in advance

[A4 1.8tqm]

Your good to go, after swirl correction it's difficult to tell most waxes apart. looking forward to your opinions/results with each LSP and some pics!

[SeaJay's]

You have some good products there. I'm not familiar with the Harley Davidson scratch & Swirl remover. Do you know how this would rate in regards to cut? If it doesn't have enough cut to get the deep swirls out you may want to look into Megs UC or Meg 105. Either one you can usually get OTC at your local auto store.

M205 is a light cut polish typically considered a finishing polish. According to this chart Autogeek Swirl Removers & Compounds Comparison Chart (http://www.auto-geek.net/charts/wax-cut-chart-master.htm), the M205 and Megs #9 have the same cut. So, you really won't benefit much from using both in the same section. Depending on the cut of the HD Swirl & Scratch remover it sound like you'd want to start with this and then follow it up with M205 of Meg #9.

Just some advice, it being a Yukon it most likely has hard paint. So, be patient and ensure each step is doing it's job. I suggest an IPA wipe down after each polishing step to ensure you get the results you want. After your final polish you can apply your sealant or wax of choice. As you probably already know apply the sealant 1st and allow it to cure for at least 24 hours before applying a wax on top of it.

In regards to the checker board effect on your hood. I would maybe do two or 3 sections and find a process that works or what you personally like best. Then do that to the whole hood/truck that way. You want to basically find what works and then repeat that to ensure everything looks uniform.

Good luck and if you start and have questions come here and ask. You'll get all the answers you need. And ensure you take pics! Everyone loves seeing the results of a good polishing.

[DLB]

I searched a little bit on the Harley polish, and didn't find much. Probably from the label "Swirl & Scratch Treatment spray removes fine scratches and swirls in one step." I also read on another forum where it says on the bottle something like "the polishing particles start out fairly aggressive, and actually break down while you rub to polish out the scratches."

This says one thing for sure - it is diminishing abrasives, there's a lot of info about those here if you search. Menzerna products (or Wolfgang) are diminishing).

Using what you have, I would start off with 2 or 3 test spots. Use the 205 on one, the HD Polish on one, then the #9 if you wish (I would stick to the 205 though, but that's just me).

The wipedown with IPA or Mineral Spirits, and see what it looks like. Then, like SeaJay said, if the HD polish turns out to be more aggressive and needs some refining, follow it with one of the others (whichever one gave you the best results in your other test).

You can adjust your cut with your pad selection (e.g. using 205 with a HT Cyan and HT Tangerine will not yield the same results).

After you get it figured out, do that to the entire hood and you shouldn't have any problem with the checkerboard effect. You can also overlap your sections just a 1" or so, that way you can tell which one is more aggressive easier.

Good luck. Yukon's are fun. About a year and a half ago I did a 3-Stepper on a Yukon Denali XL that hauled three pre-teen/teenage girls around all the time. The interior alone took several hours, not to mention the exterior.

DLB

[jto667]

Thanks for the tips guys....as soon as our latest cold front gets out of here and we get back into the 40-50 degree range I'll take some pics and show you my progress.

You know its kinda funny, I pay attention to other cars paint moreso now after reading and checking out the show and shine on here! A co worker has a twin to my rig that is way worse for swirls than my rig. Can't wait to get mine done and park right next to him!

Here is the details on that HD swirl product, only used it by hand application, compared with a few other OTC products, and HD still worked best for me. Just and FYI for you all

Harley-Davidson® Swirl & Scratch Treatment


http://www.autogeekonline.net/media/images/hd/common/hd_spacer_e204.gif
Designed to remove those annoying fine scratches and swirls, this unique compound contains non-rigid abrasives that provide good initial leveling action on clearcoat and slowly become less aggressive while being buffed. This staging of grit size provides the benefits of a several step process in one convenient bottle. Biodegradable.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/media/images/hd/common/hd_spacer_e204.gif
http://www.autogeekonline.net/media/images/holiday2003/spacer_cccccc_1a21e.gif 94655-98
http://www.autogeekonline.net/media/images/hd/common/hd_spacer_e204.gif

8-oz. Bottle
http://www.autogeekonline.net/media/images/hd/common/hd_spacer_e204.gif
MSRP US $5.95
http://www.autogeekonline.net/media/images/hd/common/hd_spacer_e204.gif


Harley-Davidson® Swirl and Scratch Treatment | Genuine Motor Accessories | Harley-Davidson USA (http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/gma_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444184731 9&default=none)

[jto667]

Should I wipe down with IPA or Mineral Spirits at 100% or dilute em a tad?

[Mike Phillips]

Should I wipe down with IPA or Mineral Spirits at 100% or dilute em a tad?

Here's an article on this procedure,

How to Mix IPA for Inspecting Correction Results (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/31183-how-mix-ipa-inspecting-correction-results.html)


:)

[SeaJay's]

Should I wipe down with IPA or Mineral Spirits at 100% or dilute em a tad?

Dilute them. Check out this thread by Mike Phillips.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/31183-how-mix-ipa-inspecting-correction-results.html

[SeaJay's]

Mike you beat me to it!

[jto667]

Thanks guys, I would have made a HUGE mistake had I not thought of that question!