First Post, First Polish

[d9lowe]

Got sick of looking at the swirls and minor clearcoat scratches in my new '13 Tacoma (due to unproper washing techniques and it being black) and decided to polish them out this morning.

First time doing this and I think I did a good job. Took most of the day and I got about 90% out. Next time will be a lot smoother, and should hopefully only need the 205.

Enjoy the pics!!

Foam Gun
Rinse
2 bucket wash with Meg Gold Class
Dry
M105 W/Orange LC Pad
M205 W/Black LC Pad

Work done with a PC 7424

[Andr3wilson]

First off WELCOME!

Looks great!

I really love those trucks! I want one similar actually, is it an auto or a 6 speed??

[d9lowe]

Thanks And!! Its an Auto. Great truck so far, just hard to keep her clean as I like.

[Sicoupe]

Welcome! And great job on the detail:)

[BobbyG]

:welcome: To Autogeek Online! :props:


Basic steps in order are:


Wash
Clay
Paint Correction & Polish
Seal
Wax

Claying the finish is an important step that should be part of your detailing regime at least once annually. Claying removes embedded dirt and debris that would otherwise become dialoged and impart tinny scratches or similar defects.


Using Detailing Clay - By Mike Phillips

Baggie Test Tip from Paul aka 2old2change (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/56813-baggie-test-tip-paul-aka-2old2change.html)

The Baggie Test - How to inspect for above surface bonded contaminants (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/27967-baggie-test-how-inspect-above-surface-bonded-contaminants.html)

The 3 primary benefits of using detailing clay to clay paint (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/27969-3-primary-benefits-using-detailing-clay-clay-paint.html)

Tips and Tricks for using detailing clay (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/20259-tips-techniques-using-detailing-clay.html)

Do I need to wash my car after I use detailing clay to clay the paint? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/22721-do-i-need-wash-my-car-after-i-use-detailing-clay-clay-paint.html)

Video: How detailing clay works and how to use detailing clay to remove above surface bonded contaminant (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-videos/24319-show-car-garage-video-how-detailing-clay-works-how-use-detailing-clay-remove-above-surface-bonded-contaminants.html)


Here's a list of quality sealants that will protect the finish after all that hard work.


Wipe On and Walk Away Sealants (Clear)


CarPro Reload (http://www.autogeek.net/cquartz-reload-spray.html)
Wolfgang Deep Gloss Liquid Seal (http://www.autogeek.net/spray-on-paint-sealant.html)
Ultima Paint Guard Plus (http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-paint-guard-plus.html)
Prima Hydro Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/prima-hydro-seal.html)
Optimum Opti-Seal (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-seal.html)


Traditional Sealants (Haze and Buff)


Menzerna Power Lock (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-power-lock-sealant.html)
Four Star Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/four-star-ultimate-paint-protection.html)
Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-wet-diamond-sealant.html)
Klasse High Gloss Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/klashiggloss.html)
Duragloss 601 Bonding Agent (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-polish-bonding-agent.html)
Duragloss 105 TPP (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-total-performance-polish.html)
Sonus SFX-4 Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/sonus-sfx-4-paint-sealant.html)

[Mike Phillips]

Nice work!


Here's one more article for you... :laughing:

"Black is not a color, it's a full time job" (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/57621-black-not-color-s-full-time-job.html)




:xyxthumbs:

[timsatx]

Did you put anything on it after you polished it?

[spiralout462]

Beautiful work and welcome to AGO! I have a 2012 black Tacoma. How did the M105 work out? Since my paint is butter soft I can't imagine taking a compound to her.

[vet]

Welcome! Black takes a lot of time to keep clean, but sure looks good when it is!

[d9lowe]

:welcome: To Autogeek Online! :props:


Basic steps in order are:


Wash
Clay
Paint Correction & Polish
Seal
Wax
Claying the finish is an important step that should be part of your detailing regime at least once annually. Claying removes embedded dirt and debris that would otherwise become dialoged and impart tinny scratches or similar defects.




Bobby,

I had clayed it a few weeks ago, and it still felt butter smooth, so didn't feel the need to do so. Its amazing what that stuff does.

[d9lowe]

Beautiful work and welcome to AGO! I have a 2012 black Tacoma. How did the M105 work out? Since my paint is butter soft I can't imagine taking a compound to her.

Thanks spiral,
Seemed to do a good job. It would take out most of the marks, and the 205 did the rest. Is 105 too hard for our paint? How would I know?

[Klasse Act]

Welcome to AG and that black is blaaaack! (Talking about the color the paint.....BOB)

Sent from my SPH-M930 using AG Online

[spiralout462]

Thanks spiral,
Seemed to do a good job. It would take out most of the marks, and the 205 did the rest. Is 105 too hard for our paint? How would I know?

I haven't needed anything more aggressive than a fine cut finishing polish on my truck. In my experience M205 on a white LC pad provides enough cut for most defects. I really like Wolfgang Finishing Glaze prior to any wax or sealant. It provides maximum gloss and some correction ability. Every paint system is different, even cars produced on the same line. I strive to use the "least aggressive products to get the job done". What size pads did you use? The truck is beautiful!

[d9lowe]

I haven't needed anything more aggressive than a fine cut finishing polish on my truck. In my experience M205 on a white LC pad provides enough cut for most defects. I really like Wolfgang Finishing Glaze prior to any wax or sealant. It provides maximum gloss and some correction ability. Every paint system is different, even cars produced on the same line. I strive to use the "least aggressive products to get the job done". What size pads did you use? The truck is beautiful!


Thanks spiral. The pads I used were 5.5". I could have tried just the 205, but I wanted to make sure I got most of the marks out. Next time around I will try just the 205. Had her out around town today in the sun. Looks better than the day I drove her of the lot!! Ill look into that Wolfgang product you talk of!

[spiralout462]

Next time you order you should look into some 3"or 4" pads for the tight spots. I like them for the bumper and fenders especially. It really is amazing how good the paint can look!