1991 Red Mercedes w/ Light - Medium Oxidation

[parkerslade]

Hey guys, this is my first post on the forums.

I have a buddy that wants to restore the paint on his Mercedes. I don't know the model. The red paint is faded and has light - medium oxidation scattered throughout each panel.

My approach is going to be a wash and clay, then moving in to a two step buff/polish with a Dual Action. :buffing: Does anyone have an idea of how aggressive i should start? (Which pad to go for, which compound) I ask because i'm not sure if this year of Mercedes is single stage paint or not, so i'd like to start the least abrasive. I wish I had photos I will add them when I receive them.

Thank you in advance! :props:

[zmcgovern45]

Always start with the least aggressive method first... for most paints, unless I know they are relatively soft (like Lexus, Acura, Honda, Toyota, Porsche (black), BMW (jet black)) I will typically start with the modest white LC polishing pad and something like M205... this is a very nice combo that is not aggressive, but is very capable of producing great 1-step results on many paint systems... this white pad will quickly tell you if you are working with SS or BC/CC paint (you could also do a quick test spot with a foam applicator by hand to determine if you are working with SS paint before moving to machine polishing if desired). If you wanted to be super conservative you could begin with a black pad.

[Mike Phillips]

Welcome to AutogeekOnline... :welcome:



What to do just depends upon how many steps you want to do...


Check this out, it's a one-step process and the paint is single stage...

How to use a one-step cleaner/wax to maximize profits (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/58359-how-use-one-step-cleaner-wax-maximize-profits.html)


http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1970_442_by_Mike_Phillips.010.jpg


Check this out... lots of steps, at least 3-4 steps...


1960 Ford Ranchero - Extreme Makeover - M105/M205 Tag Team (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/31839-1960-ford-ranchero-extreme-makeover-m105-m205-tag-team.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/1960Ranchero001.jpg



http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/763/1960Ranchero06.jpg



And then there's this... lots and lots of steps...

The Secret to Removing Oxidation and Restoring a Show Car Finish to Antique Single Stage Paints (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/25304-secret-removing-oxidation-restoring-show-car-finish-antique-single-stage-paints.html)


:)

[Mike Phillips]

Hey guys, this is my first post on the forums.

I have a buddy that wants to restore the paint on his Mercedes. I don't know the model. The red paint is faded and has light - medium oxidation scattered throughout each panel.




Sometimes people confuse oxidation with clearcoat failure. If it's a single stage paint with oxidation it can be fixed.

If the car has clearcoat failure, it cannot be fixed.

See this thread...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/off-topic/59945-all-started-when.html


And these articles,


The Clearcoat Failure Photo Gallery Archive (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/rough-draft/19985-clearcoat-failure-photo-gallery-archive.html)

Beginning Clearcoat Failure (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/29197-beginning-clearcoat-failure.html)



:)

[Mike Phillips]

Always start with the least aggressive method first...





Exactly...


"Use the least aggressive product to get the job done" (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/28505-use-least-aggressive-product-get-job-done.html)



:dblthumb2:

[catfish07]

I just did a 2003 SLK series that was pretty oxidized. My plan of attack was wash & clay, using a Flex 3401 and a CCS orange pad. I had planned to use Menzerna FG400 but I ended up using PF2500. I love power finish! It is my go to polish. I like the fast gloss FG400 but the smell of it gives me headaches. The car came out perfect and the customer could not believe it.

As a side note, when I first got Fast Gloss, I used it on my culture marble bathroom counter. While it did a spectacular job, the chemical smell was horrible. I learned to only use it well ventilated. I had to oper the window and put a fan blowing outside. For 2 days :nomore:

[parkerslade]

Thank you guys!

[TundraPower]

(You didn't mention what kind of Dual-Action you are using.) I agree with catfish07. I would do a panel with Power Finish and an CCS orange pad and see what happens.

[parkerslade]

I'll be using a Griot's DA with a Yellow Meguiar's Pad and I'm going to use M205 and see what happens.