Any special considerations with OEM paint on 2012 F150

[Blamettu]

Hello, All!

I've decided that my foray into paint correction will involve my 2012 F150 4x4. What, if any, are the special considerations for Ford OEM paint? If it matters, the color of my pickup is Ford's Ingot Silver Metallic.

[Evan.J]

Hello, All!

I've decided that my foray into paint correction will involve my 2012 F150 4x4. What, if any, are the special considerations for Ford OEM paint? If it matters, the color of my pickup is Ford's Ingot Silver Metallic.


What are you looking to do?

What condition is your paint in?
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/off-topic/38689-what-condition-paint-your-vehicles.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/43190-gloss-starts-first-smooth-surface.html

[Mike Phillips]

If you've never worked on this specific truck and thus this specific paint system, then after washing and drying, or wiping the truck clean, inspect for above surface bonded contaminants and if discovered, remove them by claying or some other mechanical means.

Then start by doing a test spot.


Make sure the pads, products, tools and techniques you plan on using over the entire truck will work to your expectations to one small are first.


How To Do a Test Spot (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/50162-how-do-test-spot.html)
(and why it's so important)


Take good before pictures.... you can never go back in time and get these..


:)

[Blamettu]

Evan & Mike,

I would say that the finish (based on the link provided by Evan) falls into the category of "Good Condition." Since I purchased the truck ( on 3/29/13) I have always used the two-bucket method with grit guards. It has never gone more than 1.5 weeks without a wash as I own a mobile detailing company and this truck also doubles as a billboard. The exterior shampoo of choice has been DG901. Mainly, I was trying to determine if Ford paint systems are typically hard or soft, the specific do's and do not do's (if any) with Ford vehicles related to polishing. It should be noted that I intend to snag some junk panels once the polisher is in to get a feel for the machine beforehand.

Also-the 4x4 decal at the end of the bed-it will need to be taped off or otherwise and not gone over with the PC7424XP, right?

[Evan.J]

Evan & Mike,

I would say that the finish (based on the link provided by Evan) falls into the category of "Good Condition." Since I purchased the truck ( on 3/29/13) I have always used the two-bucket method with grit guards. It has never gone more than 1.5 weeks without a wash as I own a mobile detailing company and this truck also doubles as a billboard. The exterior shampoo of choice has been DG901. Mainly, I was trying to determine if Ford paint systems are typically hard or soft, the specific do's and do not do's (if any) with Ford vehicles related to polishing. It should be noted that I intend to snag some junk panels once the polisher is in to get a feel for the machine beforehand.

Also-the 4x4 decal at the end of the bed-it will need to be taped off or otherwise and not gone over with the PC7424XP, right?


Well what I would do is wash clay then a finishing polish to polosh out any light swirl marks. Then pick your sealant or wax of choice.

You shouldnt need to pratice on a junk panel as working with the PC is not that Hard!
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/55512-s-not-hard.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/37769-da-polisher-trouble-shooting-guide.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/48955-factors-can-cause-pad-stop-rotating-da-polisher.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/19994-2008-lexus-250-pinnacle-detail.html

Remember, http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/43201-technique-everything.html

As for then vinyl I would tape it off.


Test spot will be key:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/off-topic/57400-takes-just-long-do-wrong.html