Non-accessible Machine Area Technique/Products?

[dan45hk]

I've been out of the detailing world for about 5 years. A lot has changed and gotten so much better. The Rupes 15 I got in the other day is amazing, I doubt I'll use my rotary machines much now. I would like to know what would be the best technique and products to use for areas that can't be reached by machine like underneath the door handle?

[crober53]

I just do it by hand. Little more elbow grease, but I feel way safer than using a machine.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using AG Online

[hernandez.art13]

Underneath the door handle you can just use a yellow applicator pad.

I love my Rupes. You should mod it.

The Kevin Brown Mod.

[dan45hk]

I just do it by hand. Little more elbow grease, but I feel way safer than using a machine.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using AG Online

Any specific products you would recommend? Swirls/scratches are moderate in degree.

[dan45hk]

Underneath the door handle you can just use a yellow applicator pad.

I love my Rupes. You should mod it.

The Kevin Brown Mod.

Did the mod the first day I got it :dblthumb2:

[statusdetailing]

m105 or similar product by hand on a mf towel or applicator. pressure is more important than speed.

[Tato]

Just uploaded some pics to illustrate answer.

This is from a recent work on a 2003 toyota, just figured out the pictures went not good, but if you can abstract that I may help you:

Driver's Handle Before
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/B-handle.png

After 1
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/A1-handle.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/74431)

After 2 (1 zoomed)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/A2-handle.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/74432)

Other handle (passenger driver's side) - no before but similar fashion than others.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/A3-otherhandle.png


Car state was somewhat neglected, with sun burnt paint all around.

I've polished the handles (and also painted parts) by machine with orange hybrid pad and M205.

For the under side, I generally use:

Lake Country Cyan Hydro-Tech Hand Applicator
Cyan Cutting EZ Grip Hydro-Tech Hand Applicator (http://www.autogeek.net/lc-h20-app9.html)

or

A Microfiber Applicator
Meguiars Even-Coat Applicator - 2 Pack: 2 microfiber applicator pads that are excellent at applying Meguiars products. (http://www.autogeek.net/x3080.html)


Products:

I generally use Menzerna FG400 or Uber Compound (see uber compound page that indeed address this use) -
Picture just shows cyan hand pad with Uber (scroll down the page):
Wolfgang Uber Compound (http://www.autogeek.net/wg-5601.html)

But I may use Meguiar's Ultimate Compound which I found one of the easiest cutting products to work by hand.


On the handles above I've used Cyan HT and Ultimate Compound (I was using M205 on paint so I've done a Meguiar's day!).

Technique used: Just a little of product. Too much product while working by hand is not optimal, but use plenty.

- Spread product on the under and upper part evenly.

- If handle is too 'straight', lock the car and use one hand to 'push the handle' while other is polishing bellow (looks like ballet kkkkkk)

- Put some passion on the pad, but do not exaggerate. I like pressing with 2 or three fingers, sometimes I press with thumb. Do whatever you can to spread an even pressure, not 'punctual' pressure.

- Move fingers up/down fast in a manner to abrade the paint, then I move side-to-side, finally I manage to do some circular movement and repeat side-to-side, up/down until defects disappear. I also follow the curve forth and back.

- I believe FG400/Uber gives you a more 'real' result in less time, since Ultimate Compound looks to have some incredible fillers. But working it properly, it'll not be a huge problem.

- Work the under side, then the upper side (or vice-versa), but try to do 'the middle part' after all to 'join parts'.

Sorry if that sounds confusing, it's difficult to explain this in foreign language.

Being that said, please, ask if you need further explanation or have any question.

Hope that helps,

Kind Regards.

[dan45hk]

Thanks for the suggestions... I'll give them a try.