Any advice from those polishing car outside?

[zckid]

Hi guys

It’s taken me a very long time.
I was very busy with our school project for the last 4 months or so.

Been to Kuala Lumpur to meet KC. he was really fantastic, very helpful and actually more than that.

The Sifu and the student


We were at the Sayasan Sunbeam Home.


And when I came back my kids were ill, the little “car-crazy” one had acute bronchitis
and I had to complete the project write-up for submission.
Thanks God, my kids have recovered and the write-up completed and submitted too.


So here my detailing journey re-starts:


The civic was in very bad shape. It had been resprayed, and the defects of a custom paint job were obvious:
orange peel, pockets, pores and pits. Swirls and rids were everywhere.
(Sorry, no before pictures due to a hardware problem during image transfer.)


I wetsanded the scratches.

• Makita rotary
• LC orange & white pads
• Menzerna PG, Power Finish

The rids and orange peel remain though.
I didn’t go for full correction the (car will be sold).

Btw, one thing I learned is removing all defects will leave the paint so thin that it will be like a football player without a helmet.
Better live with it.


The change was noticeable however. The only problem I had was dust. We are in full summer here.
There had been no rain for a couple of weeks. The dust level was very high and our garage is not a closed one.
And I paid heavily for it in terms of compounding scratches.


After polishing pics:

Just look at the dust deposits. It was in the air





The side mirror


The sun test



Notice the sanding marks. I used Asia Abrasives sandpaper (2000 grit).
Not recommended. Use other alternatives.
I didn’t have these issues with Primex sandpaper I used before.
I heard that Mirka is available here (up to 2500 grit). So, I’ll try to have some sheets of it.

The car took me one and half days. When I got up, I had a “whole body” pain.
I just couldn’t ask anybody at home to help ease the pain. They are not detailing friendly.

But when I got out and saw the black civic, the joy was more intense than the pain.

I really loved the sight of it at early dawn.




The reflections off the civic were very nice.
















We got blessed after a few days. It rained thanks God.

Water pebbles on the paint



Praying for more rain, for more water pebbles!




I’d like to have a few tips on how you polish your cars in an open area,
esp. where there’s a lot of dust and you want to avoid the buffing scratches


Your thoughts and comments are as usual most appreciated


Thanks so much and sunny cheers from Mauritius


Zaid

[Mazda.Mark]

Awesome job, great reflection shots! Keep up the good work!

[zckid]

Awesome job, great reflection shots! Keep up the good work!

Thanks buddy. still learning and got a long way to go.

[DealerDetailer]

The only problem I had was dust. We are in full summer here.
There had been no rain for a couple of weeks. The dust level was very high and our garage is not a closed one.
And I paid heavily for it in terms of compounding scratches.





I’d like to have a few tips on how you polish your cars in an open area,
esp. where there’s a lot of dust and you want to avoid the buffing scratches

Great looking work and outstanding photo of some good water beading!

Tip for dust problem...

Working at the dealership in the body shop I deal with every kind of dust a body shop has to offer. My Tip, I use two floor standing fans fans placed then in front of the car (if you pulled in to the bay) and have the fans blow the dust out the open door. Maybe it will work for your too

[zckid]

Great looking work and outstanding photo of some good water beading!

Tip for dust problem...

Working at the dealership in the body shop I deal with every kind of dust a body shop has to offer. My Tip, I use two floor standing fans fans placed then in front of the car (if you pulled in to the bay) and have the fans blow the dust out the open door. Maybe it will work for your too

Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.

[buddhadog]

Nice work!

Get yourself a ca. car duster. It works perfect for removing dust quickly . Just dont use any pressure when dusting.

According to some it can scratch really soft clearcoats so use with caution.

[zckid]

Nice work!

Get yourself a ca. car duster. It works perfect for removing dust quickly . Just dont use any pressure when dusting.

According to some it can scratch really soft clearcoats so use with caution.

Thanks mate

To be more specific, I wanted to know what you guys do when you are doing a section, you've spread the polish, just moved to a higher speed and dust comes into play. You see dust particles on the area you are working.

What do you do in such a case?

[Shawn T.]

Drop 10 and punt lol

Wipe off and try again or plow through with the buffing and see what happens.

I usually wipe-off and try again. Just the hardships of working outside.