Tried to polish pillar trim on my work van, and had some questions, please help?

[TrustJesus]

Hey guys,
I was asking another forum member, for advice; decided to ask here also.

So as you all know I’m new to detailing.
I own a 3” cheap china rotary polisher, I acquired before I joined here.

So my van is 2015, has to me knowledge never been polished.

Today I washed it with CG citrus soap, and let air dry.

Then I applied GRiots Garage completely compound and after I did several passes, there was black color on pad?

What does the bleed through color black mean on pad?



It still has swirls, on pillar trim, what am I doing wrong?



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[2black1s]

Take this for what it's worth as I don't really like to diagnose without first-hand, in-person observation, but it looks to me like what you're seeing is simply the road film and grime build up that you removed. It doesn't look dark enough to be the color-coat.

[TrustJesus]

I was actually scared thought I’d burn through.

Ok, so I used GG complete compound and polish.

Should I order something else like HD SPEED, Or BLACKFIRE AIO?

Thanks




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[2black1s]

I'm not familiar enough with all of the different products to make a recommendation... Other than I'm a Meguiar's guy. It would be M205 for me.

[TrustJesus]

good enough for me. Thanks
I appreciate your time and response

[Eldorado2k]

You still haven’t bought a polisher?

[oneheadlite]

What kind of pad is that?

Pillar trims are notoriously soft, so too aggressive of a pad, product, or even to rough of a wipe off towel could be leaving you with marring. How much worse were they when you started?

Complete Compound and Complete Polish are just fine to get started with; I've used the Complete Compound (haven't tried the Polish) and have gotten good correction/finish with it. Again, it may be too aggressive for pillar trim?

I'd be willing to bet it's a technique (read: pad/towel/application) change that's going to get you results, not a product change. Something like Blackfire One Step would probably be good to have in your inventory once you start doing more jobs, but it's not going to be the difference between still swirled out and gleaming perfection.

Just my 2 cents

[Desertnate]

What type of trim are you trying to polish? The verity is almost endless. Of the three cars in my household, none are the same.

Like what was mentioned already, I too hesitate to diagnose over the internet and I can't really tell what is going on by the pictures. However, I'll pass along my approach for trim.

- I'll never use anything on trip other than a finishing polish and a polishing pad. Never a compound or aggressive pad.
- With very few exceptions, The only trim I'll polish is the stuff on the B- and C-pillars, and ONLY if I know they are a plastic overlay or painted. Even then I proceed with extreme caution. It typically only take a couple passes to get them looking good and I use little/no pressure on the polisher.
- The plastic and/or rubber trim found around windows, or mirrors will get cleaned up by hand and I'll apply a trim protectant. I'd never take a polisher to them as there are too many ways to mess them up.

[Mike Phillips]

I was actually scared thought I’d burn through.

Ok, so I used GG complete compound and polish.

That plastic is SUPER SOFT. You should only need to use a fine cut polish and a super soft pad.

Should I order something else like HD SPEED, Or BLACKFIRE AIO?

Unless I plan on COATING the car and thus coating the Piano Plastic Trim I always,

KISS or Keep it Simple Simon

I use either 3D Speed or BF ONE Step with a soft foam polishing or finishing pad.

[Mike Phillips]

I cover ALL of this stuff in my car detailing classes.


If I'm ever in your State - take the class. Instead of spending a lifetime trying to figure all this stuff out learn it in 2 days and move forward.