My paint has turned flat

**jetman624** · 07-11-2011, 10:22 AM

I have an 06 Tundra that is rarely washed, never waxed and always outside. (I know, I know, shame on me) Well as one should expect, the paint had turned from a nice bright white to a flat white on the hood, roof, and tops of the side panels. Two years ago I bought the Wolfgang Swirl Remover Kit, which includes the Swirl Remover, Finishing Glaze, and Sealant. My questions is, assuming this stuff is still ok to use after sitting on the shelf for two years-- Is this right combination of products to be using? Does anybody have any other recommendations, perhaps on the less expensive side?

I should also note that I have the PC 7424 (non XP) and Yellow, Orange, White, and Blue Lake County CCS pads.

**kronos** · 07-11-2011, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by jetman624

My questions is, assuming this stuff is still ok to use after sitting on the shelf for two years-- Is this right combination of products to be using?

I should also note that I have the PC 7424 (non XP) and Yellow, Orange, White, and Blue Lake County CCS pads.

Try it. Shake the bottles vigorously for a few minutes, then try some finishing glaze on the white pad. Tape a section 18" by 18", and work that test spot until you're satisfied with the results. Step up to the swirl remover and orange pad if the finishing glaze is not cutting it.

**embolism** · 07-11-2011, 10:36 AM

check this MP article out

KISS Detail - Extreme Makeover - Toyota Highlander

**James K** · 07-11-2011, 10:49 AM

I could be wrong, but Toyota used a single stage paint on the white Tundra for a while. I think your year is included. Like I said, I might be wrong on this, but you might want to make sure. Be it single stage or base coat/clear coat, I would still start out with the least aggressive combo you have. In this case a white pad with the finishing glaze. Do a test spot and see what you get with that combo.

Good luck, and line up for your flogging for not taking care of the paint!!!!

**RTexasF** · 07-11-2011, 11:12 AM

Having dealt with Toyota single stage white I'd go straight to the orange pad and the stoutest polish/compound you have to start. Go to the yellow pad if no results. That SS white (assuming this is) was one of the very few times I had to use yellow pads and Poorboy's SSR III to obtain results. Obviously that required a "step down" polishing with less aggressive stuff afterwards. What a bear that paint was.

Mike's results with the 360 AIO were quite astounding.......wish I had thought of that at the time but nothing other than rocks in a bottle touched it.

**master detailer** · 07-11-2011, 11:24 AM

wool pad on a makita works for me all the time down here in se fl the sun is killer down here.also put some sealer on when your done will help alot.

**DBPR32** · 07-11-2011, 11:35 AM

I actually detailed a white 2006 Toyota Tundra recently. I was surprised how flat the paint was. I had to start with Optimum Compount II on an orange pad and go from there. It was amazing to see the results. That was definitely the most neglected paint I have worked with so far.

Mike Phillips · 07-11-2011, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by jetman624

My questions is, assuming this stuff is still ok to use after sitting on the shelf for two years-- Is this right combination of products to be using?

These products will work fine for restoring the paint if it's not past the point of no return. When a paint reaches the point of no return, no company's products will restore it. That's likely not happened if the paint is in fact a single stage paint. If it's a clear coat finish and turned flat or whitish that's a sign of clear coat failure.

How to Test for Single Stage or Clear Coat Paint

This article was written to help people with first gen Porter Cable 7724 and 7336 units, also the Meguiar's G100 and G100a, (same tools). But in reality, this article will help anyone using a DA style tool.

The short how-to guide for using a DA Polisher
How to maximize the ability of the 1st Generation Porter Cable Dual Action Polishers

The key to removing defects with a Porter Cable DA Polisher is maintaining pad rotation because it's when the pad is rotating that the abrasives are taking little bites out of the paint to remove defects whether they are swirls, scratches, water spots or oxidation.

If you're pads are the 6.5" pads not only are they 6.5" in diameter, but they are also fairly thick and this hinders the first gen PC's from effectively rotating them.

If you haven't already, mark the back of your backing plate using a sharpie marker and this will make it easier for you to see if the pad is rotating under pressure.

Like this,

Possibly consider getting 5.5" pads which probably were not available when you purchased your original products... they've only recently become the trend...

5 1/2 inch and 6 inch Buffing Pads on Autogeek's Online Store

5 Inch Backing Plates for DA Polishers - Pictures and Links