Re: Paint Hardness Spreadsheet
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek
Thanks Mike. This subject came up in discussion on another thread and I felt compelled to start a basic chart and discussion. This subject can be touchy at times and I thought it would be good to have a point of reference that everyone can go back to if need be.
Paint hardness or softness is mentioned a lot of times and some people bring it up because it changed their decision on what pad or compound they had to use to yield the best results. If those same people find it happening multiple times on their customer's cars, then they can add the info here to share. Like mentioned before, it is subjective, and everyone should test out any car before they commit to using the suggestions, but it is meant to give a general sense of direction.
It's also good, because a lot of new people find this site and look for direction because they bought a new vehicle and want to maintain it the best way possible. So they can review this, in conjuction with posting specific questions, to make their decision on their 1st purchase easier.
Thanks again for those appropriate pointers.
Re: Paint Hardness Spreadsheet
We should probably just stick with an "X" in the appropriate column. I think the numbers make it too confusing. Just a suggestion.
Re: Paint Hardness Spreadsheet
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AC in OC
It's also good, because a lot of new people find this site and look for direction because they bought a new vehicle and want to maintain it the best way possible. So they can review this, in conjunction with posting specific questions, to make their decision on their 1st purchase easier.
I agree 100%
The one thing people new to detailing don't have is experience and the only way to gage if a paint system is hard or soft is by having already buffed on multiple cars with a wide range of softness and hardness.
How could a person know if the paint was hard or soft if they've never buffed out a car before?
A: A chart like the one you've created.
B: Doing a test spot and then posting the results to a forum like this and asking for feedback as it relates to what they are seeing left in the paint together with the pad, chemical and tool used.
C: Starting with just a posted question...
I actually cover the topic of paint hardness and paint softness in my how-to book, page 7 & 8 in the new second edition and pages 9 & 10 in the first edition and I my recommendation as to the best way to judge paint hardness or softness is via experience and explain why in that section.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AC in OC
Thanks again for those appropriate pointers.
Paint hardness and softness is a common topic as it is a huge unknown variable between cars, (between paint systems), I think I have a really good article or two on this topic on MOL that dates back to 2005 or 2006.
Again, nice work and a valuable asset to the forum.
:dblthumb2:
Re: Paint Hardness Spreadsheet
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AC in OC
I have created a blank template for experienced detailers to contribute to. I have read in numerous posts about a certain manufacturer having soft or hard clearcoat, which affects the pad or compound choices. Since a lot of people have found out by trial and error which is which, I thought it might be good to gather this info into one place that everyone can edit.
I am, by definition, a newb. I'm sure it's not perfect. So if I missed something, feel free to add or delete. I gave open permission to allow anyone to edit the Google Doc spreadsheet. Simply put an "X" in the box for hard or soft. I also added a column that is quite subjective: Winning Combination for pads and compounds/polishes.
I understand that this info may differ from car to car, maybe it had a repaint, etc; but in gerneral terms, for instance, I've heard that Audi's have hard clears vs. Subaru's soft clearcoat. It's really meant to help people brand new to this to make an informed decision. Eventually we each find our favorites and stick to it, but this chart is meant to be a quick reference.
Here's the link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...FE&usp=sharing
Hope this helps in any way, and thanks in advance for your input.
Wow! Thanks so much for this. It really helps.
I know others may have mentioned it, but what do you think about a comments column for anomalies or exceptions to the generally accepted findings? ie. BMW has generally hard paint expect for their Black which tends to be softer? What do you think?
Re: Paint Hardness Spreadsheet
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek
I actually cover the topic of paint hardness and paint softness in my how-to book, page 7 & 8 in the new second edition and pages 9 & 10 in the first edition and I my recommendation as to the best way to judge paint hardness or softness is via experience and explain why in that section.
Paint hardness and softness is a common topic as it is a huge unknown variable between cars, (between paint systems), I think I have a really good article or two on this topic on MOL that dates back to 2005 or 2006.
Again, nice work and a valuable asset to the forum.
:dblthumb2:
Thanks Mike. Probably a good first purchase for new people is your book. I think we get excited and want to jump right into buffing our cars so that it looks as good as the ones showcased in the show-n-shine section. But that takes practice and a wealth of knowledge. Your books help with 50% of that equation.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Goodloe3
Wow! Thanks so much for this. It really helps.
I know others may have mentioned it, but what do you think about a comments column for anomalies or exceptions to the generally accepted findings? ie. BMW has generally hard paint expect for their Black which tends to be softer? What do you think?
Sure, no problem. I agree a comment column would be a goood addition. If you want, feel free to add that to the doc as you're envisioning. It's fairly simple to do. If you're having trouble with it, PM me and I'll assist.
Re: Paint Hardness Spreadsheet
Re: Paint Hardness Spreadsheet
Thanks for this spreadsheet - great idea!
Just wondering...is there some kind of code in the label on the door panel of a car that tells where the car was made? I don't know if you can or not, but if you can, this might help also. Just a thought.
Re: Paint Hardness Spreadsheet
Great post, really nice list and thanks so much for sharing..
Re: Paint Hardness Spreadsheet
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Meticulous-Detail
We should probably just stick with an "X" in the appropriate column. I think the numbers make it too confusing. Just a suggestion.
I took out the numbers someone put in there to avoid confusion. It's starting to take shape. Thanks for the input everyone. Let's keep it going! :props:
Re: Paint Hardness Spreadsheet
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AC in OC
I took out the numbers someone put in there to avoid confusion. It's starting to take shape. Thanks for the input everyone. Let's keep it going! :props:
:dblthumb2: