First Time Paint Correction. OUTSTANDING Results. 2005 SLK 350 Mars Red

[Zypher]

Hey Y'all,

New guy from Houston.

I posted most of this in the "introduce yourself" section. But there might be some even "newer guy" thinking about doing this, so I will share it here.

The car is a 2005 Mercedes SLK 350, Mars Red. 119,00 miles. I am second owner. Beautiful car.

Till now I've always been a hand wash, clay, wax type.

Even took a couple of second place concurs with the local BMW club using these methods.

Thought it was about time to give the newer DA's a shot. Very nervous about something spinning 6000 rpm's on my paint.... yikes.
Only other "power machine" I had ever used was an old 10" Waxmaster 900 Random Orbital with bonnets. Never thought it did a very good job.

So I bought the DA polish/buffer at Harbor Freight. Did all the "mods", grease, repositioned switch. Decent enough for my situation.

Went with AutoGeek for supplies. Have used all of Girot's stuff for years, so that's the polishes I went with. Correcting, Perfecting & Finish.
For pads, I used Lake Country CCS. Got the "pick your own 6". 2 Pink, 1 Orange, 1 White, 1 Black, 1 Red.

This would not be a lucrative career for me. 5 hours and got trunk and hood done (had most swirls/scratches) Started VERY cautiously to say the least. I figure is better to go slow, take my time and learn what I am doing.

I am blown away by the results. I have NEVER had a vehicle with this kind of depth, clarity and no swirls....! Extremely happy (understatement) and proud that I got over my fear (didn't screw up my car) and with how it looks. I could have probably done more passes on each section (did 4), probably a little more pressure, maybe a Yellow pad.... I just felt the paint is in really great condition to start with. Think I did real good on the amount of product applied, and arm/speed movement. Did not use the Pink or Red pads. Also didn't use the Finishing/Sealant. After Perfecting cream, I used Black pad and applied Girot's "Best of Show" liquid wax.

If you asked me before I started I would have said paint was a 8 with some swirls and a coule of scratches. After seeing it now, was probably a 6 in reality. NOW it might be a 8 to 8.5

Plan to get a smaller 3 inch backplate and pads to do the doors. I can tell a 6" is going to be ineffective on some of the panels and body lines.

Thanks to everyone here. Pros and amateurs alike. Your knowledge and experience were critical in getting me to jump in and attempt this.

Not the greatest shots, but hope they show the improvement.

[pilotpip]

Nice work! If you want things to go faster, buy more pads. I know it's a big up-front cost but a clean pad is more efficient, and it's faster to toss it in a bucket of pad conditioner and clean 4 or 5 of them at a time. You'll use the orange and white pads the most (maybe pink if you like them, but seems like a cross between a white and orange according to the description). I thought 6 would be enough, but after doing my cars a couple times, and my inlaw's cars I'm up to about 20 for my porter cable. You'll also find things will speed up as you gain experience and find a technique that works best for you.

One or two black and reds for LSP applications and you'll be good to go.

[Rsurfer]

Your DA is not spinning at 6000 rpm, but at 6000 opm, huge difference.

BTW, nice job.

[ICEMAN]

very nice!! I remember my first correction and see those results was a huge HOLY $HIT moment!! You end up saying to yourself, why didnt i buy this years ago. haha. Nice job and nice ride!!

[Mike Phillips]

.


Clicked on this thread and thought I replied to it over the weekend?

Then I found this one,

First timer, SUPER pleased with results


and I did reply to the above thread...

Results look GREAT!

Thank you for sharing your story!

For pads, I used Lake Country CCS. Got the "pick your own 6"

Next time you order pads - here’s a tip...

Get a 5” backing plate and 5.5” THIN pads as these will rotate much better than thick pads and this will enable you to work faster and be more effective.

[Zypher]

Yeah, same thread. Edited down a little and posted in the "shine & show"section.

Figured might be a new guy like myself that would appreciate the info and probably dosen't read the "introduce yourself" section.

ICEMAN.... 100% right on your comments..!!

[Sicoupe]

Awesome job for first time.

[Klasse Act]

Hood basically went from pink to red red, great job

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[Gav'sPurpleZ]

looking good.

[Sharply Dressed]

Nice work. I remember doing my first detail on my car with enhanced AG knowledge. It's rewarding. Now get down to a Mike Phillips Detail Camp. You'll meet great folks and build tremendous confidence.