New user: What to use to follow SSR 3 + cutting pad?

[Scott GN231]

Hi folks,

I'm polishing my black Grand National, which has enough scratches, spiderwebbing and sap marks that SSR 2.5 + an orange CCS 5.5" pad wouldn't quite take it out, even after multiple passes using good technique.

I'm going to go to SSR3 + a maguires maroon cutting pad, but am wondering what to follow that up with. While SSR 1 + CCS white pad worked well on my other car after 2.5 I'm wondering if it will be enough in this case or if I'll need to add a step in between them. What product and pad do you use after SSR3 and a cutting pad on black cars?

In terms of options available I have the full line of SSR products (1,2,2.5,3) and the 4 Griott's polishes and a range of CCS and Griott's pads. Any thoughts welcome. I'll be sealing and finishing with Zaino.

Thanks all,
Scott

[holland_patrick]

You need to brake SSR3 down VERY VERY VERY VERY well. it's liquid sandpaper and i would only use it in areas i had to. I would go after it with the 2.5 again and use 3 in spots that really need it or get 4 inch pads

Oh and on black i use three steps so if your going 3 then 2.5 then 1..

[Scott GN231]

Originally Posted by holland_patrick

You need to brake SSR3 down VERY VERY VERY VERY well. it's liquid sandpaper and i would only use it in areas i had to. I would go after it with the 2.5 again and use 3 in spots that really need it or get 4 inch pads

Oh and on black i use three steps so if your going 3 then 2.5 then 1..

By popular demand here are before and after pics for my SSR 2.5 and then SSR 1 application-- as you can see, it knocked out most of the cobwebbing, but some spots and scratches remain. I am going to SSR 3 based on the 'removing heavier scratches' video referenced on this site. They use the SSR 3 + maguires cutting pad.

Thoughts based on these pics and other comments welcome. Label on SSR 3 recommends following with SSR 2 and/or SSR 1. What pad would you use with the SSR 2? Orange or white?

Help me make her look as good as she is fast!

BEFORE


AFTER SSR 2.5

[Legacy99]

Use the white first and then orange if needed. Always least aggressive first.

[Scott GN231]

Results below. I used SSR3 + MG cutting pad, then SSR 2.5 + white CSS, then SSR 1 + white CSS pad.

Results look good even under the halogen. I'm still noticing some spots, but I suspect that they're below the clear and I'm going to call it quits.

One question: I notice that when I'm removing the 3 and 2.5 with a clean microfiber small scratches sometimes appear as I'm removing it. Sometimes a tad more pressure takes them out right away, sometimes I have to leave them to the next step. My microfibers are very clean-- any idea what this is? Could I be moving around polish that isn't 100% broken down?

Any comments on pics below more than appreciated.

[dreamcatchr23]

i'm not an expert but i would think that it's due to the polish not being broken down completely...

by the way, excellent job with the SSR3, it made a huge difference...

[Scott GN231]

Originally Posted by dreamcatchr23

i'm not an expert but i would think that it's due to the polish not being broken down completely...

by the way, excellent job with the SSR3, it made a huge difference...

Thanks! I REALLY took my time with the SSR3, though my eye is still adjusting for the breakdown points of the SSR3 and 2.5 (SSR 1 is easy to see as it starts to dust). Any tips?

Does the swipe test work as a reliable indicator of these products being fully broken down (i.e., does an oil free lift off of product mean it's done)? Other good hard and fast indicators?

I've seen the pictures of SSR breakdown stages on the related site and it helps some to know that it won't go completely clear, but without seeing it in person the pics don't do it justice.

Thanks for the thoughts folks.
Scott