Struggling with UDM/Sonus

quadcammer · 09-19-09, 08:40

So I got the UDM kit from autopia, and well, either I'm terrible at using it, or something else is up.

Using the Sonus SFX-1 polish and pad does nothing on the finish of my swirly black 99 mustang. It doesn't seem to remove any scratches or imperfections, dusts a lot, and is difficult to remove (some splotches of polish will not come off without applying QD).

Not to mention this thing vibrates a hell of a lot more than I anticipated.

I'm spreading the polish with speed 3/4 initially with moderate pressure, and then going to speed 5 with lighter pressure.

Any ideas why this isn't working?

I'm about ready for the return policy.

thanks.

9935annivgt · 09-21-09, 04:58

I have a black 99 GT and I have been using Zaino PC with an orange edge pad followed by SFX-1 on a green pad and have gotten very good results via a PC. You may have to break down and pay someone with a rotary that knows what they are doing to get the finish right and then use a PC to maintain. The PC will certainly remove the defects given the right pad and polish combo but will take a lot of time.

jonw440 · 09-21-09, 05:32

Try working a small 2'x2' area. I think you may be going to fast. The PC will work it just takes longer then a rotary.

Setec Astronomy · 09-21-09, 05:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by quadcammer

I'm spreading the polish with speed 3/4 initially with moderate pressure, and then going to speed 5 with lighter pressure.

Any ideas why this isn't working?

Spreading the polish is done with light pressure, you're just spreading it around before you start polishing. Less less polish than you think you need to, if you're getting gumming, you're usually using too much polish or you have a saturated pad (unless you're working on a hot surface). For defect removal, you need to use a lot of pressure, and very slow arm movement. The polish needs to be broken down and worked in until it goes clear or dusts (depending on the polish). It's going to take a lot of time, and I would use speed 6.

I don't have time right now, but try to find some of the polishing videos so you can see the size of the areas worked, arm speed, number of passes, what the polish looks like when it breaks down, and how much polish is used.

swan · 09-21-09, 06:23

The 6 inch pads are gonna take a lot longer to correct your paint.
Buy the 4inch pads and you should be much happier.
I have not used their polish so I can not comment on it. Maybe throw up some pics of your paint so we can see what kind of car and condition you are working with.

Also search the Kevin Brown method on here. It shows how to properly prime the pad to get best results. Basically you spread polish on the pad with your finger so all the pores are filled. Thats the basis of it but there is more to it and there are pics to show what it will look like.

Pats300zx · 09-21-09, 06:39

Here is a link to the videos and help guide Setec was talking about.

Dual Action Orbital Polisher Guide: how to remove swirls, scratches, & oxidation with an orbital buffer. Porter Cable 7424, foam pads, backing plate,

Scottwax · 09-21-09, 08:29

Maybe this will help you to see if there is a problem with your technique. Made this video today with your post in mind.

YouTube - Proper DA polisher technique

BigAl3 · 09-21-09, 09:03

on top of scott's video ^ , here's a few more that may be helpful as well...

Car Detailing videos - How to detail, polish and wax your Car

quadcammer · 09-23-09, 08:26

thanks guys.

I switched over to my 05 S500 and I went slower with speed 6 and more pressure. That said, I'm still not getting the correction I'm striving for. You can still see quite a number of scratches, although swirls have been reduced.

I'm a bit frustrated, but at the end of the day, the car does look much better.

DavidB · 09-23-09, 08:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottwax

Maybe this will help you to see if there is a problem with your technique. Made this video today with your post in mind.

Nice little demo, Scott!

YouTube - Proper DA polisher technique

quadcammer · 09-23-09, 08:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottwax

Maybe this will help you to see if there is a problem with your technique. Made this video today with your post in mind.

YouTube - Proper DA polisher technique

To be honest, thats pretty much exactly what I did.

When you say to prime the pad, are you doing kevin brown style?

The sfx line is a diminishing abrasive as far as I know, so I haven't really done much priming of the pad.

I've learned that 6" pads are kind of useless, so I'll get 4 inch next time. I also think that I'll get the menzerna SIP when I'm out of sfx.

Btw, my friend Rob Bogdanowitz praised your work greatly Scott (he's got the blue 335i and white X5), so keep up the good work.

Scottwax · 09-23-09, 09:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by quadcammer

To be honest, thats pretty much exactly what I did.

When you say to prime the pad, are you doing kevin brown style?

The sfx line is a diminishing abrasive as far as I know, so I haven't really done much priming of the pad.

I've learned that 6" pads are kind of useless, so I'll get 4 inch next time. I also think that I'll get the menzerna SIP when I'm out of sfx.

Btw, my friend Rob Bogdanowitz praised your work greatly Scott (he's got the blue 335i and white X5), so keep up the good work.

I didn't prime the pad ala Kevin Brown style, just typical pad priming-use a bit more polish for the first few panels.

Glad to hear Rob likes my work.