Problems with PC, PB SSR2.5, SSR1

faztaz · 06-22-05, 07:27

I was polishing a Tectite Grey MB with moderate swirl marks today. I first washed with dawn, claybared with Sonus (with dawn as a lubricant), and then washed again with dawn. I dried with the costco microfiber towels and then used a Sonus Orange pad with PB SSR2.5. I spread the product with the PC set at 2 and then for the final two passes pushed it up to 6. I did the hood, each panel on the door, 1/4 panels, roof, trunk etc. I removed all the product in one shot after finishing the last panel with a fresh microfiber towel. Then using the green pad same application technique I applied PB SSR1. I finished with 2 coasts of Zaino Z-2 Pro + ZFX using the Sonus blue pad (PC at 3) with a Z6 cleaning in between. Im not overly impressed with the PB products (but Im assuming I didn't use the proper technique). Most of the swirls were not removed. The zaino did add a nice glossy shine to the car. I would appreciate some pointers before I start on a Maserati and finally end up doing my own vehicle a silver BMW. Again any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Setec Astronomy · 06-22-05, 07:37

Depending on condition, multiple passes with a product like SSR2.5 may be required. Have you successfully removed similar swirls before? So this was just a problem with the SSR's? Or was this your first try at swirl removal?

faztaz · 06-22-05, 08:00

This was my first shot with a polish other than meguairs hand polish. I recently purchased a PC with the intent of doing all the family cars. My mom takes her car to automated washes and as such has man swirls on her paint. I hand wash the other cars so there are no swirls. My dad recently acquired a Maserati which was delivered with some nice dealership swirls =P

Tasty · 06-22-05, 09:23

Yeah, I would suggest experimenting in one are before doing the entire car and applying a last step product then stepping back to find you are not satisfied. Seems like colossal waste of time to me. When I apply 2.5 I start at about speed 4 - 5 on the PC. I think if you research it you will find that anything slower is not aggressive enough. Also, a car with mutliple exposures to tunnel washes will probably require multiple passes and an aggressive pad just as Setec has stated. I use a yellow Propel pad with 2.5 to remove the swirls on my truck. How old are your other cars that have no swirls? Inspect in direct sun to insure that there really are "no swirls".

AudiOn19s · 06-23-05, 04:15

Also make sure your pace with the PC is slow. This was the same experience that I had my first time trying to remove swirls with a PC. I had seen rotary use in the past and rotary's move at a moderatly quick pace...with PC you want to just crawl across the surface..I can't describe it correctly but work SLOW...and work back and forth a few times on 6 at this pace and you'll be as effective as possible.

kompressornsc · 06-23-05, 04:20

The first few times I used a PC, I was frustrated as well. I thought just going through the motions would remove the swirls. Not the case. You have to inspect each area before moving on. Eventually, your technique will improve as you learn what works and what does not. I find that when I first start on a new / different car, I end up having to go back over a lot. Halfway through the car, I get the hang of how much product / speed / pressure to get most of it on one pass with a couple touch ups.

a.k.a. Patrick · 06-23-05, 04:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by AudiOn19s

Also make sure your pace with the PC is slow. This was the same experience that I had my first time trying to remove swirls with a PC. I had seen rotary use in the past and rotary's move at a moderatly quick pace...with PC you want to just crawl across the surface..I can't describe it correctly but work SLOW...and work back and forth a few times on 6 at this pace and you'll be as effective as possible.

Precisely, I cant stress that fact enough. Its not necessarily the pad or product, just your speed.. By the way, it was porbably PB's that brought that glossy shine to the Benz, not the Zaino.

White95Max · 06-23-05, 09:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by faztaz

I first washed with dawn, claybared with Sonus (with dawn as a lubricant), and then washed again with dawn.

Step away from the Dawn!!! Your door seals will thank you later!

blkZ28Conv · 06-23-05, 12:39

Correct one area to perfection using a progression of polishes from higher abrasive to lower (2.5-1.0). You might also consider using a final polish like Z-PC Fusion or Menzerna PO85RD to extract that last little bit of gloss and smoothness.
Work the PC. This is just an automated hand buffing/polishing tool. The pad and polish progression selection are doing the "work". Vary the PC pressure as the polish breaks down. Work the polish until most of it is gone and the surface correction becomes apparent. Keep a mental or written log on your progression sequence to perfection. Repeat this protocol and do remainder of vehicle.
If the LSP is a "major" contributor to the final gloss, the paint has not been Prepped to perfection prior to its application.

One Dawn wash is sufficient. This should be performed after using the PB polishes. Your initial cleaning prior to polishing can be done with a normal auto shampoo.

Be patient. Learning to get the most from a PC and learning its limitations takes time, practice and most of all patience.
Enjoy the learning curve of polishing and do not get frustrated. In time your vehicle will make you

with a good prep and Zaino as the LSP.

a.k.a. Patrick · 06-23-05, 01:17

Quote:

high abrasive to low 92.5-1.0

Now thats a range of polishes!!!

blkZ28Conv · 06-23-05, 01:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by a.k.a. Patrick

Now thats a range of polishes!!!

My secret is out!!!

Thanks Patrick. I'll make the correction.

flip2jetta · 06-23-05, 02:12

Also if it was a newer MB thier harder clearcoat may have been keeping you from obtaining the results you were looking for. One pass with a PC is usually not enough if the swirls are bad enough.