First detail with PC/Menzerna...need some input

[oekundar]

So I purchased the PC kit from the folks at autogeek, as well as the Menzerna test kit from properautocare. In any case, I proceeded to wash and dry the BMW and geared up for my first detail.

I setup my 2 spray bottles, 1 for H20 and the other for 50/50, alcohol/H20 mix. I also put a piece of tape down the middle of the hood for comparison purposes.

In setting up the PC, I picked up the Orange pad and proceeded to go to work. The PC was definitely a joy to work with and did not require a ton of physical energy (at least thats what I thought until I woke up this AM--sore shoulders)

In the end, I definitely noticed a difference between the undetailed and detailed parts of the hood. However, I am still able to see some swirls and hard water spots in the paint.

Now begs several questions:

1) Would switching to a yellow pad with the same compound give me better results?

2) Would keeping the orange pad with a harsher compound yield better results?

3) Where can I find any products you have to recommend locally?

4) Should I increase the speed of the PC from 3.5 ? If so to what?

5) What if anything should I use after the final polish stage? a sealer of sorts?

6) Also what angles/conditions are best for taking pictures?


Thanks!

-=O=-

[Coupe]

Originally Posted by oekundar

So I purchased the PC kit from the folks at autogeek, as well as the Menzerna test kit from properautocare. In any case, I proceeded to wash and dry the BMW and geared up for my first detail.

I setup my 2 spray bottles, 1 for H20 and the other for 50/50, alcohol/H20 mix. I also put a piece of tape down the middle of the hood for comparison purposes.

In setting up the PC, I picked up the Orange pad and proceeded to go to work. The PC was definitely a joy to work with and did not require a ton of physical energy (at least thats what I thought until I woke up this AM--sore shoulders)

In the end, I definitely noticed a difference between the undetailed and detailed parts of the hood. However, I am still able to see some swirls and hard water spots in the paint.

Now begs several questions:

1) Would switching to a yellow pad with the same compound give me better results?

2) Would keeping the orange pad with a harsher compound yield better results?

3) Where can I find any products you have to recommend locally?

4) Should I increase the speed of the PC from 3.5 ? If so to what?

5) What if anything should I use after the final polish stage? a sealer of sorts?

6) Also what angles/conditions are best for taking pictures?


Thanks!

-=O=-

1. Try it

2. try it

3. Look for a PBE store

4. YES!!!! No wonder you couldnt get it perfect.

5. seleant or wax

6. Try every angle, distance, lighting and setting

[JuneBug]

properautocare - I learned a lot reading the how-to articles they have. You can also contact them during biz hours via E-mail and chat with one of their detailers. Another thing, I 've only detailed one Beemer, and the paint was very hard - so be prepared to work it, and remember - you'll have a shiney car and bigger arms!

[Eliot Ness]

Originally Posted by oekundar

........4) Should I increase the speed of the PC from 3.5 ? If so to what?........

Yes, 3.5 is way too slow for defect removal and breaking down the polish. I usually run the PC and 5 or 6 for polishing out defects and it is more often at 6.

To answer a couple of your other questions, I usually try a little harsher compound before stepping up to a cutting (yellow) pad, but that's something you just have to play with and find what works best for you and the paint you're working on.

After your final polish you can do several things or combos. The simplest approach is to just apply either a wax or a sealer.

You can also use various glazes like ClearKote's Vanilla Moose and/or RMG and then apply a wax for a deeper wet look..... Carnauba Moose Wax looks very, very nice on top of those glazes. You usually don't want to use a glaze under a sealer because of bonding issues.

[bigfoot]

We need them! But the process lokks fine, just the PC speed...

[oekundar]

You guys are awesome...pics will be coming tomorrow as my freaking camera died...I will be increasing the speed on the PC and going to work again on the hood tonight.

Thanks!

[Danforz]

This is a very informative post... can't wait to see the pics