Ok, biting the bullet and getting PC & Pads...am I looking at this right?

[JPS911]

Problem: 911 Dark Midnight Blue Metallic, dumbass body shop introduced swirlmarks.



Solution thus far: 3 applications of SMR dark by hand, 2 coats of Z5.



Net net...95% better, but this board exists because that last 5% isn`t good enough.



New solution: Buying PC 7424 Kit (thanks Brad for group buy...not sure if still in effect, but we`ll see).



Question: Pads. I`ve been reading until my eyes are bleeding, but still a bit confused. It looks like I need Yellow, White, Black. Do microfiber pads factor in here? I only use Microfiber & foam, unless taking out a scratch or something, then might use diaper and finish with microfiber.



Plan:

Swirl mark removal:

Start with white / SMR dark, and see how it goes

If no good, go to yellow / SMR and see

If no good, mix with some ScratchX / SMR on yellow. If that no good come back to board.

Assuming somewhere that got rid of them, come back to white/SMR for good measure

Dawn

Restart Zaino, using Black instead of by hand.



Maintenance:

Zaino with black pad, finish with microfiber.



Questions:

Does that make sense? Any improvements?



Thanks,

[imported_indy]

I found this link very helpful when I first got into the Autopian

spirit and decided to purchase a pc.



http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/detailing/forum.php?postid=1430487&page=1

[dru85]

the group buy is over at Coastal Tool. I was the last guy to get it.:D



-sorry

Andrew

[Deanski]

JPS911:



Good for you! Finally getting the PC! You`ll be very happy with it and thank yourself!



For swirls, some use a yellow cut pad (if swirls are bad/deep) and DACP. Or white and DACP followed by your fav. polish/glaze.



I`m using 3M PIII-MG and Mez/FP for final work. You can see it in Members Gallery, my SC430 under DEANSKI.



It`s really trial and error sometimes. You may find a product will remove swirls better than others.



SMR will fill swirls, but not remove. That`s OK as well if you use wax. If you use a sealant, best to remove them. I love 3M SMR and Megs #9 and/or SWP with #3 too. Really brings up the finish prior to wax.



SInce I see you`re going Zaino, get the swirls out! That`s #1.



After polsihing the finish and your really happy, wash the car again with Dawn to remove oils/silicone from polishes. Follow with Z7 to insure that any film that may be left from Dawn is gone.



Then, Zaino away! If you get streaks from the new ZFX/Z5, make up a batch of Z7 and water in a spray bottle. Use 1/2 cap and 12oz water, mix well and keep with you as you use ZFX/Z5. If streaks show when removing, spray some Z7 mix, wipe and you`re all set to continue. Z6 between coats.



You can see results in the Members Gallery, DEANSKI. Look for my red SC430 with the NEW Z5 Z2!



Enjoy the PC! You`ll love it!



Regards,

Deanski

[JPS911]

PIII MG???

[Deanski]

PIII- MG= 3M Perfect-it III Machine Glaze.



Check this: What the hell are they saying? (http://www.autopia.org/display.php?file=acronyms.htm)



Regards,

Deanski

[shaf]

Check out the link in my sig. Near the top of that thread there`s a link to a thread that Geekysteve wrote. Great reading. :up

[russ968]

I`ll second the 3 M PI-III MG recommendations. I`d suggest you try the "Super" orange pads from CMA. I was a little intimidated with using a cutting pad (yellow) on my Porsche and opted for the orange pads and I`m very pleased with them.



Good luck and don`t forget to post pics...



Russ

[Joe K -- 01 Green]

for us beginners --- indy`s link -- see above is one of the best explanations of this whole PC deal

[SK2003TypeS]

JPS911,

I recently bought my 7424 from Coastal. No more Autopian discount, but they threw in the counter weight and 6" backing plate. I recently ordered my pads from topoftheline which will hopefully be here by the end of the week. I went with 3 white polishing and 4 black finishing (7.5" Lake Country). I also bought a couple of 6" white finising pads and 6 6" terry bonnets for removal, but I`m on the fence on whether or not I`ll use the PC for removal. A lot of people express that they use the PC primarily for application and buff out with MF or cotton by hand.

[shaf]

Originally posted by Joe Klenotich

for us beginners --- indy`s link -- see above is one of the best explanations of this whole PC deal Actually, I have that link in my PC thread too (near the bottom) but I put Geekysteve`s OTHER article near the top because, IMHO, it`s a better explaination of the machine and what the big deal is. The link posted above is more of a "usage" article and should come later.



Here`s the link to the other article: http://www.roadfly.org/milemarker/7/porter_cable_buffer.1.html



JMO :wavey