PC Question: Nooks and Crannies

HondaMan

HondaMan

2004 Civic EX magnesium
I only used my PC for 1 stage this past weekend (SSR'ing) and probably didn't do that good a job anyway.

Was wondering: when you guys use the PC, you still have to go over smaller sections with an applicator, right? Or do you just "blast over" emblems, and "stick it" in non-flat sections? I would think you use the applicator for the 10% of the car that isn't flat but I want to verify this.

I kinda chickened out with the PC using SSR 2 (had 2.5) and only speed 3 on my mom's 1994 black Camry. Since she didn't care unless I used sandpaper on the thing, I probably should have been more aggressive. Whatever, at least I got the hang of holding it, and maybe I will use a finer pad on my Civic when I decide to add some polish in a few weeks.

I have UPP on it now, and also have some Eisenstaz Glanz (sp. ?) in reserve -- not sure if I have anything from Poorboys, could always get some. Anything stand out that works well with the PC orbital? Remember, my car has the AIO plus 2 coats of UPP on it as of this weekend -- or should I just stick to those 5-minute spray waxes from Meguiars NXT or Poorboys QD?
 
The 1Z Glanz is very watery, and it's a LSP, so you shouldn't need a pc to apply it. I've used a spray bottle to help prevent spilliage.

Yes, you should do the corners etc. by hand. If you don't, and you're working on a very oxidized finish, the differences with be very noticeable.

As long as you worked the SSR's to the point where they broke down, you should be fine using it at 3. However, I think that going to at least 4 would help you get the job done better and faster (then move on to 5, 5.5 when comfortable).

The 5 min. sprays are for touch ups, not meant to replace proper prep and waxing.

Off Topic, but did you find out if your Mom's car is ss or not? Was the black paint or dirt?
 
I don't really think you have to feel "comfortable" to use a PC at speed six, it's not a dangerous machine at all. I've been practicing with my new rotary and when I pick up my PC now it feels like a toy. Once you start using a rotary you'll think that even speed 6 on a PC is almost a waste of time.
 
Yep, you probably should be polishing with speed settings between 4 & 5. I run my PC at 6 all the time. In order to do damage with the PC, you would have to go over, and over the same area multiple times with re-applications of an abrasive product, with a very abrasive pad.

Just keep moving the pad.......... slowly........... but keep it moving!
 
Problem is, and this applies to when I do stuff by hand, I never know how big a size to work on. So I put like 6 drops around the PC Orange Pad and then worked on the hood.....the immediate 1 foot square gets coated pretty well but as you move out in the "Figure 8" pattern to buff, it gets pretty thin. Did I use too much? Did I use too little? I was guessing....like I said, anything I did was probably an improvement, but I am not sure I got 75% or even 50% as good a job as most of you guys here, let alone a professional detailer.

Again, though, all the cars look better than if I had just washed and put 1 or 2 coats of wax or Liquid Glass (from my Vette days!) on them. So my coming to DC and buying all the stuff has helped.

Dad's car is up next, then my brother's 2004 Accord with a "feelable" scratch that I want to get out and my sister's 2004 Honda minivan with a 12" can't-feel scratch that she wants out are on deck. Hopefully, I get comfortable enough to use the PC with the strongest SSR necessary and at the highest speed. I will be alot more nervous/scared on those cars since they're not 1994 cars kept "crappy" -- so I will be ultra-cautious and will probably start with SSR1 low-speed, then high speed, then SSR 2 low speed, then high speed, SSR 2.5.....etc. I'm not gonna "jump" with the new cars at all. I tried Meguiers Scratch X on my brother's car and it didn't do the job, though I did it in poor light and without enough time or pads and stuff. Might give it another shot.

You guys definitely make this doable though. I wouldn't have the nerve or knowledge to try these things without this site!!
 
Don't be afraid of the PC. I've run mine at 5.5 to 6 for several years over new cars & old cars of all colors and have NEVER burned the paint or caused any damage. Really the only way you'll damage the paint is if you drop the PC on the car.
 
Hondaman have you tried just setting it at an application speed then bumping up. I do 4-5 for app after smearing in a large circle, then I apply it to the entire panel running through where the polish has been smeared. After I run 6 and just break it all down and go at the panel.
 
Guys, I will take you up on your suggestions. As it is, before doing my siblings new 2004 cars, I am gonna work on dad's 2001 Mitsubhish Gallant, so that's a nice "compromise" between mom's 1994 Camry and the new cars. It's in pretty good condition, but has rarely been waxed/washed. Lots of scuffs and swirls. Light color, so I will use multiple SSR's and higher speed on the PC.
 
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