About to Start Detailing, but Have a Question

2

2000TL

New member
I am soon going to washing, claying, and using a PC to compound polish, glaze (to the entire car - polishing and glaze), then apply VM and later PB-EX. What kind of duration of time should I allow for this whole process?



Thanks,

Joe
 
There are too many variables to put a number on it, like how experienced are you with PC use, how â€Ëœbadâ€â„¢ are the surface scratches (if you use a rubbing compound youâ€â„¢ll need to follow it with something less aggressive to remove the compound scratches). A process like the one you describe would take me a day + but then Iâ€â„¢m probably not as young/agile as you are.



Let us know how it turns out and how close the other time estimates are (to guide future readers)

JonM
 
2000TL- Whatever amount of time you're planning to allocate, I'd double or triple it, no kidding. As TOGWT said, there's no way to even guess at this because of all the variables involved, but if you're new to this plan on at least four hours at a bare minimum.
 
Wow! Well yes, I am definitely new to the PC and I think the swirls are quite bad. I am planning on following up the compound with a machine glaze, btw. So at least 4 hours, but probably up to 6-8 hours?
 
What is going to take me the longest?? Trying to get the scratches out with the compound, I assume?



Could someone please provide the link with the technique that describes how to use the PC properly to get out swirls and scratches?



8 hours... I better start early, can't lose sunlight!



BTW, is it OK to use the black (Lake Country) pad to apply to VM, or should I just do it by hand? How about the EX?
 
2000TL said:
What is going to take me the longest?? Trying to get the scratches out with the compound, I assume?

Click to expand...



Definitely right. After getting the scratches out with the compound, you'll have to remove the light hazing that the compound will leave behind. So that requires another step.
 
I use either a black finishing pad (LC) or a polishing pad with VM depending on the circumstances. You will be fine either way by hand or PC. Ex *I* do by hand, I think it is faster for me.

Yes the polishing/compounding will take you the most time. Especially when trying to figure out how slow to move the machine, how much product to use, the general feel for the machine ect.
 
Any personal tips, links to articles, on how to use the PC to get out the scratches, like what speed, how to move the buffer in what direction, how much product, etc?
 
I will be using 3M 5933 and 5937 (RC/MC). Any tips on how long and at what speeds it takes to break down these products and how will I know when it has broken down and to stop buffing?
 
I usually work them at either 5 or 6. Work them until they're almost dry, but you don't need to "work them to powder" or until they're gone.



Do't use too much product; I use just enough to keep the pad well lubricated.



Do most of the work with the 05933- I don't switch to the 05937 until all the marring is either gone or as good as I plan to get it. I get an almost-ready-to-wax finish with the 05933.



Try to do it with just a polishing pad and only use a cutting pad if you have to. If that happens, I'd still give it an additional quick pass with a polishing pad. Then you won't have to do much at all with the 05937, just an easy pass to remove the micromarring from the 05933.
 
When they are almost dry, what kind of consistency is that, if not a powder- like a thin paste? And also, you recommend that I first try with the white LC pad rather than the orange? How many times should I go over the same area with the polishing pad before I decide it's time for the cutting?
 
2000TL said:
When they are almost dry, what kind of consistency is that, if not a powder- like a thin paste? And also, you recommend that I first try with the white LC pad rather than the orange? How many times should I go over the same area with the polishing pad before I decide it's time for the cutting?
Click to expand...



Bumping the above. Anyone?? Also, should I glaze after I compound by section, or should I wait until I have done the whole car with compound and then glaze the whole car?
 
Depending on the polish, it should begin to powder, or change colors to a thin, clear color when it's done. Definitely start with the lesser agressive pad. After a pass or two without success, I would consider it safe to step up.
 
If I compound with the polishing pad, can I apply the glaze with the finishing pad?? I only bought one polishing pad as I was planning on using the orange cutting pad for the compound.



Also, how long do I spend with the compound on each section?
 
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