Experts, need help please

[04LemansZ]

Finished pics in a later post!



Alright...I started detailing my girlfriend's mom's Maxima tonight. I washed the car with ONR and then clayed the whole car. I decided I'd go at the hood with the PC tonight to determine how much work I'd have tomorrow. The paint looked pretty bad, so I started with Optimum Polish on an orange pad. That didn't do a whole lot, so I switched to Optimum Compound. It made drastic improvements, but after up 4-5 passes it still wasn't as good as I wanted, there's a couple water spots and some scratches I can still see at certain angles. Any suggestions? I don't have any combos that are more abrasive unfortunately. I was hoping I didn't have to make 4-5 passes per panel. How do the PC speeds affect the removal of swirls? Any advice is greatly appreciated. I'm starting back detailing in the morning...



Hood shot (half done, half not):

Closer shot:

Here's a shot of the fender to get an idea of what I'm working with:

 

[Vintage]

OP with orange pad should handle that just fine. What speed are you using? Are you letting the product break down all the way? I just did a Lexus in blue onyx and paint in same condition as yours and it turned out great. I used OP with orange pad then 106ff with black pad. I think your setup is aggressive enough, just up the speed to 5 or 6.

 

[warlockid]

I concur, good sir. Speed it up, let it break down, and dont rush the job. Make as many passes as necessary.

 

[optimusp517]

Man that's going to be a tough one with PC. You want to use a orange pad for sure, what other products do you have cause OP isn't going to cut it for thos ekind of swirls. I'm given up using my PC after I started using the rotary lol. Do you ahve a rotary laying around? Also I'd recommend using some HTEC if you have some!

 

[sevenrd]

You're definitely getting results, but I understand your frustration.



As others have recommended, use speed 6 on the PC. It still may take multiple passes though.

 

[kaval]

you may need to make a few more passes with OC. However I suggest that with each pass, you add some OP in the mix. Bump the speed up to 6 and nothing lower. Some scratches might remain (RIDS).

 

[imported_Puckman]

I can't add much more to previous posts here but having switched to a rotary myself I'll augment all comments saying multiple passes with a PC at full speed and aggressive combos will most likely be necessary. You've made substantial progress from the pictures and I would say keep going. It takes a looooonnnngggg time with a PC on certain paints and conditions. I like kaval's approach.



I'll also add that after you've done what you can to mama in-law's car get ready for disappointment if the swirls/scratches reappear from her washing or tunnel washing. If you'll be servicing her after the buff out make sure you perfect the process of washing and drying so they don't reappear rapidly.



Looks good brotha, keep plugging!

 

[04LemansZ]

Alright, finished the car today. Unfortunately I didn't have time to make more than 2 passes per panel with the PC and Optimum Compound b/c I have a wedding to go to shortly. I got a lot of the swirls out, but not all of them. It was a big improvement and my girlfriend's parents were pleased. I also got out a couple noticeable scuff marks. I'm going to have to look into some more aggressive products for next time.



Any suggestions for more aggressive combos? I currently have LC orange, white, and red pads. I have OP and OC that I top w/ Meg's #21.



Here are the before pics:

Driver's door:

And some afters:

Trunk:

Driver's door (not perfect, but much improved):