Getting back in the detailing regime

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BlackGsr829

New member
It's been a long, long time since I've been here. I had a friend from work ask me to detail his grandmother's car this weekend. I took a look at it and it's in pretty bad shape. Since it's been awhile and I've forgotten quite a bit of what I learned a few years back, I had a question about the cutting ability of a few things I have laying around here. Could someone give me the rundown of the "agressiveness" order of the following? I will be using a PC and some Propel pads that I got from exceldetail.



3m Rubbing Compound (03900)

3m PF III (05937)

DACP #83

Scratch X



One more thing...my friend tried to use a Pops-a-Dent and the glue is now stuck to the paint. I told him I would ask if there was any way to remove it without screwing anything up but I'm doubtful. It is stuck on there pretty good. Thanks for all the help guy.
 
BlackGsr829 said:
...........

3m Rubbing Compound (03900)

3m PF III (05937)

DACP #83

Scratch X.............
Click to expand...
On a scale of 1-10 the old chart I use shows the 03900 and #83 at a 6 while 05937 and ScratchX rate a 4, although I consider that a tad optimistic for ScratchX, and #83 is most likely at the lower end of the scale than the 03900.



Here's the disclaimer, I'm not sure about the 03900. In an old post someone said it was the same thing as 39002 but in a smaller bottle. I'm not sure they were right and I've never used it so if you break it out be cautious with it.



I've never used a Pops-a-Dent so I have no idea what type of glue they use, but their website mentions isopropyl alcohol to remove it. I kinda doubt that is going to work if the glue is cured, especially since in another place they caution against the glue staying on the car for longer than 8 minutes. If it is like a hot gun glue then maybe gently using something like a plastic razor blade will pop it off.



Good luck and welcome back!



Edit: I initially had 05937 mixed up with 05933 (read one and thought the other). Corrected that mistake and I agree with Accumulator that ScratchX isn't needed with the other stuff you have.
 
BlackGsr829- Welcome Back!



I'm pretty sure Eliot Ness is right about the 3900 being the 39002 in a smaller bottle. You can try it on the worst marring and see how it works/breaks down, but be careful to *NOT* breath the dust.



I've never been a big fan of #83, but it's something you could use intead of the 3900, though the #83 won't have as much cut.



The 05937 Machine Glaze is great stuff, I still use it all the time. It's a fairly mild product that oughta finish out quite nicely. It leaves almost all paints ready-to-wax. Probably too mild for the nastier marring.



IMO you don't need the Scratch-X if you have the above stuff.



For the glue, I'd try some 3M Adhesive Remover or one of the Citrus-Solve/Goo-Gone products and maybe also try heating it up with something like a hair dryer.
 
Thank you very much for the help guys. I did a test spot on the hood and decided to go with a Propel yellow pad (I don't even think they are made anymore but not sure) and the #83. It's doing an "alright" job. I'm sure the Rubbing Compound would cut better but I'd rather err on the side of caution since I'm just getting back into this and because the paint isn't in the greatest of shape...don't want to remove too much clear. I'm guessing I removed about 50% of the swirls.



I'm not going to be able to go over it again with a Green pad and PF III because the lady needs her car back today and I won't have time to finish it. Is the paint going to be "safe" with whatever protection the #83 offers? I can try to get it back tomorrow but it's doubtful. This is hard work!
 
BlackGsr829 said:
..........Is the paint going to be "safe" with whatever protection the #83 offers? I can try to get it back tomorrow but it's doubtful. This is hard work!
Click to expand...
The only thing #83 will leave behind are some polishing oils, not enough to really protect very much for very long. Not much will happen if she drives it except it won't have any wax or sealer to protect it, but 75% (or more) of the cars out there probably don't have anything on them either. I would try to get it back ASAP for a quick coat of wax if it were me....... if it's just the hood that won't take very long even with a conventional wax. Not a big deal if it's only a small spot, but that will be the one place a bird dumps on.
 
Yeah, I wouldn't like to leave it unprotected. I think I'd rather protect the paint than correct it if I had to choose between them.
 
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