Hardest Clear Ever

R

RAG

New member
Just detailed a black 2003 Z06..and damn was that paint hard, really hard. Admittingly, I have not detailed any of the cerima-clears yet (as I mostly specialize in restoration work), but this was the hardest clear I've ever worked. Of course, it had never been polished before, so it was HAMMERED! Sorry, no pictures.



Five polishing steps (yes "5") and 8 hours later, I had a client in awe. Read on if you have nothing better to do...



Fortunately Ebpcivicsi just detailed a red Z06 and reminded me how hard the Vette clear is...othewise I probably would have left the wool and #85 at home.



Process:



Decided I'd start off "slow" with the Hyper Compound and Orange Propel at 2,000 RPM...didn't touch the swirls (normally, this will know out 90% of scratches/swirls on a hammered Beamer or Mercedes, but only knocked out about 40% on the vette). Then tried OHC with Yellow at about 2000...maybe 60%. Repeated OHC with yellow on same pannel...better, but only 80% of swirls/scratches were gone. Damn...had to go to the wool with #85, which I hate because it always seems to "grind" a few deep swirls here and there. I then went to IP with white LC, but this didn't remove all of the rotary swirls (man...once you put rotary swirls in pain this hard, they are difficult to remove...and black paint too boot), so I did another once-over with Optimum Compound. Then on to OP and finally FPII via PC.
 
The older 'vette clears are plenty hard so I can imagine what this must be like. I bet it's right on par with Ceramiclear. I would say having Menzerna PO106FF would be a great addition to the arsenal.
 
Yeah...still now I've refused to pay more than a dollar/ounce for polish (I spend enough as it is), but I think you're right. I'd be very interested to see how much better it really does cut and finish on ultra-hard clear.
 
Man I feel your pain!!! :D



I almost always reach straight for #85/twisted wool when doing vettes that are heavily marred.



I know what you mean about the #85 instilling the swirls, but for me I have learned that when I see the holograms it is typically for buffing too large of an area. I tend to get greedy and buff just a little too large of an area. The #85 seems to take more focused concentration when buffing--for me anyways.



I have had good luck following up with the OC/OP 50/50 mix, but with black I can see why you polished down with the other products. Luckily for me, I have limited experience with black corvette paint. :D
 
Anyone, who has experience with 1Z polishes: How'd you compare 1Z Pasta Intensiv, #85 and HT Extreme Cut?

The 1Z works on most clears but I' like to order an aggressive compound for ceramic clears (OHC is coming, but I want more). I have samples of the FK polishes but I have no experience with them. According to FK, they are formulated for ceramic finishes as well.
 
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