PC, LC Pads, and Meg's not yielding results

L

Lil Mac

New member
Hey guys,



I've been searching and can't find the answers I'm looking for so here is my call for help.



My car is a 2002 Black Z28. 18,XXX KM's on it (~10,000 miles)



It's got some light scratches on the surface, and some swirling.



I've got a PC, with an LC 6.5" selection of pads. I've got 3 whites, 1 black, and 1 orange.



The products I am trying to use are #83 DACP, #80 Speed Glaze, and NXT.



I'm running into several trouble spots where it appears that the products aren't even touching any of the surface. My trouble spots (or the spots where it is most visible) is my hood, and my roof. I can't seem to find a good speed.



I first started out with a white pad, and speed glaze working at a medium pace with the speed to 3. This yielded no results. Stepped it up to DACP and white pad, changed my speed a little higher and still yielded no results. I bumped everything up again, went to an orange pad, DACP, and speed at 4.5 and all I got was some micromarring, with the scratches still remaining.



The scratches themselves aren't deep, as I can't feel them with the fingernail, but can see them under flourescent light. The swirling isn't too bad.. its these PITA scratches that are bothering me.



What I'm trying to ask, I guess, is what speeds to use for what pads and what products? I had high expectations and this combo I'm using is giving me less than stellar results. :nixweiss



I worked with the above process on my spoiler and it seemed to have worked.. but the same process won't work on my roof, or hood. What a PITA.. I'm so fed up right now, spent nearly 12 hours yesterday on it and close to all day today.



Ready to explode.. :shocked
 
I tend to spread an X on my pad, like I do with toothpaste...then dab the pad on different parts of the panel so that it is more evenly spread.



start with the pad on the panel, and at the lower setting initially to spread the polish around. Try to keep the pad on top of any huge glops of polish. (ie. don't attack them sideways that will fling it everywhere)
 
Lil Mac said:
Thanks for the tips guys.. keep them coming.
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The PC should always be in contact with the surface of the car when it's turned on. I always put product on the pad and then dab it over the section of surface I'm going to work on. I never get any product slinging. Use the higher speeds for polishing as I never go below 5 anymore. I do all my LSP's by hand though. DACP followed by Speed Glaze should yield some very good results. I like to follow that up with VM and then UPP or EX P.:)
 
94BlkStang said:
DACP followed by Speed Glaze should yield some very good results.
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Thats what I'm trying.. but getting less than stellar results.



You use high speeds for both of those products? What pads were you using?
 
Lil Mac said:
Thats what I'm trying.. but getting less than stellar results.



You use high speeds for both of those products? What pads were you using?
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I've been using LC VC Pads and have used the yellow for DACP where I need to be more agressive and the white polishing pads for DACP and the Speed Glaze on less damaged areas. Results have been amazing.:)
 
Question: #83 the DACP- Would you categorize that as a mild compound, abrasive, find compound, etc.?



I used a clear coat safe paint cleaner with similar pads yesterday, but with a Makita and had similar results where I could still see marring/etching. I'm thinking of using the #83 if it's a bit more aggresive than what I have.



Thanks.
 
There are a lot of variables such as hardness of the paint, how long you are working the polish etc but I would say that sometimes some marks need a second pass to make an impact.



What sized area are you working on
 
When faced with stubborn marring and using a PC, I'd recommend 4" pads. They allow you to bear down on the machine more without it merely "jiggling"/bogging down.



If you find DACP too tricky to use, you might try 3M PI-III RC (05933) or the new PI-3000 stuff instead. Very user friendly.



WCD- I dunno just how to classify DACP since people use all sorts of definitions for "polish"/"compound"/etc. It's a medium strength abrasive. The abrasives diminish and many people like it, especially via rotary. Might have to follow up with a milder product though.
 
Anytime im attempting swirl removal, I start mild and make at least 3 passes. If desired results arent attained, i bump my product up one. I can usually get desired results, most of the time, with either 80, or 83, or a mix of SSr's. I think working time with your selected product(s), is mandatory. Dont make a single pass and be dissapointed if the results arent stellar, learn the products characteristics before you expect stellar results.
 
a.k.a. Patrick said:
Anytime im attempting swirl removal, I start mild and make at least 3 passes. If desired results arent attained, i bump my product up one. I can usually get desired results, most of the time, with either 80, or 83, or a mix of SSr's. I think working time with your selected product(s), is mandatory. Dont make a single pass and be dissapointed if the results arent stellar, learn the products characteristics before you expect stellar results.
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when you say 3 passes, you mean 3 times across the same area, or 3 times you work the product in and add more to the pad?
 
3 passes would be working the product in until it's diminished and then adding more and repeating for each "pass"



When people post 3* Product A, 2* product B and LSP that would be 3 passes with A, two passes with B, and then finishing with a LSP.
 
Lil Mac said:
As the speed increased, the DACP flung everywhere.. is that normal, or was I just using too much?
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Take the DACP, spread an "X" into the pad, then run the pad with the PC off in the area you will be working on and spread out the product, it will not fling. If you start polishing over a blob of it on your paint, then yes, it will fling.
 
That just wastes product id using VC pads though! I can empathize with you, Mac. I can't go past '5' on the PC, or it just flings product, and is too difficult to control.

I have had great luck with 3M's more aggressive 39002RC and an LC orange pad, followed by either #80 on an orange or white pad. I dribble a line around the perimeter of the pad, start at 3.5 to work it in and bump it to 5 to really work it, getting lighter and lighter with the pressure on each pass.



I was going to try #83, but it seems to be difficult to learn with, so I tried and have been impressed with the 3M- you might want to pick up a bottle.
 
evil_c5 said:
when you say 3 passes, you mean 3 times across the same area, or 3 times you work the product in and add more to the pad?
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left to right =1

up/down would be 2 passes.

I finish with what i started with...that would be 3.....

All the while not adding additional product, only working what was originally applied during the first pass......
 
a.k.a. Patrick said:
left to right =1

up/down would be 2 passes.

I finish with what i started with...that would be 3.....

All the while not adding additional product, only working what was originally applied during the first pass......
Click to expand...

It's funny that in my lexicon I'd define the above as one pass in one context, and three passes in another context..:D



Lil Mac, using #83 and orange pad, you should get good results...I use that combo frequently.



You didn't say how fast you're linear arm speed is...you should move your arm/pc at 2'/sec at speed 5-6 for the first couple of *passes* of each *application*, moderate downward pressure, then ease of pressure and increase arm speed as the polish breaks down.



With that combo on black, you'll have to make the next *pass* with #83/white pad, then #80/white.



Those three *passes* should take care of each section.



That being said, each paint is different, and a slight change in pad pressure/polish quantity/work time/arm speed can alter the outcome. Use the above as a guide...and don't give up, you have the right tools for the job...you just have to fine-tune your technique.



I hope this helps. :xyxthumbs
 
Thanks for the suggestions



Is it possible that the surface is gettting too 'clogged up' with polish and wax from me trying so much?
 
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