So the word abrasive scares me, please help!

03COBRA

03COBRA

I miss my 03 Cobra......
I'm still new to the detailing world, I guess! I have finally used my PC and have had great results! I've learned to clay, polish, glaze, and wax! But now I have to remove those washing swirls, and I am nervous as hell, can you help! I need to know what the technique is, what pad to use,what kind of damage can I do, etc...! So, I currently use Sonus pads, orange is a cutting pad, green, and blue polishing pad! I have SSR 2.5 ready to attack! So what I need to know is, I just have washing swirls, no big deal, but I need to get rid of them! So what pad to use, do I need the orange pad, or start with the green, what speed to put the PC on? But what I am most concerned with is, what kind of damage can I do? And what does the word abrasive mean in the detailing world, is SSR 2.5 to much? Also, is the product going to cut the clearcoat to get rid of the swirls? Won't that hurt it over time! Please help me, I'm terrified that I might kill my paint job! Thanks:scared :scared :scared :scared :scared
 
With a PC you would be hard pressed to damage your vehicle's paint. 'Abbrasive' just refers to the fac that the chemical has very fine particles that 'abbrade' the surface. I have not used 2.5 but from what people say it is akin to Meguiar's DACP. Depending on your pad choice (cutting, polishing, etc.) and the finish of your vehicle you may need to follow up after 2.5 with a lighter polish. For detailing (or maybe life ) a good mantra is use the least to get the most. I wouldn't jump into the cutting pad first if I thought the polishing pad could take care of the marring. Try the least aggressive method you think will work and reevaluate. Other than that, its just experience. Have fun : D
 
But what I am most concerned with is, what kind of damage can I do? And what does the word abrasive mean in the detailing world, is SSR 2.5 to much? Also, is the product going to cut the clearcoat to get rid of the swirls? Won't that hurt it over time! Please help me, I'm terrified that I might kill my paint job! Thanks
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Damage can occur if you polish too much or with a heavy compound everytime you polish. Over time you can abrade away the clear coat. That is how swirl marks are removed by leveling the c.c.



Best route to take is to remove the swirls and tehn learn the proper way of washing/drying so they dont come back.

Check out the Learn! button at the top of the home page.
 
I believe you have been using VM, right? Guess what...it has abrasives in it. As long as you don't get carried away, abrasives are you friend. Respect them and use them correctly.



If your problems are cob-web, spider swirls, you could try VM with the orange pad. Don't be afraid to turn the PC up to 6. If that doesn't take care of your problem, then move the the SSR2.5. Hard to say what pad to use without seeing the paint in person, but the orange pad isn't too awfully aggressive.



You would have to use SSR2.5 MANY times to hurt your paint. It's nothing to be too worried about.
 
Remember - always start with the least aggresive abrasive and pad combination FIRST. If that doesn't remove the imperfections, use the same polish , but go from say a polishing pad to a cutting pad. If the blemishes remain, then one-up the abrasive and one-down the pad. This will teach you

1) not to be afraid of what you are doing because the PC is virtually idiot-proof (not a sam of any kind) The machine is really safe to use.

2) just how much or how little a particular pad & polish combination will accomplish
 
SSR 2.5 and a white polishing pad are a great combination. When using a white pad, you will get no hazing and you can go right to a wax or sealant for a topper.
 
Thanks ZANEO and GONZO, I really appreciate the info! I'm kind of weird about my own car, I can work on other people's cars at work, but when it comes to my own I get a little nervous! I just don't want to cause myself any stress I don't need/want! Thanks for your help, I'm off to wash and give it a whirl! Thanks guys!!
 
Hey scottabir, what do you mean by learning to wash so that they don't come back? I thought cob-web swirls happened no matter what? Am I wrong? I don't use the 2 bucket method, I spray the mitt with the hose while it is on my hand, and I use NXT car wash! Got any tips to keep these things from coming back!!
 
O4cobra said:
Hey scottabir, what do you mean by learning to wash so that they don't come back? I thought cob-web swirls happened no matter what? Am I wrong?... Got any tips to keep these things from coming back!!
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Heh heh, if you *really* want to wash without marring the paint, do a search on "Accumulator's Nonmarring Wash Technique". Yeah, you can wash a car without inflicting any marring, it just takes time, effort, and practice.
 
~One man’s opinion / observations ~



Abrade: to rub or wear away especially by friction. You will do this with anything you rub on the paint surface.

There are various levels of abrasive from 100% cotton Microfiber cloth to a rubbing compound.



Rule 1 - Always use the least aggressive product first, evaluate the surface, then only if necessary, ‘step-up’ to a more abrasive products.





~Hope this helps~



Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/ Jon

justadumbarchitect * so I question everything *
 
Another thing to remember is that Mustangs have very thin paint...the lower you go on the car...the thinner it gets. Be careful!
 
Accumulator's washing method is insane, even by autopian standards. I've found that if you use a regular chenelle mit, get it nice and full of soap, and just sort of drag it across the finish, don't even put your hand down, just let the square bottom just kind of wipe the car, it won't leave much marring. Even if you do spray the mit while its on your hand, its not a bad idea to do the 2 buckets. Most improtantly, DONT WIPE WHEN YOU DRY. always blot the water off, much safer and guaranteed not to swirl. Good luck.
 
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