SSR's: 1 vs 2 vs 2.5 vs 3

HondaMan

HondaMan

2004 Civic EX magnesium
Partially answered elsewhere, but given that these are abrasives, I figured let me ask specifically, since the websites selling them give the same "use for....." descriptions.

Can someone elaborate what kind of car swirls or damage each of these are best for? Obviousley, the more damage the higher the number. I have on order only SSR 1 and 2.

I'm more interested in what NOT to use each for. I have a number of family cars and basically I don't want to use one of these when I shouldn't use it at all, and I don't want to use too high a number (or too low, though that won't cause damage) and screw up the finish.

If you want the specifics of the cars I will be working on, here's all the cars in my family and family circle that I hope to be doing in the next few weeks (months?).

(1) My car is a 2004 Honda Civic EX (magnesium metallic: goldish/brown color) -- it's 1 month old, nothing done wash/wax wise, I figure I shouldn't use any of these.

(2) Sister's car is a 2004 Honda Minivan (similar color to mine) -- about 6-9 months old, only occasionally washed and probably via car wash.

(3) Dad's car is a 2001 silver Mitsubishi about 3 years old: occasional hand wash only, maybe a waxing or two in 3 years (maybe!), paint is in good condition as far as any scratches or chips, just not regularly detailed or waxed.

(4) Mom's car is a 1994 Camry (black), washed over the years, never/rarely waxed, car has scrathes and some chips in some areas. 10 years old paint wear and tear.

(5) Brother's car is a 2004 Honda Accord -- brownish color, 6 months old, only washed once or twice, only a few months older than mine.

I am thinking I can probably use -- and might need to order -- SSR 2.5 on my mom's car. I'm thinking SSR 2 on dad's Mitsubishi, and MAYBE SSR 1 on my sister's car. Figure nothing on mine and my brothers (clay only).

Sound reasonable?? I know, I know, pictures...I'm working on it.
 
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You could use with SSR2.5 on each car (diff pads/diff PC speeds) and then a treatment of SSR1 with a Black pad.

Each car should start out with a clay treatment
 
HondaMan,

Generally speaking..............

The SSR1 is for very light swirls.
The SSR2 is for light to moderate swirls.
The SSR2.5 is for moderate swirls.

Anyhow, here are my recommendations..................

First, use a good paint cleaner (like PP) to clean the paint. Once you have the paint clean, you can better analyze the paint, and may even remove some extremely light spider web marks in the process.

Now, look at the vehicle with direct sunlight, or a good artifical light source. Usually, you will find them on horizontal surfaces, or rounded curves. However, sometimes they are "all over". Anyhow, find the worst ones you can find, and start there.

Next, assuming you have a PC, take a polishing pad, and grab the SSR2, and work a 2' by 2' area.
If the SSR2 seems to take out the spider web marks easily, you might want to grab a clean pad, and work the area next to it with SSR1 to see if it will remove the marks without too much effort.......... if it does....... you've found the abrasiveness you need............. if not, switch back to the SSR2 on the other pad. On the flip side, if the SSR2 doesn't seem to be removing the marks, you will probably need to step up to the SSR2.5 on another clean pad.

Keep in mind, that you can always step down a level (or two) to finish off any swirls that are left over.

Also keep in mind........... different parts of the vehicle may require different levels of abrasiveness. After you've polished a couple hundered vehicles.............. you'll be able to pretty much judge what product you need at the "get-go"! :D

Hope this helps.
 
:yeah

That's some good advice there. Consider using the higher abrasive products with a rotary. They are much more effective that way.
 
Yes, guys it does....I am just really skittish -- afraid? -- of using the PC for the 1st time on one of the newer cars with an abrasive. Final polishing, I figure that's OK. But I really want to practice on one of the more beat up cars (probably the black 1994 Camry) especially with the SSR's.

I am surprised that you guys are saying it's probably OK to use SSR 2.5 on my new Honda which is 1 month old. Even using SSR 1 and even using the PC at low speed -- heck, even using my hand -- I would have thought it wouldn't have been worth the risk. But if you guys say so....

I just remember from 15-20 years ago you never used abrasives or compounding on anything but a car that had junk-like quanities. Or that's what I was told. Like you said, having never done this, I probably need to get a comfort level with the equipment and the PC's, the toweling, etc.
 
What makes SSR2.5 a versatile product to use is that it is not a compound, and it's abrasives diminish. Also the type of pad you use makes a big difference, a Megs Burgundy pad or a yellow cutting pad on a PC will be much more agressive than using a white pad. The amount of speed and pressure applied to the surface will also net you different results.

A PC is virtually mistake proof and the learning curve is very quick, start with the older cars first. You will not regret getting one, especially with 5 cars lined up.
 
Thanks, Roadman.....OK, white pad (or whatever color is less abrasive) will do less abrasive work...I take it less speed is also less abrasive too, right?
 
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