mjlinane
My name is Mike
Back in January I'd quipped my Detailer's Prayer ("Grant me the power tools to correct what I can, fillers to cover what I can't and the wisdom to know the difference") but, even though I had a couple of glazes, never really thought I'd go the filler route too often. And, until Saturday, I hadn't. But one of my regulars showed up (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/detailers-showcase/38706-ultimate-test-vehicle.html) and I got to thinking.
It was the fourth or fifth time I've seen it in the last year plus and every time it comes back in pretty much the same shape. The owner is likes a clean car (now) but, other than bringing it to me, can't seem to keep it that way. She takes it to the touchless yet still manages to come back with new swirls/scratches. I'd polished it out about a year ago and hit it with AIOs a couple of other times. The paint is still pretty thick but is pretty beat up. I decided that, instead of polishing away more paint only to need to polish away more next time, why not go the less abrasive/filler route?
I stripped and washed the car (1Z W99 and CG CWC), clayed it with my clay substitute + ONR (clay lube dilution) and then used Prima Amigo via Flex 3401 + LC HT Tangerine. Wow, I liked this combo here - great smell, super easy wipe off and left a slick, smooth, inky-black result. Now, there are not enough fillers in the world to make this car perfect but I kept reminding myself there wasn't enough paint on the car, either. The deeper RIDS could still be seen but it was about a flawless-looking as it was going to get. I sealed with Opti-Seal and (several hours later) topped with Optimum Car Wax. Turned out awesome.
I realize it won't last but, again on this car, neither will leveling paint. If you find yourself in a similar situation, you might try it. It might surprise you as much as it did me.
It was the fourth or fifth time I've seen it in the last year plus and every time it comes back in pretty much the same shape. The owner is likes a clean car (now) but, other than bringing it to me, can't seem to keep it that way. She takes it to the touchless yet still manages to come back with new swirls/scratches. I'd polished it out about a year ago and hit it with AIOs a couple of other times. The paint is still pretty thick but is pretty beat up. I decided that, instead of polishing away more paint only to need to polish away more next time, why not go the less abrasive/filler route?
I stripped and washed the car (1Z W99 and CG CWC), clayed it with my clay substitute + ONR (clay lube dilution) and then used Prima Amigo via Flex 3401 + LC HT Tangerine. Wow, I liked this combo here - great smell, super easy wipe off and left a slick, smooth, inky-black result. Now, there are not enough fillers in the world to make this car perfect but I kept reminding myself there wasn't enough paint on the car, either. The deeper RIDS could still be seen but it was about a flawless-looking as it was going to get. I sealed with Opti-Seal and (several hours later) topped with Optimum Car Wax. Turned out awesome.
I realize it won't last but, again on this car, neither will leveling paint. If you find yourself in a similar situation, you might try it. It might surprise you as much as it did me.
