Would different equipment help me any?

[Accumulator]

IF I did go the flex route, would the PC work as a good option to go back with the finishing work?

IF you really (and I mean *really* ) decide it's necessary, then yeah...the PC would probably be OK for that kind of minor burnishing.



Eh, I don't want you to get so, uh... Autopian about this stuff that you start to assume the Flex won't leave stuff nice enough. Let alone on white cars like the Jag. Plenty of people would say it's absolutely good enough for *anything*.

 

[Lotuseffect]

Just my 2 cents and imho 2 points to be made here



You havent been doing too much polishing and lets not forget the Flex is a forced rotation machine. Its still a DA but it has more potential for you to do some harm to the paint. I would NOT advise you to get the flex in any way. The GG machine with Surbuf or MF cutting pads will be all you need and you get a little more peace of mind.



I would advise this:



GG polisher

2 surbuf pads cutting pads

2 MF cutting pads

D300 or UNO (smallest size available)

M105 (smallest size available)

2 pk MF finishing pads or 2 Green HD pads for finishing



Now to my main point I think you need to have a realistic attitude about these things. You havent polished paint in 3 years and even then you dont do this for a living. You need to stop expecting a flawless swirl free finish. If you go to the click and brag section you will find details by guys who have been doing this for a long time and believe me I stare at amazement at some of the results by guys like Thomas, Bob, Barry, Charlie, Marc and Jacob, John K, Philip Y, Scott, etc.



Realize there is a skill threshold ceiling you wont break through for some time. It is one of the biggest lies told in this industry that "With this new product XXXX you will be able to detail like a pro"...you cant. Its just that simple. No product will enable you to correct and polish down your vehicle to a full correction finish. ENjoy the process of reading the info on this site, asking questions to people on here, and in the end doing the best job you can iwth your current skill level and understanding.



Once you are done with that first "welcome back to polishing" detail, go voer the car with a fine tooth comb. Take pictures of spots you missed and post them, post what products you used, and as much detail and pics as you can, chances are by the next time you are ready to polish again in a year or so you will do a much better job. I am not tlling you to set the bar too low, but at this point you arent a pro either. Just enjoy the process of maintaining your own vehicle.



I do a full correction on my wife and my car (if it needs it) once a year and I am still disappointed by it. Then again I am, and will always be my own harshest critic, as I am sure the very best and honest detailers here will tell you they are as well.

 

[jashton]

George,



Those are wise words and something that anybody learning paint correction must recognize. It can be extremely discouraging purchasing new products and not getting the results you want.



There is a learning curve for everyone no matter what products are on the market. Getting 98-100% on a daily-driver is not a realistic expectation IMO, especially for a beginner. There is almost always going to be some deeper RIDs and other random defects.



My biggest advice would be have patience! Having a more powerful machine like the GG or Flex will help, but one section sill may take 2-3 passes alone to remove defects to your satisfaction. The Meguiars Microfiber System is a very good choice for a novice or professional. Work in small areas and always inspect your work. It is not fun doing all that work and finding out a few washes later that you only masked the defects.



Jeff

 

[cptzippy]

Imperfection? Patience? Autopia BLASMPHEMY!!!!



JK, probably needed to hear that but yeah a trashed almost 20 year old car isn't going to be perfect and I know it. As much as I'd like to drive a show car every day I have enough trouble keeping them washed these days.