Little update from my detailing weekend after reading for weeks. Overall, I would rate it a 6/10 experience. I used the Porter Cable 7424XP buffer for the first time and caused no damage, which was my biggest fear being new to detailing. However, I was not able to remove all of the cobweb swirls and a few of the scratches from the paint. I have read through detailedimage, this forum and many other sites, but I am hoping for some specific suggestions how to improve my technique on the Jeep.
Here is what I did: Since I was outside, I started early to avoid any direct sunlight on the Jeep. Did a full hand wash, with the two bucket method and the chemical guys citrus wash. Followed it up by using a 200grit clay bar with a diluted Optimum No Rinse as the lubricant. Went heavy with the lubricant, and wiped off all residue with a clean microfiber towel. Followed it up with a full quick detail using the ONR to remove any settled dust before polishing.
Started with the polish, Menzerna 4500, using a orange pad from detailedimage (not Lake Country). Worked in about 20"x20" areas with light pressure about enough to compress the pad about 25%, making sure to cover with overlapping patterns vertically, and then horizontally. After the polish hazed/became dusty, I wiped off excess polish and moved to the next section.
The whole jeep took about 2 hours for one coat of polish. I only used a yellow pad over the area where I had the scratches. The area feels smoother, but the scratches are still visible from multiple angles, and does not seem to be deeper than the clear coat.
I then went on to sealant using the Black Fire Wet Diamond and blue pads. I applied no pressure and moved a bit quicker taking 1.5 hrs to apply the sealant. It got dark at this point, so I called it a night and let it cure overnight. The next day, I did another quick detail with the diluted ONR, and put on a second coat of sealant.
I ran out of time to apply the wax.
Here are my questions:
1. How much pressure should I apply if I am trying to remove a scratch?
2. Should I have used Meguiars Ultimate Compound or the scratch x 2.0? I have both at home.
3. I am looking to buy some more pads if that might help, what colors should I buy? I was planning to buy the LC hydro tech ones but not sure which colors to buy.
4. Any mistakes or errors or points for correction?
Essentially, I am just hoping you might see what I did wrong that I didn't remove the cobwebbing and some of the minor scratches that I thought this buffer would remove. Thanks so much!
Here is what I did: Since I was outside, I started early to avoid any direct sunlight on the Jeep. Did a full hand wash, with the two bucket method and the chemical guys citrus wash. Followed it up by using a 200grit clay bar with a diluted Optimum No Rinse as the lubricant. Went heavy with the lubricant, and wiped off all residue with a clean microfiber towel. Followed it up with a full quick detail using the ONR to remove any settled dust before polishing.
Started with the polish, Menzerna 4500, using a orange pad from detailedimage (not Lake Country). Worked in about 20"x20" areas with light pressure about enough to compress the pad about 25%, making sure to cover with overlapping patterns vertically, and then horizontally. After the polish hazed/became dusty, I wiped off excess polish and moved to the next section.
The whole jeep took about 2 hours for one coat of polish. I only used a yellow pad over the area where I had the scratches. The area feels smoother, but the scratches are still visible from multiple angles, and does not seem to be deeper than the clear coat.
I then went on to sealant using the Black Fire Wet Diamond and blue pads. I applied no pressure and moved a bit quicker taking 1.5 hrs to apply the sealant. It got dark at this point, so I called it a night and let it cure overnight. The next day, I did another quick detail with the diluted ONR, and put on a second coat of sealant.
I ran out of time to apply the wax.
Here are my questions:
1. How much pressure should I apply if I am trying to remove a scratch?
2. Should I have used Meguiars Ultimate Compound or the scratch x 2.0? I have both at home.
3. I am looking to buy some more pads if that might help, what colors should I buy? I was planning to buy the LC hydro tech ones but not sure which colors to buy.
4. Any mistakes or errors or points for correction?
Essentially, I am just hoping you might see what I did wrong that I didn't remove the cobwebbing and some of the minor scratches that I thought this buffer would remove. Thanks so much!