Thanks for the info... looks like i need more pads.

So lets see if i got this right.
1) wash , clay etc
2) intensive polish with orange pad
3) final polish with white pad
4) glaze with black pad
5) sealant with black ( need one more black pad here)
6) wax with pads ( what type??)
7) detail spray w/ microfiber towls

 

Prem,

To apply your wax since it's a very small jar, pick up a small foam pad so you can do it by hand. I couldn't find it on George's site hopefully he'll chime in soon and let you know if he has them. Hope this helped! Let us know how you make out.

Ryan

 

Cool i have a bunch of microfiber foam pads/applicators show that should be good. Where can i get another black pad? If i want to use the glaze and the sealant then i need two black pads right?

 

Oh one thing...Mist your foam pad with water before you try to apply since it's kinda hard...

Yeah I wouldn't use the same pad for Glaze/Sealant...You can get a Blue pad which is the same as a black/gray one that way it would be easier to determine which you used for sealant and which for glaze.

 

Can i pick one up at a local pepboys/autozone type place ?

 

Unfortunately, when it comes to PC pads you'll have to order them. But i'm sure since you're in Cali they may have some specialty shops that sell Lake country pads for the PC. Maybe try Autobacs or something

 

malukalu - Ryan offered some great advice. You have everything on point with what you laid out above. If you are going to order a new pad for the sealant, I'd suggest the blue pad, as Ryan mentioned, not only because it is easier to tell them apart, but because it is slightly softer as well and you do not need any bite to your pads when applying a sealant.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

For the wax, a simple foam applicator pad will do.

Ryan - You were right on point with all of your advice, thanks for sharing. I am looking forward to seeing and hearing about your results of your detail.

George

 

Thanks for the kind words George! I learned all that from you and following this thread.

As far as the detail goes it went well other than I didn't finish the A-pillars, side mirrors(which i may do by hand)and the roof. I figure after spending 9 hrs in 105 degree weather with 100% humidity I had about enough...Hahaha...I planned on finishing it this weekend but now a big storm hit us here in the gulf and I find my car outside just drenched with water (you can imagine my frustration) But it's ok...I can just wash and apply a little bit more wax to the parts finished and PC the rest the stuff I didn't. I'll get better pics too..

Ryan

 

looks like i need to wait a while longer until i get that last pad

 

George,

I'm getting ready to start my practice run with the PC on my old clunker but I'm a bit confused on what to do with areas that can't be polished with the PC (chrome trim, lettering, door handle wells, mirrors, etc.). I assume that the only way is to do these is by hand with a foam pad like Ryan said he may do on his detail? Any areas that are not going to be polished with the PC need to be taped off too, right?

 

Yes, taping those areas off with some 3M Blue Painters Tape is ideal. If your tape job is excellent, there aren't many areas you can't do with the PC. Usually takes me 20 - 30 mins to properly tape up a vehicle to give you an idea.

There are some areas, like you mentioned, that you want to have a hand applicator for, as the PC cannot get into some tight places.

Keep us posted on how you make out, pics are always a plus. Take your time and good luck!

George

 

George, I forgot to follow-up with you. Sorry about that. I'll be ordering my products today finally.

To answer your question, my wheels are stock 18".

Thanks again!
js

 

I think this thread has been moved to the MyG37 forum as my post from yesterday is not in here.

 

Just incase, here it is again:


I have been reading this thread for two hours and there are just too many options to pick from so I need some help please.

My car is an 04' Black Sedan
I purchased it with 32k miles 2 years ago and it was not taken care of too well before I got it but has been very babied since then. I wash it weekly and try to wax every 6-8 weeks. I live in Phoenix (hot) and it sits outside every day and garaged at night.

I need everything from wheels to windows…

Here are my thoughts so far, please comment as needed.

- I will be buying a PC kit from you.

- The paint is in good shape but I still think a medium cut may be necessary to have a good fresh start. What should I get to make it look great as my daily driver without going too overboard on cost? I see sometimes you say just go with the PO106ff and other times to polish in a 2-step. I may be able to get away with the PO106ff but is there any way to tell for sure?

- Do you still recommend the EX-P and Natty Blue for a situation like mine or is there something I would benefit more from?

- I have un-clear coated polished wheels. Is the Finish Restorer, Two Sided Polishing Towel, and Wheel Sealant still the best combo? These are very expensive wheels and I would like to take every precaution possible with them.

- I seems like the 303 Aerospace, Invisible Glass and Leatheique is the best interior combo for me.

- I know I need the large wash kit with towels, grit guard, PB bug remover and misc accessories.

I guess my biggest question is on the polish. I want to be sure before placing an order of this size.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Tim


Also here is GC's reply:

 

Tim - great to hear that you took the time to read through the Ask a Pro Thread. It can be confusing at times as every vehicle is different (color, condition, etc.) and peoples goals & objectives vary, which is why you'll see various recommendations.

You seem to be right on track with everything, I'll see what I can do to help answer any questions you may have.

The PC is a great investment, with the time and energy it saves during polishing it pays for itself in one use. The results being significantly better than a hand application makes it even more of a sound investment.

Regarding the PO106ff polish, it's difficult to say without seeing the vehicle. The PO106ff does have some bite to it, where it can remove light to the lesser side of medium imperfections. Considering your vehicle is black and you said was neglected by the previous owner, there is a good chance you could benefit from a dedicated medium cut polish. Couple of options, Menzerna Intensive Polish is going to give you more cut than PO106ff alone, however you'll have to follow up with PO106ff or another finishing polish like Final Polish II. You could try PO106ff and see what your results are like, perhaps even applying two coats, one with an orange light cutting pad and follow up with a second coat on a white polishing pad. Then if there are still imperfections in the paint, tackle them come Spring or when you plan on doing your next big detail. I think you'll fall in love with the finish the 106ff leaves you with as it is second to none for finishing polishes. If you'd like to take a picture for me in direct sunlight or under florescent lighting where it will show the condition of the clear coat, I'd be happy to give you my best recommendation on what to use to remove them.

EX-P and Natty's blue is an excellent combo for OB paint. Easy to use, durable, and a deep wet gloss to it. Bang for the buck it is probably one of the best combinations out there. You could try Natty's Red limited edition for slightly more depth and gloss and a little slicker finish. If you are really going for the best look, Pinnacle Souveran is gorgeous on dark colors, such as black, red, and blue. It gives off more of a liquid, dripping wet finish, very easy to use, however it has short durability of 2 - 4 weeks, compared to 4 - 8 weeks from Natty's. To be honest, in your hot climate, I think Souveran wouldn't be worth the extra money, considering you'll be getting the lower side of the durability scale.

For your wheels, that is an excellent combination to go with. The Finish Restorer along with the two-sided metal polishing towel will help bring back the finish on your wheels. The Wheel Sealant will help properly protect them and will make cleaning them a breeze.

Sounds like the interior is right on track, same products I use on my interior.

Can't go wrong with a big wash kit. Washing and drying is where a majority of imperfections occur so investing in the proper tools and following proper techniques will help minimize the chances of adding more imperfections, especially after you spend a lot of time polishing your G to a showroom finish.

Feel free to ask me any other questions you may have. I realize this is a lot to digest if this is your first time tackling a detail this large. When polishing with the PC try following these steps for optimal results:

As far as the speed is concerned, I typically will spread the product evenly around on my working area 18" x 18" or so, at speed setting 3. When I'm actually ready to begin correcting the paint, kick it right up to 5 or 6 if needed. From my experience, the PC needs to be operated at least at speed setting 5 for optimal paint correction results. I encourage you to make a total of 6 passes with the buffer on each part of your paint. What I mean by this is outline a box as your working area (start smaller until you feel comfortable moving larger, so either 1' x 1' or 18" x 18"). Starting in the top left corner make your way straight across to the right, moving the buffer no faster than 2" per second, ideally about 1" per second. As you reach the far side of your box, move the PC down enough so that you would overlap the previous pass by about 50%. Continue moving left and do the same pattern until the box has been completed. Now perform the same technique while you do the same motion top to bottom. These 4 passes should be applied with moderate pressure, not so much that the PC bogs down (you'll find your zone after a few passes). I perform a final set of 2 passes with only the weight of the buffer going back to the left to right motion. When finished remove with a MF towel.

Hope this helps. Keep us posted on what you end up picking up and how you make out on your first detail.

George