Finally got done buffing out my swirls. I used a Porter Cable 7336 and Meguiars Speed Glaze #80 with the W8006 polishing pad.

This takes forever...I think I would of been better off with the DACP #83.

The speed glaze is a really mild abrasive. I think if I would of used the #83, it would of went a lot faster. Had to do some panels twice, anyway it could just be user error.

I started at night so I couldn't get any good pictures of the swirls, so sorry only have "after pictures"

 

how long did the entire process take you and how effective was it overall in removing your swirls?

 

Sounds like it went well. Detailing isn't that hard if you invest in the right equipment and take the time to learn the proper steps. Great job and keep up the good work!

 

dacp is definitely the way to go, you should follow up with something lighter tho, smr or something. i'm not sure if it's the lighting or the camera, but the finish is looking a little dull.

 

I wouldn't reccommend Meguiars products for polishing. I used to use them until I tried Menzerna's products, namely the Intensive polish and Final PolishII. I have a black '05 as well and I am meticulous to a fault about the finish. I discovered that the Final polishII applied with a rotary at 1400 rpm and a W-8000 finishing pad would remove all the swirls and leave a blistering wet shine.

As a recovering Zaino addict I can say that on my black G, the Menzerna FMJ produces a much deeper look to the finish. The Zaino on a black car looks like a saran wrap coating, the FMJ looks like a baby oil coating. It absolutely shimmers!

Meguiars
-High level of dusting
-Contains fillers requiring a re-wash after polishing
-Sticks like glue to plastic trim
-Dries up too quickly

Menzerna
-Almost no dusting
-Wipes off of plastic trim even a day or two later
-Stays nice and wet allowing you to really work it in and break it down
-Breaks down to an almost clear liquid that wipes right off

 

looks nice

 

How hard was it (Orbital)? Any tips? That was your first time right?

 

It took me about 4 hours including plenty of breaks. It wasn't that hard, it was just kinda tiring. Operating that machine for long periods of time takes some getting used to, especially on the sides of the car.

I was trying to get some good pictures but the sun wouldn't come out, it was cloudy all day.

Also the pictures are un-waxed, just buffed.

It was pretty effective compared to anything you can do by hand, but dont expect to do the whole car in 30 min. I should of used something more aggresive to speed it up.


Yup first time, it's harder to remove the stuff by hand, so a microfiber bonnet would really help. I ordered one but they were on backorder, so I had to do it the hard way. Also just to be safe cover all of your black trim with masking tape.

 

how much was the equipment?

 

You buy the Porter cable from Lowes for $99, you will still need this DA Velcro Buffing System.

This comes with the backing plate plus 3 pads. You save $18 vs. buying everything separately.

You will also need some polish to remove the swirls. I used Speed Glaze #80

If its not effective enough, than you can move up to Dual Action Cleaner/Polish #83

There are also plenty of other polishes out there, just read this forum.

 

do i need any expertise or is it beginner stuff?

 

you're better off knowing some of the basics of detailing. just follow the instructions carefully, dont be using the pushing hard/using the wrong pads and etc. and you should be fine.

 

Here's an update with 3 coats of Zaino Z2.

 

nice

 

looks good!!! black cars are way too much of a pain to keep clean - better you than me!