Like most people reading a detailing forum, I'm **** about keeping my paint looking as good as possible. Because of this, haven't bought a black car in years. However, recently bought an 07 in MB. I couldn't resist. It looks so damn good in black. I'm looking to really clean and protect the car for the first time. Problem is, the dealer got to it. It has some minor surface scratches / swirls so I want those gone in the process.What I'm looking for is a refresher on Black Car care. Since I haven't owned black for a very (very) long time, I'm not sure what has changed since and want to make sure I'm getting the best results in the minimum time and effort.

One other thing to keep in mind is that in all my years of detailing, I've done everything by hand. Not sure why but I've always been afraid of using buffers for polishing. Probably due to always being told "you can really mess up if you don't know what you are doing" and seeing some pretty bad buff jobs by so called pros (needless to say, I never thought them pros). Not only that but have never had a car that I felt comfortable potentially messing up the paint just for practice.

One other question...is it pssible to get that super deep shine on black (including removing the minor swirls / surface scratches) without power equipment? I get in on other colors without it.

Please try to answer as un-biased as possible (I know it's hard / nearly impossible with car care as everyone has their own methods)

 

haha yea don't drive it! lol jk

 

While it might be possible to get a swirl/scratch free surface back without using power equipment, it's a lot of work to do by hand. With the modern random-orbital buffer/polisher, it's a snap to use and almost idiot proof.

Here's what you need in order to polish/wax a car with a ROB.
1) Porter-Cable 7336SP
2) 6" Velcro backing plate: http://www.topoftheline.com/porcabvelpad.html
3) 7½" Lake Country VC foam polishing pads: http://www.topoftheline.com/7durvelpad.html
I use the Yellow, White and Black pads. You'll probably want two, maybe three of each.
4) Polishes: I use 3M Medium Cut Rubbing Compound (39001); 3M Swirl Mark Remover (39009); Zaino Z-PC Polish/Cleaner.
The compound is for removing moderate scratches, deposits on paint, rough spots, etc. The SMR is for removing swirl marks, hazing caused by the compound or other polishes. The Z-PC is for use in place of the SMR on a Zainoed car.
5) Helpful instructions on how to use the Porter-Cable:
http://autopia.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14421
http://www.roadfly.com/magazine/7/po..._buffer.1.html
http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/det...1430487&page=1

The P-C can be bought at Lowes for $109. The backing plate and pads come from www.TopOfTheLine.com. The 3M products I get from a local CarQuest Paint Store. It's a special version of a CarQuest parts store that sells professional paint supplies and equipment. The 3M products are pretty widely available in any case.

 

Thanks DavesZ#3.

One question though...you say the PC that you mentioned is pretty idiot proof. So, are you saying i should have no fear of using it even though I've never used a buffer and have no way of practicing? As long as I'm careful, I should be OK?


(I'll read the info on the PC at autopia a little later...strapped for time atm. I usually find their info useful so I'm sure their PC info is just as good)