My Detailing Conquests!
My Detailing Conquests!
So I got a Porter Cable 7424 a few weeks ago and decided to start putting it to good use. This machine is great for the novice and is basically idiot proof. You can't screw up your paint with a Porter Cable like you can with a Makita Rotary. First thing I started on were the headlights since they were starting to get hazy. I started off using Meguairs M105 Ultra Cut Compound and a Lake Country Cyan Hydro-Tech polishing pad and finished with Meguairs M205 Ultra Finishing Polish and a Lake Country Tangerine Hydro-Tech finishing pad. I plan on tackling the exhaust next to see if I can get all the scratches off it and then I plan on doing my entire car. I also plan on doing my dads Accord that is in really really bad shape. Stay tuned for the detailing updates of a novice.
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Last edited by Diesel350; Dec 25, 2010 at 04:08 PM.
how long is it holding up? looking to do the same thing, but looking for a solution that will last a while.
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Did the pillars today. As you can see in the first photo lots of fine scratches and then a pretty deep big one near the lower half of the pillar going all the way across.
BEFORE:
Used M105 followed by M205 as you can see it made a HUGE difference. Only thing I did not completely remove was that big scratch in the lower half of the pillar. Will probably have to use a more aggressive pad to get it out.
AFTER:
BEFORE:
Used M105 followed by M205 as you can see it made a HUGE difference. Only thing I did not completely remove was that big scratch in the lower half of the pillar. Will probably have to use a more aggressive pad to get it out.
AFTER:
Yes Cut Compound is perfectly safe for the paint but you only use it for heavy paint correction/deep scratches. You probably want to start off with the least aggressive polish/pad first to see what you accomplish and then if it doesn't get the fine scratches out then move to the cut compound and a more aggressive pad.
DI Packages Porter Cable 7424XP, Meguiar's Polishes and Hydro Pads Basic Kit
DI Packages Porter Cable 7424 XP, Meguiar's Polish and Hydro Pads
Let me know if you have any questions.
Greg
Yes Cut Compound is perfectly safe for the paint but you only use it for heavy paint correction/deep scratches. You probably want to start off with the least aggressive polish/pad first to see what you accomplish and then if it doesn't get the fine scratches out then move to the cut compound and a more aggressive pad.
Yes it is safe and it really helps the paint look great again. If you are doing it by hand we generally recommend a one step process (especially on an SUV). I'd suggest the Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish M205 because of it's great cutting power. However for maximum results a buffer is HUGE help. If you have a buffer you can truly maximize a two step process with the Meguiar's M105 and M205. If interested we have these polishes paired with the very easy and safe to use Porter Cable 7424 XP in these kits listed below.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Greg
Let me know if you have any questions.
Greg
Not familiar with the Craftsman Buffer but if it spins in a circle and has enough power you can easily damage the paint if you're not careful. The Porter Cable 7424XP is a Random orbital buffer and does not spin in a circle thus no risk in damaging the paint.
I'm sure you'll notice a huge difference with the Xterra after a good polishing. I had one of those Craftsman buffers and they honestly are not worth using. Those bonnets they have are not exactly paint safe because of how thin they are. Additionally those buffers don't have nearly enough power to really work in a polish. I'd suggest a hand application or investing in a quality buffer like the PC. The PC is the lowest cost high quality buffer that I know of just for reference. If you have any questions please let me know.
Clay Bar'd my entire car today after washing my car with Dawn soap. As you can see even after washing my car the Clay Bar picked up tons of dirt and contaminates off the paint that regular washing couldn't pick up.
Unfortunately I only had time to polish and add sealant to the back portion of the car today.
Before:
After:
You can see how big this scratch is before hand, Before:
As you can see in the after pic I minimized it quite a bit. Next time I will try and hit it with a more aggressive pad but unfortunately I think it's too deep to completely remove without wetsanding it.
This is soot from the exhaust that could not be removed by hand wash, Before:
After:
Look at all the scratches in my rear, Before:
After:
Before:
After:
She's all sealed up in the rear with BlackFire WetDiamond. I plan on letting this cure for 12 hours then I can add another coat and then I can put one last coat of Carnauba Wax. The Blackfire Wet Diamond sealant is good for 3 months then I can just add more layers at that time.
Unfortunately I only had time to polish and add sealant to the back portion of the car today.
Before:
After:
You can see how big this scratch is before hand, Before:
As you can see in the after pic I minimized it quite a bit. Next time I will try and hit it with a more aggressive pad but unfortunately I think it's too deep to completely remove without wetsanding it.
This is soot from the exhaust that could not be removed by hand wash, Before:
After:
Look at all the scratches in my rear, Before:
After:
Before:
After:
She's all sealed up in the rear with BlackFire WetDiamond. I plan on letting this cure for 12 hours then I can add another coat and then I can put one last coat of Carnauba Wax. The Blackfire Wet Diamond sealant is good for 3 months then I can just add more layers at that time.
