Finally got the detailing done with PC

[wootang00]

So.. first time going with the PC.. it went well i think... but i do have a couple questions..

how many times do you go over a certain area.. say a panel with the PC. I think I was using too much of each product and applied to thick. My friend and I were detailing cars.. him by hand me by PC.. supposedly the PC is supposed to save me time, but it seems as though we ended the same time. What am I possibly doing wrong.

Started off with :

Car Wash
Clay Bar
Swirl and Haze Remover
Revive Polish
Butter Wax.

Maybe I am applying to thick.. ? Also... do you guys apply the product directly to pad or to the car? Reason why I ask is b/c on the side panels.. i cannot seems have the product stick to the car as it is vertical. Sorry for the newbie questions. Thanks.

[DetailersDomain]

Apply a small amount on the pad.

You definitely used too much product if it was hard to remove or appeared thick.

I hope this helps. A little goes a long way.

[BMWWW]

You should look into the videos that Phil has on his site.

They should be more than helpful for a beginner.

http://www.adamspolishes.com/videos/Index.cfm


FYI.
Polishes and compounds from different lines can react very differently. Some are weather dependent, and certain lines that "I" use do not work well in humid, or hot panels. (But the preformance payout is worth it)

Do you have a worklight? If working in the garage, the halogen worklights can really help you in determining when the polish has properly broken down.

Personally, I prime the pad for the first time using an "X" accross the pad, and use a thin line for all subsequent panels when using the PC. One more thing, don't forget to spur, or run a toothbrush across the pad when it becomes too loaded up with polish. That will make a HUGE difference, especially if you find yourself using too much polish.


Good luck. If you have anymore questions, search first, then ask. There are many knowledgeable people on this forum, they'll be more than willing to help you out!

[wootang00]

hmm.. gabe thanks for the advice.. hmm.. so i should be able to do a car door panel with one thin line eh?

i followed the instructional video.. seems like adam puts the swirl haze / polish / wax on the car first.. so thats what i did.. =p.

oh ya.. looked at the car today.. from afar it looks good.. looking close to it.. i still see swirls.. i guess slowly move up to a compound im thinking...

oh ya. pressure wise.. how much pressure are you putting on your pc when moving it around..

thanks again for the help in advance.

[BMWWW]

Originally posted by wootang00
hmm.. gabe thanks for the advice.. hmm.. so i should be able to do a car door panel with one thin line eh?

i followed the instructional video.. seems like adam puts the swirl haze / polish / wax on the car first.. so thats what i did.. =p.

oh ya.. looked at the car today.. from afar it looks good.. looking close to it.. i still see swirls.. i guess slowly move up to a compound im thinking...

oh ya. pressure wise.. how much pressure are you putting on your pc when moving it around..

thanks again for the help in advance.

Yup, there are different techniques, just do what you're most comfortable with.

Before you move up to a compound try the following:

1. Second go at the panel, this time slower, and with pressure.

2. Move up to a pad, one up in abrasiveness. Repeat 1

3. Move up in the abrasiveness of polish/compound

4. Come back for more help if all else fails!

---- Remember to always do a test panel (smaller than a full panel) to determine the process required- periodically checking your progress.

Best of luck!