Menzerna IP2000

[happy2B5]

So I got me a porter cable and combo of menzerna polishes including IP2000, FF3000 and their glaze. Also have proper orange pad for cutting and proper flex plate.

Proceeded to under take full paint correction by claying (wolfgang) followed by IP2000 with orange pad. I have to say I am less than impressed with the initial results. In reading further I see menzerna has products for harder clears. I did not get these initially because they seem to be more geared for later model European clears. My car is an imola 2001 s4. Figured I got the right stuff but maybe not?

Anyone else have similar experiences using IP2000? Any suggestions? There are noticeable scratches remaining that I would like to eliminate. Thanks for any help.

As a side note, I have some m105 on hand. Would this be a recommended option to start the process over again? Thanks again.

[FITZ TITS]

Depending on how bad the paint is:
M105 with green pad (compound)
SF 4500 with blue pad (polish)
S4 4500 with black pad (jewel)

(I use a Flex with a 4.75" BP and 5.5" pads.)

You are inducing scratches with the orange pad and IP 2000 (good thing) that need to be followed up with less aggressive pads and product.
It's a process of knocking down the scratches until the pait is jeweled or completely level. You can't just hit it with a hard pad and heavy polish and call it a day. You need to work it all the way down.

Do an IPA wipe down and post a picture of the paint's condition. I can help you select a plan of attack.

[happy2B5]

So following IP2000 with FF3000 (blue pad) won't get the job done?

I will get some pics soon and thanks for reply

[FITZ TITS]

So following IP2000 with FF3000 (blue pad) won't get the job done?

I will get some pics soon and thanks for reply

It all depends. Your technique could be off too...

[happy2B5]

Fair enough. Admittedly new to da polishing. Not general up keep and car care but you most certainly could be right.

I am going to keep at it with next steps and report back results. Maybe got too impatient as I am prone to do at times.

[FITZ TITS]

Fair enough. Admittedly new to da polishing. Not general up keep and car care but you most certainly could be right.

I am going to keep at it with next steps and report back results. Maybe got too impatient as I am prone to do at times.

Well to be fair, you probably don't know how long to work a pannel. But keep trying, you're not going to hurt anything with the PC. It's a very safe and user-friendly machine.

You're going to greatly benefit from these videos by Junkman2000 on YouTube...
Playlist created by some random dude, using Junkman2000's videos:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7706E062307CC8A6

Watch 10 and 11: Polisher Speed of Movement part 1 & 2

Junkman2000's Youtube Channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Junkman2000

[happy2B5]

Will do. My process has been working in a 2x2 space back and forth 4-6 passes slowly, repeat till end of square then back perpendicular to those in that same area for a total of about 50-60 passes total in that square area.

Speed set to 5

[FITZ TITS]

Will do. My process has been working in a 2x2 space back and forth 4-6 passes slowly, repeat till end of square then back perpendicular to those in that same area for a total of about 50-60 passes total in that square area.

Speed set to 5
That's all pretty textbook. You might need to increase pressure (10-15lbs).
I work until the product has flashed.

[happy2B5]

Hopefully this weekend reveals good results. I also hope that the final finish with ff3000 was missing piece and I just expected too much following the ip2000. Will then be sealing with wolfs and topping that with pinnacle carnuba

Can be difficult verifying flash on the yellow colored car.

[FITZ TITS]

Hopefully this weekend reveals good results. I also hope that the final finish with ff3000 was missing piece and I just expected too much following the ip2000. Will then be sealing with wolfs and topping that with pinnacle carnuba

Can be difficult verifying flash on the yellow colored car.
Heard that, I have a white car and most products are...white. lol
Pick up a couple halogen shop lights to help with spotting swirls and imperfections, as well as what your product is doing.

[happy2B5]

Here's another observation; ip2000 does dust, so would that be any indication that the product has been worked enough (flashed)? Or maybe simply too much old dry product left on the pad?

[FITZ TITS]

Here's another observation; ip2000 does dust, so would that be any indication that the product has been worked enough (flashed)? Or maybe simply too much old dry product left on the pad?

Eh, not really per se. M105 dusts too, but you can add a dab of D300 to extend working time and reduce dust.
Dusting has a lot to do with humidity and temperature as well. For example, I did a detail when it was cold and because of the low humidity and temp, M105 began to dry while working it (pre flash). That's when I started to add a dab of D300 (2 dabs of M105 and 1 of D300). If you think your product is dusting prematurely, you can hit the pad with a quick spritz of QD to wake up the product again.

[happy2B5]

Roger. It was cold last weekend (relative to where I live) ~40. I will keep some qd on ready. Supposed to be 60 ish this weekend though.

[FITZ TITS]

Nice! I couldn't only wish for 60 over here on the east side.

Shoot me a PM if you have immediate questions.

[happy2B5]

So I am about 75% done with polishing. Paint looks good not perfect but hey for first time using da polisher I'm satisfied. I could not get some deeper scratches out but I do see progress and very little if any spider webbing.

Couple more ?'s

1. Is it worth using the menzerna finishing glaze? Have read on a few sites that glazes are waste of time and can't be sealed. True? Was hoping it might be the missing link to "fill" those pesky scratches. And a quality sealant like wolfs would lock it in. What pad/speed should be used for glazes?

2. General consensus on layering carnuba over synthetic sealants?

Thanks!

[FITZ TITS]

So I am about 75% done with polishing. Paint looks good not perfect but hey for first time using da polisher I'm satisfied. I could not get some deeper scratches out but I do see progress and very little if any spider webbing.

Couple more ?'s

1. Is it worth using the menzerna finishing glaze? Have read on a few sites that glazes are waste of time and can't be sealed. True? Was hoping it might be the missing link to "fill" those pesky scratches. And a quality sealant like wolfs would lock it in. What pad/speed should be used for glazes?

2. General consensus on layering carnuba over synthetic sealants?

Thanks!

So here's the deal with LSPs...They should only be used and expected to protect your paint. They should not be used and relied on to add shine. See, if you have done your paint correction properly, you should already have perfect paint. Naked, that paint should look like it already has wax on it. Do you follow?

So for me 'nuba vs a synthetic sealant, I'm going synthetic sealant because it offers the most durable and longest lasting protection...especially if this is for your daily driver. 'Nuba would be good for a show car or a weekend car. But, you're going to be equally satisfied with the shine you get from a good sealant.

Finishing Glaze just as fillers in it. Not worth it. Use a good synthetic sealant like Adam's Machine Super Sealant or Menz Power Lock. The sealants have some ability to conceal.

Use a red pad on speed 3. You're not looking to work this into the paint like you did with your compound and polish. Spend just enough time on any one spot to apply a thin even layer. Let it cure on the paint for an hour then buff off with a plush microfiber towel (Green Uber towels from Phil).

[happy2B5]

I'm sorry, I meant another layer of carnuba over my already chosen wolfgang sealant. So both, not one in favor of another.

[FITZ TITS]

Not necessary.

[happy2B5]

Good. Because my back is fooked. This has been close to a 15-20 hr process and still not 100% done.

I thought the power tools were supposed to make life easier :rolleyes:

[FITZ TITS]

Good. Because my back is fooked. This has been close to a 15-20 hr process and still not 100% done.

I thought the power tools were supposed to make life easier :rolleyes:
lol
That's usually what a 3-stepper will take.
The PC isn't helping you though, a Flex would makes things a lot easier and faster due to the forces rotation. Experience and technique will also help speed things up as well.

Just think though, put the time in now to get it 100% and you won't have to mess with it for a long time if you take care of your paint properly.

[happy2B5]

Crappy wet overcast weather. Gonna snap some pics of end result. I'd say I'm 90% happy with the results.

A little concerned about the wolfs sealant curing time and outside humidity effect. Unfortunately my 1 car garage is nothing but storage atm and work was done under car port. Figure I will most likely lay down another layer sooner than later.

[FITZ TITS]

Nice job, dude!
Post some sun shots so we can see how well you did.

Sun Shot Examples (http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/auto-detailing-101/40807-sun-shots-tell-story.html)

[happy2B5]

Ha, If it were sunny. Gonna try out my new to me hand me down d30 dslr. Overcast though.