I've detailed about 3 cars so far. My MY04 Black honda s2000, a MY02 White Audi TT, and a MY07 Dodge Truck. I have only been able to get about a 80-85% correction on these vehicles. The Audi was the hardest to work with. I know I am just starting and still learning, but how come I can not get to above a 95% correction. My most aggresive equipment are a porter cable, orange pad, and Merzerna SIP. I have only done one stage of SIP on each car (worked the SIP down to a haze). Should I go with another pass if I don't get it all out? Do I need to use a more aggresive polish/pad? Say try Megs 105 and a wool pad? I usually do a 3 stage work, SIP->106FA->85PR. I only have Merzerna equipment. Maybe my technique isn't right. Is there anybody near the Jacksonville, North Carolina area that I can watch and learn to see if my technique is good?

THanks for yalls input.

 

You need a rotary to get 100%, a PC just won't cut it.

 

that AND do a few passes with SIP. I do quite a few with each compound, and sometimes have to go back and forth between compounds until I get the correction I desire.

 

I'd say you need to step up to a rotary. On something softer like Honda paint I think 90-95% is pretty achievable if you have enough patience for additional passes.

 

I agree with all of you guys about the rotary, however, keep in mind that even though rotary is going to give much more correction, it does not necessarily mean that you are going to get 100% of the defects out. If the paint is damaged then do your best and call it a day.

 

The main reason I'm not wanting to upgrade to a rotary yet, is because I'm just starting and learning. I've heard alot of horror stories about rotaries and burning paint and buffer marks, so i'm going to keep with the PC until I get better with that.

So I it'll be unlikely i'd get close to 100% with the PC, but my results will look better if I do multiple passes. Thanks for the tips guys.

 

It makes a big difference to know your working the polishes completely also, you will get sub par results if you stop polishing too soon and sometimes if you polish too long..just something to keep in mind. Research, research, research! I do this full time and still learn something new everyday!

 

I'm in the same exact boat are you. The only thing different is that I'm using a YELLOW pad with menz IP.

I'm half way done with my car. Each panel I do the following:

-2 passes with yellow pad and menz IP
-1 pass with orange pad and menz PO105FA
-1 pass with white pad and menz PO105FA

Still, I don't get rid of 100%. I still see some very minor swirls. I might need to get a compound for my next detail.

 

And what are you guys considering a "pass"?

 

Are you considering a "pass" as the pad going over the surface one time?