TL-GIXXER

So I bought a Porter Cable, some new Meguiars swirl remover, glaze and wax. Here is what I started with:
Started:

Here is what I was able to do:
Progress:

Amazing for my first time using a power tool on my paint. I can't believe I waited this long... People recommended that I use Meguiars 105 and 205, but I was intimidated by how abrasive they were and didn't want to destroy my paint. So I went with some safe, but rookie, products.

New tires and Type-S replicas will be here Monday or Tuesday too

gatrhumpy

iTrader: (1)

So, do you live near Florida?

TL-GIXXER

Ha, nope. Philadelphia

YeuEmMaiMai

I used the ultimate compound on my Subaru and it did this:

This is how good this stuff actually is (not waxed yet)
Before

After


Hood

mvp2765

iTrader: (1)

Nice job. Dark paint is hard to keep in perfect condition.

TL-GIXXER

Yes.... Black is extremely difficult when you have children, a real job, social events.... It's seriously like you need to decide am I just going to let it go or am I going to keep it as clean as I can (which includes washes, clay, buffing, waxing, etc)

I can't let my shit go like that. No way. I make time to keep the car in tip-top shape.

vietxquangstah

iTrader: (7)

Glazes and waxes are fillers and hide swirls instead of actually removing them.

Are those pictures the end result with glaze and wax applied Already?

If those pictures were taken directly after performing compound/polish and no additional filler products than that's a good job.

YeuEmMaiMai

^in my case those are the end result before any polish, wax, or glaze was applied

07TL-S

Which pads did you use?

YeuEmMaiMai

For myself it was just regular microfiber pads that you would use to apply wax by hand

truonghthe

I have a black car and yes the swirl does drive you nut.

TL-GIXXER

That was my first attempt at using my new Porter Cable. When I bought the products, I was a little intimidated at how abrasive the 105 and 205 are, so I didn't get them.

The after picture is with the glaze applied, no wax.

I used black, blue and white pads.

maharajamd

iTrader: (1)

It's still amazing to me, when so fresh and clean like that, how blue NBP really is.

It's also so fucking glorious looking when it's perfect like that. Good job.

I was standing next to a black TLX this morning. And gave it a really thorough look over. Good lord that paint job was SHIT! It had so much orange peel it was depressing. Worse than the Hyundai Tucson parked next to it. Nothing even close to what the 3Gs came with.

TL-GIXXER

Looks nice and wet.... I'm happy with the end result

Just have to see how long the shine lasts

And yes, it really does look great in the sun. The blues really stand out

se05

Looks sharp. You cleaned the inside of the wheels.

TL-GIXXER

They're always that clean

NJALLDAY57

iTrader: (1)

Nice job! I have a nbp 3G that's swirled to shit as well. I'd really like to take a Saturday and get it cleaned up. What's a porter cable? Just like a regular polishing wheel?

TL-GIXXER

TL-GIXXER

I spent about 4 hours on it.
-washed
-clayed
-wiped
-swirl removal
-glaze
-wax

I ran out of time and didn't do the front bumper or the roof. But the swirls are gone, as you can see from the pictures.

My back hurts, my neck hurts, but my car looks awesome in the sun again

shotta

iTrader: (1)

wow it looks good...do mines lol

truonghthe

I wouldn't use the 105 and 205 unless the paint has really heavy oxidization or reall dull looking.

This was done with the 105 before and after (Only the 105 and follow with a glaze afterward).





And I have to wet sand this fender down.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Wow, nice job Gixxer. Now, just maintaining and keeping it that way is the next difficult part.....

TL-GIXXER

For a fee, sure

And yes Steve, now that I have a nice base to maintain, I figure a decent wax once a month, I'll be good. I hand wash the car every week (at least) and now, with the PC, a nice wax that can just build and build will be very easy.

TL-GIXXER

truong,
Was the 105 used on the Twinkie too?

vietxquangstah

iTrader: (7)

Your swirls don't look too bad compared to mine. You must have been a lot more gentle with your TL during your hand washing sessions compared to me.

I didn't know much about car washing prior to picking up detailing and these pictures show it

Before and after pictures shows the results immediately after using ultimate compound and wiping it with a microfiber towel. This was the first time I've ever done any paint correction to my car.

I picked up 105 and 205 and used it a few months later with good results.









This is where the blue really comes out



I did use 105 and 205 on a red Ferrari California with good results

shotta

iTrader: (1)

how much would you charge

wilztlxs

iTrader: (8)

You should get it coated with Opti-Coat Pro or Gloss-Coat, no need to wax again, keeps the shine, all you need to do is wash the car. Opti-Coat Pro requires a Authorized Optimum detailer to apply and lasts 5 years. The Gloss-Coat can be purchased by anyone and will last 2 years.

TL-GIXXER

Man, I have no idea. Have you ever clayed your car?

TL-GIXXER

Opti-coat I've thought about. Gloss-Coat? Never heard of it

truonghthe

that wasn't a Twinkie that is a grinder

wilztlxs

iTrader: (8)

Gloss-Coat is the consumer version, it doesn't last as long as Opti-Coat Pro.

Optimum Gloss-Coat

I have my TL coated with Gloss-Coat, always has a nice Gloss look after its washed.

https://acurazine.com/forums/photogr.../#post15201759

nismotypeS

I only detailed my NBP once with a PC, using Meguiars clay,compound, polish, and black wax. Would you recomend me using Meguiars 105 & 205 to get those swirls and medium scratches?

truonghthe

Meguairs swirl remover will remove 95% of the swirl you see, again I DO NOT recommend using the 105 unless your paint started to fade even so try to use the 205 prior touch the 105. As far as a pro details shop charge goes it varry between $300-$450 for wash, clay, remove swirl, polish and wax. The cost will raise if the paint need restoration.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

^^^^ This.....

TL-GIXXER

I'm just being real here. I NOT a professional detailed, but I can sure make a car look great. The 105 looks like it's a professional product. The high level of abrasives really made me stay away from it. My paint did NOT need to be cut.

The 205 is abrasive as well, but not as much as the 105.

I would suggest going with the swirl remover and if you don't like the results, simply try the 205 in an inconspicuous area.

If you follow what I did, you'll be almost guaranteed to get the same result.

And I didn't cut any clear off of my car.

damaged442

Well done! Looks much improved. I am FAR from a professional detailer myself, but I appreciate making things shinier. I too have the PC and it has really done a damn good job. I was concerned initially about screwing my paint up, but the PC is very user friendly.

I think you made a wise decision to go with the swirl remover. One thing I have been told repeatedly is to go with the least aggressive first. Step up if and when you have to.

I thought about going the 105/205 route, but the paint was in good shape, so I looked into an AIO instead. I have had decent luck using XMT360 on a white 5.5" LC CCS pad. Top it with some Collinite 845 and enjoy another beverage.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

With that color the hard part is the maintenance.

EddieOnAZ

Nice job! What specific glaze and wax combo did you use? Your TL looks fantastic The blue on NBP is indeed incredible. I had never noticed it before working on a black accord coupe a while back. Such a rich color, almost makes me regret buying SSM but then when you talk to the guys that own NBP you realize how easy we have it compared to them :P

M105 isn't that brutal on your paint IMO. it's made mostly for correcting small scratches in the clear coat or deep swirls. It also finishes surprisingly well when paired with the good pads. You are right that it shouldn't be used all the time but when the situation calls for it there's no real danger to using it. We don't use rotary polishers, burning through our clear coat with a DA would take some serious work.

M205 is wonderful. It doesn't have much correcting power so you literally have nothing to worry about. It leaves a flawless finish behind when paired with a pad with little to no cut.

truonghthe

^^^^the lesson here is if you need to cut extra layer of clear coat in the future there will be some left, If you keep using the 105 over and over again then each time the clear coat get thinner and thinner eventually its gone. This is why you always start with the LEAST aggressive pads and compound, Meguairs swirl remover is good enough for 95% swirl we normally see on the car if they have a hard time to get it out then just step up with the next level of agressive pads. I am far from being a Pro details but all of this was a lesson learned after I screw up in my NBP Accord.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

^^^ Good advice right there.