dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

Hi all I just got a black Tsx. The car is CPO and only had 12k miles.. But looks like previous owner drove it through the car wash every-week...

I do not have a PB and will be doing this by hand. What do you guys recommend?

The paint is flawless, but as soon as the sun hits the clear coat it just looks like crap...

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

Also let me add that I do not have a garage here in WV, and have about 3 hours a night to do this, so I was thinking of doing couple of panels per night.

So miss my garage in Florida

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

you cannot correct paint by hand

nj2pa2nc

just a suggestion-take the car to a professional detailer, pay the money and have it done right.

nj2pa2nc

especially with the crabman's claws

jwr0ng626

iTrader: (1)

You can always invest in a porter cable + everything else you'll need for ~ $300ish and be able to do a few cars? or pay a detailer to correct the paint... either way it will be pricey.

goosemuerte

+1^
Id invest in a polisher as well. I dont trust anyone else with my finish. I seen some pretty horrific stuff when sent off to have some one else do it

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

you need a PC or a professional detailer. hand correction is NOT going to fix the swirls. well it could but you'll be rubbing your arm off. invest in a PC...then you'll be hooked and really OCD. if this girl can use one...you can too.

Jesstzn

You can't paint every detailer with the same brush... these hacks are in business because cheap ass people don't want to spend for quality work ... someone has to fill the void.


Like the member on here getting a $35 detail then bitch cuz there was polish left all over.

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

Hi guys what would you guys recommend me getting, I have amazon prime so I can get everything from there and it will be shipped to me by Thursday.

What pads do I need?

for polish I was going to use the Ultimate compound to remove the swirls and thinking of finishing it off with by hand using surf city garage wax. Or do guy recommend something different? kinda tight on time so most likely restricted to something from amazon.com or local shelf at walmart or auto stores.

Any help will be appreciated

So I will be doing my 2001 TL with 170k (OG owner bought her on Jan 21st 2001 and all 170k by me!!!)
I will also be doing our 2010 Honda CRV and the TSX so will need enough product to do 3 cars.

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

you could use the meg's pads (since you picked the meg's polisher) or the lake country 5.5" pads as jesstzn mentioned. if you go lake country...orange pads with the meg's UC and blue/black or red pads for the wax (LSP). i use lake country pads with a porter cable polisher.

meg's UC is pretty good. i've used it on the few cars i've done (completely deswirled my friend's STi) and it is very user friendly and you really don't need an in between before the LSP stage.

of course the combo of pads and products you use will depend on the condition of the paint you are planning to work on. i'm certainly no expert, but a few of the resident detailing gurus will pop in to enlighten you on the products a little more in depth.

you can always go to autogeek.net to do a little more research, or detailersdomain...it is overwhelming, but once you get your bearings straight it's all good.

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

Thankx TLtrigirl its sad that me and my wife are huge car geeks but never did a real detail..with 170k on my white TL i only used meguirs wax by hand and the paint still looks amazing....if i can trade derivative and she can do surgery hopefully we can figure this polish thing without ruining a paintjob...

Opinions on Griots Garage?

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

well we all have to start somewhere. i have no experience with griot's products. i've heard good things.

any swirls on the TL?? fine scratches?? i baby the hell out of my TL and did everything by hand for the first 6+yrs. but i still had fine scratches here and there from probably washing/ detailing spray wipe downs/ and don/doffing my car cover. i saw them...they drove me nuts. finally got a porter cable polisher (since it was seemingly idiot proof from everything i've read) and my TL got a proper paint correction and extensive detail. NOW at almost 7 yrs old...she looks brand new like she just came off the dealer lot. not a scratch or ding.

it's not terribly difficult. a little patience and persistence...you really can't mess up the paint unless you REALLY tried with a dual action polisher.

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

The last 2 years have taken a toll on the TL. First its almost 12 years since I got it, so there are swirls and surface scratches from the past 2 years of neglect. Since is White Diamond Pearl you can hardly tell unless the sun is directly hitting it. The rear bumper is scratched up pretty bad, I was at Moes enjoying my Burrito when someone hit the car. It was minor so I didn't really worry about it. I take it you have a 3rd gen TL.

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

yup i have a 3G TL. the paint on your white TL...you can get it to shine again and deswirl it with a polisher. the dings and deeper scratches...PDR and a repaint or make them less noticeable with the polisher.

you'd be surprised what a PC can do to take fine scratches and swirls out of paint. it's like magic. and can be quite addicting. i'm itching to spot treat my MDX.

the autogeek vids are VERY helpful. once you start working the polisher on the car you'll figure out exactly how much pressure or how long you should work the product into the paint based on how much correction is needed. a little practice, and you should catch on pretty quickly. just take your time the first few times out. with patience will bring rewards.

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

OK about to pull the trigger please advice. I have two choices for full kits from amazon prime.

1. Meguiars
and with this

Second choice is this.


I will be ordering soon.

nj2pa2nc

Personally I use the Meguiar products and they do the job. Never heard of Griots. I also like Mother's products.

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

i haven't used microfiber bonnets for correction only the LC foam pads. maybe jesstzn wants to chime in here.

and then gloss over the power differences over the meg's and griot's machines and their ease of use....i've read stuff but have zero personal experience with either machine.

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

Thinking about this with the meguirs kit. Seems like everything I need correct.

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

oh so many choices. can't really go wrong with a PC...i have heard other things with the other polishers...did you check out autogeek? or detailersdomain or autopia?? autogeek has the best vids....

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

OK got the Dual action today, with the Meguiars microfiber correction kit..... WOW! how did I live without a orbital for the last 12 years of driving...... So I woke up super early today and washed the car at home before work. At 6 I left the office and went to the parking garage and took the car to the top covered floor and did a quick detailer and clay. And then used the kit. I finished up around 11pm.... ITs been a long day.... So here is my V6 TSX... Sorry ill take pictures with a real camera this weekend.

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/5071/tsx14.jpg
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5832/tsx12.jpg
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/939/tsx11.jpg

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

need before and after....or just better "glowing" after pics.

another hooked.

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

Looks like pollen season is in full blast. I will use Meguiars UQD and take some pics.... Are there other quick detailer that are better for the money??I have used aquawax and it felt about the same as the UQD.

Also what Polish and Carnuba do you recommend to get 6 month of durability. I was thinking getting meguairs ultimate polish and Surf City Carnuba. Also hearing great stuff on BlackFire, but a bit pricey.

Jesstzn

Do a Google image search on polleen .. it is very abrasive ... QD'ing it isn't a good plan.

As for your 6 month durability ... unless its a garage queen your not going to get 6 months... a polish doesn't offer protection .. it is used to correct. And any carnuba is good for a few weeks at best. A good sealant is your best bet and if you want to stay low $$ look for Duragloss #105. The key to longivity is the surface prep.

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

I totally forgot about TPP #105. I used this when it first came out years ago on my parents TAhoe and my White TL. Is there any point in topping TPP with a carnauba for extra shine? For applying TPP, I can use a polishing pad and then for carnauba a finishing pad correct. Is any brand better than other or just opinions.

For Pollen can I use ONR, or should I spray the car down and then use ONR.

Thanks

Jesstzn

See bold etc .

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

quick detailer spray....in bulk...meg's last touch. $20 a gallon. love the stuff. leaves the surface of the car silky smooth. and as jesstzn mentioned....dont' use it to wipe off the pollen (can leave fine scratches on surface). like the rest of us, you're gonna either have to live with it until the trees finish doing their business or wash the car every other day (i've been doing the latter, quick hose rinse, then ONR wash f/b either QD or spray wax for glow).

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

Thanks Jesstzn. about the brand, like blackfire, pinnacle, duragloss, and etc......The only waxes I have used are megs and duragloss. Is there a Carnauba that you suggest for topping the TTP or will Megs Gold Class be good enough? I really do appreciate your input.

Jesstzn

In reality you don't even need to top it .. if you want more gloss just add another layer or 2 at least 24 hours apart ..

Isn't Gold Class marketed as a sealant not a carnuba? Usually most OTC stuff has cleaners in it.

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

Sweet thanks