I am about to purchase all my supplies to try and make my 03 NBP CL-S look pretty again. This is my first time using the UDM, and I am a bit nervous.

My paint is pretty oxidized, and has more then its fair share of swirl marks as well as some scratches. I dont think the car has been detailed in its lifetime

Any tips you guys can give me? Im not looking for a full write-up (I am currently reading through the how-to pages on Detailed Images website, good stuff ), so just little tips or tricks or things to look out for would be appreciated.

Thanks, and I hope to be addicted sometime in the coming week

 

wash, clay, compound, polish, seal, wax

the end

 

Tips for first time buffer use...

- Be very patient and don't expect instant professional results.
- Tape off any area you want to make sure doesn't get polished or you want polish residue in
- Invest in a quality light set, usually ~$30 or so gets you a dual 500w halogen setup
- Don't over use polish, start with 2 or 3 pea sized drops per working area
- Keep your working area to 12" x 12" until you are getting the results you're looking for and slowly increase the working size as you feel comfortable. Working in smaller areas allows you to pass over each area more times as the polish won't dry out as quickly.
- Move the buffer at about 1" per second, yes this is VERY slow, but important
- Apply ~ 15 lbs of pressure to the head of the buffer (just shy of the buffer bogging down is the sweet spot).
- Re-wash after polishing to help remove polish residue in the cracks, etc.
- Always clay prior to polishing for maximum results
- Follow up with your choice of protection after your polishing session.

There's a few tips off the top of my head. If there's anything specific you have a question on let us know.

Good luck and keep us posted on how everything turns out for you.

George

 

If you are careful and don't use too much polish you won't get it in the cracks ... I do a alcohol/water wipedown after polishing to clean the surface for the LSP. Saves the wash.

For newbies I suggest the Optimum Line of polishes because the have good working time and don't dry up and dust on you . Some polishes have short working time and if they dry they can mar.

 

First and foremost, theres no sense on busting the bank with products your not going to use. This is the biggest mistake I see beginners make over and over.
Theres quite a few products available OTC that can get you by in regards to soaps and cleaners, but polishes, pads, detailers and sealants are usually a cut above when purchased through a reliable detailing products site.
Obviously a random orbital is in your best interest, along with a handful of polishing and sealant pads. One thing I express over and over again is get comfortable with the machine. Theres no excuse for expecting professional results if this is something you have never done before. It just doesnt happen that way. Rest assured, you will be achieving unbelievable results in very short order. I would also recommend you "play" with one panel for a little while while getting used to machine, pads and polish characteristics, before moving on to the entire car. Its very improtant you just take your time, and make this a hobby, instead of a "job". In other words, have fun and dont turn this into blood sweat and tears.
Polishes should be EASY to use, and dust residual should be at an extreme minimum if at all. Always make sure your pad supports your product.
Sealant, also know as polymers or synthetics, are applied with non abrasive pads. They can be applied by hand, but if your buying a $125.00+ machine, why not use it for everything? Just buy a $8.00 pad for this task.
Quick detailers, use frequently to extend wash periods.
Spray waxes, use monthly to maintain protection and surface slickness.
Wash, clay, polish, seal, enjoy!!!

 

Thankyou guys. So Optimum is easier to use for a noob such as myself?

 

I believe it is......

 

these tips are helpful, i also had a question about buffing. are there any adverse effects on the paint if too much pressure is applied while buffing polish?

 

My advice would be whatever products you apply use sparingly. It's very easy to use more than you actually need and with the price of some of these products this advice will help your wallet. LOL!

 

I believe you would be taking off more polish then you want to which will weaken your paint's protection.

Leading to big problems later...

You don't need that much pressure.

 

Too much pressure isnt a good thing. #1 it prematurely breaks down abrasives, and is not good for the machine. Let the abrasives and pads cutting features and rotation do the work. Additional pressure is ok, just dont go overboard. If you find the machine is getting a little warm to the touch, ummmmm your using way to much pressure.....

 

Very good info.

Excel: I replied to your PM btw.

 

There is so much good info. and support here in the Wash & Wax Forum.

I've learned so much...

I'm not sure you are aware what you have just got yourself into.

Detailing is addicting.

 

You got that right!

Man, living on the east coast, I look forward to warm weather like a second birthday...

 

Haha...

 

Cars in general are addicting for me, so alittle extra put into paint protection is worth it for me

 

ooo cool thanks for the tips guys

 

Good advice, to which I would just add if I may-

Apply sufficient pressure on the machine to compress the pad 50% (this equates to approx 15 Lbs) if you’re not sure apply pressure until the machine almost stalls and then back-off a little