Heart of Carolina Mustang Club Detail Tech Day

October 25, 2014presented by:

Before Polishing….● Prepping the car for compounding/polishing

○ Wash the vehicle using the method/manual provided. Refer to Reflective Image of North Carolina’s “How to Properly Wash/Dry a Vehicle.”

● Claybar: What is it used for? Why is it important before polishing a vehicle?○ Claybar : used to remove contaminants from the

paint that normally cannot be seen by the human eye. Examples are Rail Dust, Road Grime, etc.

Before Polishing…. ● Taping off all trim pieces to ensure nothing is

damaged when polishing.● Appropriate work lighting: Halogen vs LED

○ Halogen Lighting: Releases more heat, yellowish tint. Standard light setup for many detailers, inexpensive. (Lowes: $30-$50)

○ LED Lighting: Less heat, provides blue/white tint which can be used to see more defects, more expensive than halogen, new within the detail industry. (Lowes: $35-$70) Some cost hundreds.

Compound & Polish ● Understanding what “compound” and

“polish” is and what purpose they serve?

○ compound : used for severe defects, often requires a more abrasive pad for effectiveness. Should always be followed up with a polish. Gritty

○ polish : used for removing light defects within the paint finish. (Removes Micro-marring, Holograms, light Swirl Marks, and retains clarity and depth)

Polishers● Understanding the different types of

polishers on the market and what each one is capable of? Rupes LHR 15ES, Porter Cable 7424XP, Makita Rotary 9227C○ Rupes LHR 15ES: One of the best polisher’s on the

market. 15 Millimeter Throw, Silky Smooth Start, will not leave behind buffer trails, uses 5.5 inch - 6.0 inch pads, can remove up to 1500 grit sand marks. Uses only Rupes Pads. 5000 RPM-OPM, 500 watt motor is more energy efficient compared to others.

Polishers● Understanding the different type’s of

polishers on the market and what each one is capable of?○ Porter Cable 7424XP: Industry standard for years.

Has backing plate adjustment capabilities: 6 inch, 5 inch, 4 inch, etc. 4.5 Amp Motor, Weighs under 6 lbs, will not burn through paint. 4-8 millimeter throw? Uses Lake Country Pads. Excellent tool for beginners as the dual action motion will not burn through paint. 2500-6800 OPM variable speed.

Polishers● Understanding the different type’s of

polishers on the market and what each one is capable of? ○ Makita 9227C: Variable Speed Rotary Polisher(spins

in one direction or one rotation). Larry from Ammo Detail describes this polisher as a scalpel. Weighs 7 lbs. 0-3000 RPM. Cut’s very fast especially when paired with an aggressive pad. 7 inch polisher. Heavier than most polishers. Practice required.

Tips While Polishing● Make sure the pad is brand new or clean.

After every pass or every panel completed make sure to clean and prime the pad.

● Pay special attention to corners, edges, trim pieces, other parts of the vehicle that can be damaged while polishing.

● Do not wear belts especially ones that have a big buckle. No jewelry!

Tips While Polishing

● Read and carefully follow directions on the right amount of compound or polish to use and also how long it must be worked in.

● Avoid using anything bigger than a 7 inch pad IMO. With all the different contours and body lines on vehicles it’s easier to control smaller more versatile combinations/machines.

Tips While Polishing● Always have your finger near the power

supply switch in case of an emergency. ● Understand that patience is key. The car

cannot achieve a brilliant shine completed properly in 30 minutes. It takes time.

● Focus and watch what the machine and the polish are doing to the paint. You may need more, you may need less.

Tips While Polishing

● Always start off by trying the least abrasive method. Keeping as much clear coat as possible is the key. Test spots are a must!

● Make sure to seal up your work! Sealant, wax, coating, etc.

● Watch the backing plate especially around edges and corners

Carnauba Wax, Synthetic Wax, Sealant, Coating

● Carnauba Wax: Produces a brilliant shine, all natural, ease of application: Medium, 6-8 weeks of protection

● Synthetic Wax: Chemically engineered to produce the looks of a Carnauba Wax but has better long term durability

● Sealant: 5-6 months durability, lack of pop or shine compared to Carnauba Wax

Microfiber & Pad Care

● Always remove the tags from new microfiber towels

● Inspect the microfiber closely before use(even if the microfiber is brand new)

● Microfiber towels do differ from one to another (different %’s of Polyester for different uses) ie. Autogeek’s Micro Chart

Microfiber & Pad Care

● Separate your Microfibers: Interior, Exterior, Wax Removal, Engine Bay, Glass, etc.○ Glass: When cleaning glass windows, use at least

two towels. Also, never mix the microfibers and glass towels when washing/cleaning them.

● Store microfibers in a safe place away from potential debris○ Ziploc Gallon Bags, Plastic Storage Bins

Microfiber & Pad Care● Pads: Treat them like you would the

microfiber towels. Make sure to clean all compound/polish residue after each use. This will prolong the life of the pad.

● Use a soft bristled brush to work the residue out of the pad, rinse as needed, ring out dry and leave in a safe place to fully dry (Do not put in washer or dryer)

Microfiber & Pad Care● Store in a safe, dry place preferably

enclosed to keep particles off the pad. More pads the better!!!

● Pay attention to the back of each pad to make sure they’re good for the next job at hand. The velcro attachment will eventually start to wear which at this point it’s best to dispose of pad.

Microfiber & Pad Care● Microfiber Towels and Pads should air dry

due to preserving the quality of the towels and pads long term.

● Many different microfiber rejuvenator products on the market. Remember free and clear when shopping for a cleaner.

● If a dryer is used for microfiber towels, the No Heat/Low Heat setting should be used

Microfiber & Pad Care

● If you drop a pad or microfiber pad on the ground, grab a new one!

● You get what you pay for! Quality of towels matter!

Meguiar’s 105/205 Combination● Prime the pad…..A MUST. Demo● When using the PC 7424XP the product

should be worked in at the highest speed. Speed 6 on the PC 7424XP.

● Play with the amount of water mixed in with the 105 or 205. The versatility of the product changes depending on dilution/mix.

Questions or Comments1. Are rinseless car wash solutions worth the investment? 2. What do you recommend for waxing and what wax do you prefer? 3. How can you remove water spots safely from the paint finish? 4. What’s the difference between Paint Sealants, Waxes, Coatings? 5. How can you safely remove orange peel from the paint finish?

Special Thanks To:Heart of Carolina Mustang ClubDave OlechovskyKevin Brown (Buffdaddy.com)DetailedImage.com ● Coupon code for HCMC members in

attendance today is HCMC20 valid through April 25, 2015.