Don't know if you all saw the post about my wife getting in an accident resulting in $17K worth of damage, but we finally got it back about 2 weeks ago. Since then, I have been working on the paint with a combination of polishes and a wax with a random orbital buffer. Results are so far so good.

Please tell me what you think!

Thanks,
Dustin

Shiny!

What products are you using? And tell us a bit more about the processes you're doing.

Looks good!

Pics of my '05 Mada

Shiny!

What products are you using? And tell us a bit more about the processes you're doing.

It's a rather lengthy process, but if you are up to it, the reward is great.

First, I use a clay bar to remove surface contaminants such as overspray from paint, road tar, and industrial fallout. Believe it or not, even new cars have this on their paint. Mine was horrible even before the accident. If you run your hand along the top surfaces of the paint (hood, roof and bumpers) and you feel a "sandpaper" effect, you need to clay the paint. You can pick up some "Clay Magic" from Autozone for around $12 I believe. It comes with the clay and a lubricant you use along with it.

For all the actions below, I used a Porter Cable (PC) Random Orbital Polisher that you buy at Lowe's for $99. This piece is amazing because unlike orbital buffers, you practically can't burn your paint with this. If you press too hard, it stops spinning. Idiot proof for people like me. :) Also, remove all products below with a high-quality microfiber towel. The stuff sold at Sam's Club will not cut it.

Second was Poorboys Polishes. First I used Super Swirl Remover (SSR) 2.5, then SSR 1, with 2.5 being a heavier swirl remover. If the paint is new as most of yours is, try the SSR 1 first before going to anything heavier. You always want to start small. This action actually removes the light scratches and imbedded dirt in the paint. The key word is remove. Most waxes you see out there advertising to eliminate swirl marks only fill the swirls in, and don't remove them. Using the PC, I used a light cutting pad at a speed of around 5. Work in sections of 2' x 2' at a time. Sometimes you have to keep going over the section more than once.

If the scratches aren't all the way removed with the SSR 1, go to a heavier pad and polish like the SSR 2 or 2.5. However, I used the SSR 2.5 with a medium cutting pad and experienced light hazing of the paint. This is perfectly normal and you must follow up with SSR 1 to get rid of the hazing. The SSR 2.5 and medium cutting pad are not fine enough for final polishing.

After I was satisifed with the polish results, I used Klasse All In One. (AIO) This is a purely wipe-on-wipe-off product that you apply by hand. This step is to final prep the paint for the wax I use.

Finally, the wax I use is called Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection. I applied it with my PC at speed 3 to evenly and lightly spread the product. A little goes a long way. Also, I used a zero abraisive pad to apply it, since the wax has no abraisive properties in it. Let the product dry for 30 mins or more, then buff off. 24-hours later, apply a second coat.

To some of you, this may seem extreme but I like to spend time with my cars and take care of them since I spent to much damn money on it. If you want more info on detailing to the level I did, log into www.detailcity.com and there are many different combinations people use. If anything read up on the advantages of machine applied polishes over hand applied and look at the pictures that are posted. Some are just stunning. PM me if you have any questions.

Here's another pic of my Armada. This time, I used Zaino to see the different results. I think I like the Zaino better.

Here's a couplt more shots of the 'Mada...

zanio rocks! I highly recommend it to everyone. Its very easy to put on (hell of a lot easier than wax). Just need the z2pro, the zfx, and the z6.

Very true. I would additionally recommend Z-5 for dark colors to help hide swirls and light scratches.

I like zaino as well but I will skip the z6 next time I think it only smeared the z2.

I like zaino as well but I will skip the z6 next time I think it only smeared the z2.

The Z-6 is supposed to make application of the next coat easier, and it also bonds with the previous layer you applied. If it smeared, then maybe the previous layer didn't dry enough before you attempted to remove it? I don't get any smearing from the Z-6 at all. What kind of towels do you use? I use a high grade microfiber and that could be the reason as well. :confused:

The Z-6 is supposed to make application of the next coat easier, and it also bonds with the previous layer you applied. If it smeared, then maybe the previous layer didn't dry enough before you attempted to remove it? I don't get any smearing from the Z-6 at all. What kind of towels do you use? I use a high grade microfiber and that could be the reason as well. :confused:


ditto, I use high quality cotton bath towels (USA). I use the Z6 after every wash and it brings back the deep luster with no smearing what so ever. The Z6 IMO gives it an even deeper look...plus it smells good.

I used the z6 inbetween and after z2 and z5 and inbetween no biggy but after z2 final I just find spots that seem smeared, maybe I am not drying it up quick enough, this was the first time I used the zaino so maybe it will get better as I go or should I say maybe I will get better at it as I go. I surly dired the polish up enough before wiping it off. I used cotton towls, I have some microfiber towls I am going to use next time to see how it works out. all in all the product works great.

Pics of my '05 Mada


Looks Great! Where did you get the Chrome Grill Guard? Price? Quality? Installation?

I would suggest checking out the Finish Kare FK1 paint decontamination system. www.fk1usa.com.