Abused Black Civic (Lots of 800x600 jpegs)

[GSRstilez]

*Detailed for a good friend of mine*

Well, before we get started, I'd like to say that the specs on the paint after polishing/waxing are the blue flake in the paint reflecting off the sun. I could not get a good close-up of it, but it's not lint...I use microfibers :D .

So this Civic is a 1998 with 160k miles on it. It was garaged, but not really washed and NEVER protected. The process was:

Wash - Mother's Gold
Clay - Clay Majic
Rinse and Dry - Pakshak WW MF
Polished - SFP x 2 w/ LC White Polishing Pad on the Makita 9227c
Wax - S100


Before
http://img37.photobucket.com/albums/v114/GSRstilez/civ1.jpg

After
http://img37.photobucket.com/albums/v114/GSRstilez/civ12.jpg

[GSRstilez]

Swirled to Heck
http://img37.photobucket.com/albums/v114/GSRstilez/civ3.jpg

Pretty Much All Removed
http://img37.photobucket.com/albums/v114/GSRstilez/civ4.jpg

[GSRstilez]

Dull, Swirled, and notice the bad scuffs where the "Civic" and "DX" were removed by the owner with a plastic spatulla :scared
http://img37.photobucket.com/albums/v114/GSRstilez/civ5.jpg

After
http://img37.photobucket.com/albums/v114/GSRstilez/civ6.jpg

[GSRstilez]

Gashed and Swirled Rear Bumper
http://img37.photobucket.com/albums/v114/GSRstilez/civ7.jpg

After
http://img37.photobucket.com/albums/v114/GSRstilez/civ8.jpg

[GSRstilez]

Whole Rear Bumper
http://img37.photobucket.com/albums/v114/GSRstilez/civ9.jpg


On the Left (Wash and Clayed) --- On the Right (Wash, Clayed, and Polished)
http://img37.photobucket.com/albums/v114/GSRstilez/civ11.jpg

[GSRstilez]

All Done
http://img37.photobucket.com/albums/v114/GSRstilez/civ13.jpg

http://img37.photobucket.com/albums/v114/GSRstilez/civ14.jpg


All Comments and Questions Welcomed!

[gb387]

that is a big transformation! Good Work

[Mike Phillips]

Hi GSRstilez,

I noticed you used a Meguiar's product...

Good old #82 Swirl Free Polish...

Mike

[GearHead_1]

That's the same thing I picked up on.

[Bri9801]

I noticed it as well


Got great results though

Nice Job

[Billorlando]

I am wondering what did you finish it with I know you used the swirl free polish but what type of wax did you use? Anyway it a good job and I believe the owner was really shocked.These are the fun ones .However you probably know that the hard ones are when some one tried to fix it and then you get it ... Ouch! you can spend all day on those ones..

[Bri9801]

Originally posted by Billorlando
I am wondering what did you finish it with I know you used the swirl free polish but what type of wax did you use?



Originally posted by GSRstilez
Wax - S100

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Billorlando
I am wondering what did you finish it with I know you used the swirl free polish but what type of wax did you use? Anyway it a good job and I believe the owner was really shocked. These are the fun ones .However you probably know that the hard ones are when some one tried to fix it and then you get it ... Ouch! you can spend all day on those ones..

S100 is a version of P21S. It is less expensive than P21S and can usually be found in Motorcycle shops. Nether of these two waxes increase darkness which is a characteristic most enthusiasts prefer out of a medium, to dark colored paint. P21S does add gloss, but most car waxes can do that.

While I have not used the S100, I have used the P21S and it's a lot like our #16 Professional Paste wax which will also not darken most previously polished surface.

At a recent Mercedes-Benz clinic, a club member brought their freshly waxed black Mercedes-Benz into the Meguiar’s Garage where I demonstrated how the P21S does not darken paint.

The owner applied it to a small spot on the hood and then wiped it off and nobody could tell where he applied it. I then applied Gold Class, #26 and NXT and about 20 or so people could quickly see what I was talking about. I’m pretty sure the owner of the Mercedes-Benz switched waxes after that demonstration because what he wanted was a deep, dark, highly reflective black finish.

All and all, GSRstilez’s above detail looks good. His before and after pictures show a dramatic difference. It shows that he achieved good results with many different products.

Two thumbs up GSRstilez! :D

Mike

[Rockpick]

Great work GSRstilez!! Thanks for all the pictures!

[GSRstilez]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the compliments!

As far as my polishing techniques. I love working with SFP. My favorite polish by far. It is a piece of cake to work with and you get amazing results. Although I have DACP, I don't use it as much. A double pass with SFP is more desirable in my eyes, than trying SFP, realizing I need to go more abrasive, then DACP, then back to SFP to remove any haze.

I feel using appropriate speeds (1300-1500 rpm) on the rotary, with moderate pressure initially than lightening up after each pass and overlapping passes by 50%, SFP can remove an awful lot. With the rotary, it seems SFP is a whole new product (compared to hand application). After one pass, most all defects are removed. I go over it again to remove any more I see that can be removed.

It is also based on the customer too. I try to explain the benefits of having a properly detailed car (clayed, polished completely, and protected), but some just apt for a cheaper job. Many customers I currently have wouldn't know a swirl if they looked at their car in direct sun. To them, having a car free of dirt, with a glossy finish, and slick feel is more than enough.

As far as S100 goes, many like it because like Mike has stated above, it is very reflective. It is also a piece of cake to use. The thing I like about S100 is how it really shows off on metallic and light color finishes. Now on solid, darker finishes, I think NXT has me right now with its deep, wet look.

As it gets warmer and business speeds back up, I will be sure to try more waxes/sealants. However, I think Meguiar's has sold me for good on their SFP and DACP.

Until next time, thanks for viewing!

[Mike Phillips]

Hi GSRstilez,

Do you ever have any problems with the SFP getting gummy or sticky on the finish? Which pads do you like to use with it?

Have you ever tried the #16 Professional Paste Wax?

Mike

[GSRstilez]

Hi Mike,

I use Lake Country White Polishing Pads. If I don't clean the pads each use, they get very gummy and SFP/DACP is terrible to work with. However, if I wash them in the sink with warm water and Dawn soap, using my hands to agitate the pads and clean them out, I have great results. I wash til the water coming out of the pads when squeezed is clear. I then dry by attaching to the rotary and cranking it up to full speed for 30-60 secs. Following that, I spray the pad with 5 sprays of Meguiar's Quik Detailer, then apply a thin bead of polish on the panel. I took everything you have said on your posts about using polish with a rotary and I have to say...THANK YOU! It really does work!

As far as #16, I have not tried it, but it seems to be getting nice reviews. I could see using it in the future :D .

[Teak]

Good work on the EK. I will have to remeber when de-badging to use a plastic spatulla.

Eric