Need some advice with a fresh paint job

[ospreyfe55]

Hello everyone, this is my first post and I have been looking around and just wanted to get some clarification and advice before proceeding. I just recently painted my motorcycle with a friend, he color sanded and buff my tins but you can still see some swirl/scratch marks when its in the garage or darker light. His method was dry 1500/ wet 1500, wet 3000 and wet 5000 followed by M86, it looks amazing but I just want to clean up those marks. So my plan was to use my craftsman polisher, but i can find a decent plate to fit it so I am looking at getting a new setup as well as use the M205 with W8207 and then followed by M205 with W9207. Also since I need a new polisher or DA and I don't do this type of work very often I was looking at the HF DA or possible a PC 7424XP or should I get a polisher and not a DA? Also I am not sure what backing plate to get or if the 7in pads would work. And advice or help is welcomed. Thanks in Advance.

[ospreyfe55]

Re: Need some advice with a fresh paint job

OK so I was doing some more research and this is what I have found so someone please tell me it this will work.
Meguiar's DBP5 Backing Plate with DFP5 & DFF5 pads and then using the M205. I am looking at the 7424XP or HF DA. Does this sound ok? Also I want to use M305 to protect the new paint until after the cure period is over so that I can use M26 or M34.

[The Guz]

Re: Need some advice with a fresh paint job

Seems like a solid plan. It does sound like you have rotary marks if that is what your friend used to take those sanding marks out. You may need a compound. Try a test spot with M205 and the polishing pad and go from their. If you need a compound, ultimate compound is user friendly.

[ospreyfe55]

Re: Need some advice with a fresh paint job

Guz thanks for the reply. My biggest concern with the ultimate compound/polish was if it was body shop safe or safe for fresh paintjobs (curing process). I have heard that the UC/UP was similar to the M105/M205.

[The Guz]

Re: Need some advice with a fresh paint job

How long has it been since it was painted? Is it still in the body shop?

[ospreyfe55]

Re: Need some advice with a fresh paint job

It was painted about 3 weeks ago and then dry/wet sanded and buffed with #86 about 2 weeks ago. There is still a few light swirl marks in the paint when you hit it with a light. It looks good outside.

[The Guz]

Re: Need some advice with a fresh paint job

You should be fine compounding and polishing it considering it's been 3 weeks. It's typical to wait 30 days before waxing and you are almost at the time frame. M305 would work as well if you want to wait a little longer. Either of those products will be fine to use. M105 has a slight learning curve while UC is more user friendly.

I actually waited 3 months before I touched the aftermarket hood on my car with any products.

[ospreyfe55]

Re: Need some advice with a fresh paint job

So the M205 will be fine with what pads and BP I mentioned above or should I use the ultimate line with the pads mentioned? According to the Paint Company they recommend Watonga 6 month before apply any type of wax. I am just trying to fish the polish on the paint.

[The Guz]

Re: Need some advice with a fresh paint job

This is the typical approach with liquids and pads.

Cutting pad = compound

Polishing pad = polish

Finishing pad = wax/sealant

I would get the 5" backing plate and 5" pads with either DA.

Either product line will work. I like the versatility of M205 versus Ultimate Polish.

[ospreyfe55]

Re: Need some advice with a fresh paint job

Thanks Guz, do you think 2 of each pad is good to get started?

[The Guz]

Re: Need some advice with a fresh paint job

Yeah that should get you started. Be sure to clean them as you go. Search cleaning on the fly on here and on google.