Ultimate compound not working as I'd like

[stwarrior23]

So I have a 2009 ford mustang, bought it a year ago and it had alot of swirls and scratches just never got around to fixing till now, looks shiny and perfect but when the sun hits it, it's looks awful

So I cleaned the car with a foam cannon, then hand washed, clayed and then rewashed. Then went to compounding and polishing, watched all the videos I could and read all tips here, chemical guys and Adams.

My problem is I used the UC and UP and it still has a bunch of swirls. I used the blue pad 5.5inch from Adams for UC and the orange pad for the UP. I set it to speed 1 to spread and speed 4-6 for a couple slow passed for the I'D and speed 3 for the UP. I tried by hand a couple spots didn't do much IMO and I tried swirlx also was just ok still had a bunch of swirls after

My question is does it just need more compound like do I just have to keep hitting it again because the swirls are deep or hit it with a microfiber pad or did I do something wrong? I didn't use any sort of strip wax or anything like that when washing.

Thanks I know this topic is asked alot.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Ultimate compound not working as I'd like

Welcome to Meguiar's Online.

First, I wanted to mention, in regards to the use/addition of a foam cannon for washing. In our opinion, for most situations, foam cannons/guns/lances should be used in addition to a traditional "two bucket wash" method. Where as, Car in shade to cool down, rinse with water, foam, let dwell, rinse with water, and then perform a standard two bucket wash method, wipe high quality accessories, gentle touch, and good technique.

So, in regards to your defect removal process, lets see if we can work you towards the right direction.

Are you using a dual action polisher? If so, which one?

The blue Adams pad you are referring to, what is that designated? Cutting, Polishing, etc.?

How large of an area are you working in at a time?

How would you rate your pressure of the tool? Light, moderate, moderate - heavy?

What color is your mustang?

From here we can start to make recommendations. Thanks.

Nick

[stwarrior23]

Re: Ultimate compound not working as I'd like

Hello, I always use a 2 bucket method plus the adams and chemical guys Microfiber towels that i wash after every use.

Are you using a dual action polisher? If so, which one? Yes harbor freight (6 In. 5.7 Amp Heavy Duty Dual Action Variable Speed Polisher)

The blue Adams pad you are referring to, what is that designated? Cutting, Polishing, etc.? The blue pads are for moderate cutting and then the orange one is for cutting for swirls and light scratches

How large of an area are you working in at a time? 2x2

How would you rate your pressure of the tool? Light, moderate, moderate - heavy? I would say light to moderate

What color is your mustang? Red

[snozan]

Re: Ultimate compound not working as I'd like

One thing i learned is: time. Never move to next panel before you're pleased with the one you worked on.

[The Guz]

Re: Ultimate compound not working as I'd like

What size pads are these? 5" or 5" pads with a proper sized backing plate would take full advantage of the tools power.

I am not sure about those pads as I have never used them. But you would want to use the cutting pad with ultimate compound and a polishing pad with ultimate polish. This is a general statement as sometimes these polishes can be used with various pads. You may also need a microfiber pad if the paint is on the harder side.

Did you do a test spot prior to starting your process? Always start with the least aggressive combination. For example a polishing pad with UP. Then adjust from there. This will tell you how to proceed around the entire car.

Technique plays a factor as well. This includes things such as arm speed and tool speed. If you are new to polishing with a DA this will take practice.

The other thing is are you priming the pad? If so how are you doing it?

Are you cleaning the pads as you go? Are you cycling pads out as they get loaded with spent product and paint residue?

If you have not seen this video, I recommend you watch it.