Paint Correction Advice
 

Hi Guys,
Looking for some advice.
I decided to start working on detailing my car, specifically some paint correction. Granted my car isn't 10 years old, but already at 40K including winter driving for 2 years has taken some toll on the paint.
Now I've always been pretty good at keeping the car clean and waxing regularly, but taking care of the paint is another thing.

So I decided to try some paint correction on my own.

I got myself a PorterCable 7424XP DA polisher and starting with some foam CCS pads and Meguiars 105.

Here's a pic of an area I haven't touched yet (top of mirror) so you can get an idea of what the paint condition was like, hood was even worse than that. Lots of swirls and light scratches.
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...505_222217.jpg

So far, I've only done the top of the car (hood, roof, trunk) on Saturday as I had to wrap it up to head out to the track for lapping.

I used an Orange CCS pad with Megs M105, then a polish with a green pad with 205, followed with wax to finish up.
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...505_221900.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...505_222357.jpg

Looks pretty good, and its a big improvement but I can still see some scratches although all the swirls are all gone, car looks much better.

I did spend quite some time per square doing multiple passes with the 105, but only a quick pass with the 205 for polish before wax.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...5_222436_1.jpg

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...505_222415.jpg

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/e...505_222255.jpg

Is this the best it will look?
How much correction can I continue to do to remove the scratches?
Should I use a more aggressive pad or compound?
Leave the rest for the pros?

I would step up to a yellow CCS pad (but a regular flat pad works better IMO), the orange is more of a medium cut, you're going to need a heavy cut pad to get those scratches out with the Porter Cable. The 105 is plenty aggressive enough of a compound. It takes alot of work to get those deeper RIDS (random isolated deep scratches) out, especially with the Porter Cable. It's a good machine but does not have a ton of power for that kind of heavy correction work. It will still do the job, but is going to take a few more passes on those deeper scratches.

^ I would listen to this guy… I would say it looks ok, but not a job I would be happy with.

For sure, it's an improvement from where it was, but not really full results.

I've also just been told to mark the backing plate so I can tell if it stops rotating, therefore not cutting enough which probably means too much pressure.

This is why we offer a step process when paint correction is needed. You will need to go over everything again if you want a flawless shine. :(

Because you didn't use the proper cutting pad and compound it didn't break down heavier scratches. Its always best to test a 2x2 ft section to see were you need to be at with what pad and compound will break down the paint to a smooth finish. I cant stress this enough. Paint correction can not be achieved with one or two bottles of compound/polish. You need to bring the paint from a 1000-1500 grit level to around 3500-4000 grit level. You can not start in the middle unless you are very experienced in inspecting the paint. Novice need to refer to above and test!

The porter cable is more then powerful enough, with the proper pad and compound/polish.

PM us if you need any help. :)