[PatienceWins]

Originally Posted by amazer2013

Any idea where I can buy Isopropyl alcohol? Hardware shop?

Try Medical shops or Chemical shops.

[thoma]

Originally Posted by Pedaltothefloor

You can use Sonax Polish with the pad you have. It will clean the paint pretty decent.

For application by hand on light swirls, how do you rate Sonax Polish vs Meguiar's Ultimate Polish?

[Pedaltothefloor]

Originally Posted by thoma

For application by hand on light swirls, how do you rate Sonax Polish vs Meguiar's Ultimate Polish?

Neither will do anything to swirls by hand. However, UP is overall a better polish - better cleaning ability and better gloss.

[amazer2013]

I am looking at the below polishing machine:
http://www.ebay.in/itm/RUSSIAN-CAR-P...#ht_500wt_1414

It has variable RPM - 600 - 3000. Since I would do polishing only once in 6 months, this would suit my needs and seems to be VFM. What do you think? Is it a good idea?

If yes, can I buy polishing and buffing pads from Megs/LC for this polisher? I would never use the wool pad that comes with the machine though.

[linuxmanju]

Originally Posted by amazer2013

I am looking at the below polishing machine:
http://www.ebay.in/itm/RUSSIAN-CAR-P...#ht_500wt_1414

It has variable RPM - 600 - 3000. Since I would do polishing only once in 6 months, this would suit my needs and seems to be VFM. What do you think? Is it a good idea?

If yes, can I buy polishing and buffing pads from Megs/LC for this polisher? I would never use the wool pad that comes with the machine though.

Spec looks as good as any other, do check if it has M14 thread type. That will give you an option to upgrade to a good backing plate in future. If so, it looks like a good buy.

[shashank.nk]

Thank you for sharing this thread with us ! It is very well detailed and can be a great source of info to everyone.

I have a query,do you happen to know how to get rid of scratches on the interiors (instrument cluster,HU and ACC module) caused by enthusiastic cleaning ? It appears vibhuti, was wiped dry with much too force and has marred the finish so much, it looks real ugly with so many scratches.

PS: I also have a suggestion,please ignore if the same has already been explained before. Could you include cleaning mineral deposits accumulated around logo's and lettering's ? I believe APC is what is used unless there are others you recommend. This is what I mean (Pic taken from Ultimate detailers' gallery)

[amazer2013]

Originally Posted by shashank.nk

Thank you for sharing this thread with us ! It is very well detailed and can be a great source of info to everyone.

I have a query,do you happen to know how to get rid of scratches on the interiors (instrument cluster,HU and ACC module) caused by enthusiastic cleaning ? It appears vibhuti, was wiped dry with much too force and has marred the finish so much, it looks real ugly with so many scratches.

If you have someone coming from the US, try getting a bottle of Meguiars plastx. I've read nice reviews on that. You can know more about it if you search YouTube. I don't know any one selling it in India though

[amazer2013]

Originally Posted by amazer2013

I am looking at the below polishing machine:
http://www.ebay.in/itm/RUSSIAN-CAR-P...#ht_500wt_1414

It has variable RPM - 600 - 3000. Since I would do polishing only once in 6 months, this would suit my needs and seems to be VFM. What do you think? Is it a good idea?

If yes, can I buy polishing and buffing pads from Megs/LC for this polisher? I would never use the wool pad that comes with the machine though.

I have ordered this rotary polisher. Since I'm a newbie in this, can any one of the experts out there kindly suggest a good foam pad for this? I plan to use the Sonax car polish with it.
1. Should support 7" hook n loop (velcro) backing plate (that comes with the machine). I don't plan to change the backing plate at the moment.
2. I don't plan to use compound with it. Should have mildest cut enough to correct only light swirls since mine is a new car.
3. I should also be able to apply wax with it. (Or should I not?)

I have seen enough video tutorials on youtube on how to use a rotary buffer. Plus, first I will use my dad's old Ford Ikon as guinea pig for this experiment and then depending on the results, I'll try the same on my car. This would give me some practice.

[nirmaljusdoit]

Originally Posted by amazer2013

Any idea where I can buy Isopropyl alcohol? Hardware shop?

Amazer2013 - As youre in Bangalore, you can visit Cash Pharmacy on St Marks Road, they will have it in ready stock, or any big medical shop. Or if you know someone from the pharma or electrical industry, they could source it for you.

I have ordered this rotary polisher. Since I'm a newbie in this, can any one of the experts out there kindly suggest a good foam pad for this? I plan to use the Sonax car polish with it.
This should be fine for occasional use. You can use any good brand which makes pads like 3M, Lake country, etc.

1. Should support 7" hook n loop (velcro) backing plate (that comes with the machine). I don't plan to change the backing plate at the moment.
This size of backing plate is quite large and the larger the size, the more difficult to control. Ideal size would be 5" with a 5.5" pad. Locally pads are available to suit the size.

However, if its an occasional usage, you could manage !

2. I don't plan to use compound with it. Should have mildest cut enough to correct only light swirls since mine is a new car.

Please start with the least aggressive approach first (polish) Only if certain areas have heavy swirls then you can use a compound. Conserve the paint thickness as much as possible !

3. I should also be able to apply wax with it. (Or should I not?)

You could, using a black fnishing pad. Top it up with your favorite sealant or wax !

Originally Posted by shashank.nk

I have a query,do you happen to know how to get rid of scratches on the interiors (instrument cluster,HU and ACC module) caused by enthusiastic cleaning ? It appears vibhuti, was wiped dry with much too force and has marred the finish so much, it looks real ugly with so many scratches.

PS: I also have a suggestion,please ignore if the same has already been explained before. Could you include cleaning mineral deposits accumulated around logo's and lettering's ? I believe APC is what is used unless there are others you recommend.

Shashank - you will need to use a plastic polish. Many big brands have it in their range.

Salt deposits such as these can be removed by a good brands APC. try some on a test spot with a soft brush and ensure that it doesnt dwell too long on the paint and is wiped off quickly.

If the deposits are stubborn, they would need to be removed by a specialist chemical preferably by a professional who is experienced !

[Pedaltothefloor]

Originally Posted by amazer2013

I have ordered this rotary polisher. Since I'm a newbie in this, can any one of the experts out there kindly suggest a good foam pad for this? I plan to use the Sonax car polish with it.

The backing plate and pads are very big for a newbie to learn and control. Get yourself a 5" BP and 5.5" pads. I work with the same specs.

As for the Sonax polish, it is a very average product and will dry up pretty quickly if used by machine. Start with a mild polish designed for use with a machine like Meguiar's 205 or Meguiar's Ultimate Polish instead.

So you need the following:

1. 5" Backing Plate (This is what I use and it cost me Rs. 1,850 including shipping. No better quality BP is available in India at the moment at this price)
2. 5.5" Foam polishing pads (Get a Black & White from Chemical Guys Hex Logic Pads to begin with)
3. Meguiar's Ultimate Polish or M205 (Check Autofresh.in )

The BP and pads are a one time investment so it is best to invest in a good flexible backing plate and CG Hex pads are very effective & last a very long time. Black pad is fine for the Ultimate Polish and is their finest pad for polishing (least aggressive). For applying waxes and sealants, you can get their red pad.

[Parthasarathig]

Originally Posted by amazer2013

I have ordered this rotary polisher. Since I'm a newbie in this, can any one of the experts out there kindly suggest a good foam pad for this? I plan to use the Sonax car polish with it.
1. Should support 7" hook n loop (velcro) backing plate (that comes with the machine). I don't plan to change the backing plate at the moment.
2. I don't plan to use compound with it. Should have mildest cut enough to correct only light swirls since mine is a new car.
3. I should also be able to apply wax with it. (Or should I not?)

I have seen enough video tutorials on Youtube on how to use a rotary buffer. Plus, first I will use my dad's old Ford Ikon as guinea pig for this experiment and then depending on the results, I'll try the same on my car. This would give me some practice.

7" backing plate will be very difficult to control for someone new to rotary polishing.

A 5 inch backing plate is ideal.
Check out Greenzcarcare.com. bangalore based outfit - now giving 30% discounts on detailing items also.

I bought this backing plate from them
http://www.greenzcarcare.com/GTechni...id-240896.html

Why not apply the wax by hand - thats a more satisfying feeling.

Good thread you have started @Pedaltothefloor. Car Crazy culture needs to be popularised. Excellent efforts bro.

[aravind.anand]

I am a complete newbie to the detailing field and need your expert advice here

I am planning to do these actions to restore my car's paint -
- Dust the car clean with Jopasu Duster - Already purchased
- Shampoo the car using Wurth shampoo - Got it as a gift, not very satisfied but just living with it. Should I switch to Optimum No Rinse?
- Rinse the car with a bucket full of water - Can this step be eliminated by using ONR in the previous step??
- Use a nice polish to remove the surface swirls and small scratches - Planning to buy Meguair's polish, any pointers here?
- Use a sealant to preserve the polished surface - Planning to buy Collinite 845 for this purpose.

Further, I would be polishing and applying the sealant by hand only, dad has an old rotary polisher, but too skeptical to use that now, as I am a newbie. Please suggest products and improvements to process and sequence to help to acheive a super glossy finish.

The car is Aquarius Blue Fiesta 1.6 S

[Parthasarathig]

Originally Posted by aravind.anand

I am a complete newbie to the detailing field and need your expert advice here

The car is Aquarius Blue Fiesta 1.6 S

Fiesta 1.6 S Thats one awesome car there. Love the color as well.

1. Never dust the car with duster in case of heavy dirt.

2. Optimum no rinse is a good, tried and tested product. You can do rinseless washing with it and wont require a shampoo.

However, personally I prefer to shampoo wash customer cars thoroughly before detailing them. The rinseless washes I keep for post detailing maintenance, as they work a lot better then.

3. Meguiars Ultimate polish like @Pedaltothefloor has suggested is also very good. For hand usage. Do make sure you clay the car or use Optimum Opti Eraser (clay alternative) before doing any polishing, to remove above surface bonded contaminants.

4. Instead of using collinite, why not go for a sealant that will enhance the looks of the lovely blue color of your car? Collinite is definitely a good sealant hands down, but there are better sealants that enhance the looks more.

How about trying out Carpro Reload? Its available in small sample sizes - ive been using that for quite sometime - easiest sealant to apply, amazing beading, amazing glossy shine - althought it lasts only for 2 to 3 months on daily drive.

A sample size bottle usually lasts 2 applications.

And always use microfiber towels.

Do post some after pics of your car once you are done. Lovely choice of car and color.

[madhu33]

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

1. Never dust the car with duster in case of heavy dirt.

Hello, why do you say that?
I have been using a jopasu last 1+ year very regularly on my 2+ year old manza.
I really find it very useful for natural dust particles (polluted /dusty environment parking). Also I feel (after1+ year of use) that it causes no/minimal swirl marks.
Correct me if I am doing this wrong to my car.

[mkh]

Originally Posted by aravind.anand

I am a complete newbie to the detailing field and need your expert advice here

I am planning to do these actions to restore my car's paint -
- Dust the car clean with Jopasu Duster - Already purchased
- Shampoo the car using Wurth shampoo - Got it as a gift, not very satisfied but just living with it. Should I switch to Optimum No Rinse?
- Rinse the car with a bucket full of water - Can this step be eliminated by using ONR in the previous step??
- Use a nice polish to remove the surface swirls and small scratches - Planning to buy Meguair's polish, any pointers here?
- Use a sealant to preserve the polished surface - Planning to buy Collinite 845 for this purpose.

Further, I would be polishing and applying the sealant by hand only, dad has an old rotary polisher, but too skeptical to use that now, as I am a newbie. Please suggest products and improvements to process and sequence to help to acheive a super glossy finish.

The car is Aquarius Blue Fiesta 1.6 S

Good start indeed. Dry dusting is best with a car duster
Now once in a while wash with a shampoo is ok, however there are 2 other ways to wash a car that is NOT very dirty
1. Rinseless wash: This needs 2 buckets and some good MF's. One bucket will have rinseless wash solution diluted and second will have water
More details on these links
http://www.autogeek.net/how-to-use-rinseless-wash.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6IIanm8hNM

http://www.autopiaforums.com/forums/...r-vehicle.html

2. Waterless wash: This is what i use most of the times after dry dusting the car. Its also called quick detailing at times.
This is easier and faster for me, however again using good quality MF and turning to a new section is important
The car must not be very dirty

Another way as you know is a full wash, use a 2-bucket method, a good quality wash mitt for sure

A good polish will hide swirls mostly with hand, and an applicator. Removing swirls by hand is next to impossible.
Before you polish, claying is essential as it removes bonded contaminants what washing does not remove.

A good sealant should be easy to use as you are still learning and last you 2-3months for sure.
Application time should be less and wiping, if needed should be easy. Another key thing is that most waxes and sealants will stain the trims and if not wiped off nicely will sit in the edges and crevices. Avoid those which need that much care and attention till you learn the basics imho.

There are many good products, use the ones which you are a starter find it easy and convenient, also which save you time and effort.