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Probably doesn't matter. but is yours single stage? I'm wondering if the metallics and pearls have the same trend.

 

Cement 1H5 so not single (2 stage pearlescent).

 

Crap the SSPs will probably be thinner.

 

Most likely. I knew it was thin/soft, but it hurts to see just how bad it is. Granted this thing has a +/- 1% degree of error. But that error at 4mils is very slight and the average was taken.

 

Bought this to get out of the sun. Just as soon as I started to run the buffer,it started raining. Only lasted 20 minutes,but was happy to have the tent to hide under.

 

I bought some of the Maguiars Ultimate Insane Shine Tire Foam to try out. I kinda didn't read the "insane" part of the name and just assumed it was a tire shine in the "Ultimate" lineup of their products.

I put it on after using some of the 303 Tire and Rubber cleaner and goodness. Those tires look like black mirrors. I could probably shave looking at my reflection in them right now. Truck hasn't been driven yet, so we'll see how much fling there is when the tires get to spinning. I hope none...

 

Keep us posted.....I do have some people who really like that look....I'm curious to see how it works out for you

 

Some people like that look. My wife does. I use Meguair’s Endurance Gel on hers.

 

Is there a post someone can point me to regarding small scratches and paint swirls? I assume some sort of orbital and a good buff job would do the trick?

 

Will do. I suspect my wife will drive the truck today, so we'll see how it does. When I say truck, I'm referring to her Expedition.

Yeah, I like the gels that are applied much better than the aerosol cans. I just don't like how the sponge always gets torn up and doesn't last a whole bottle. I know they are cheap, but I also don't like trying to get that stuff in all the nooks of the sidewall if it isn't smooth. Thankfully, I have only put it on my wife's truck. She does like that look, and I'll agree that it looks clean on the right vehicle.

Depending on how bad, get a dual action polisher and a good polish. Can you post a pic? That might help some folks make a better recommendation, as some compounds cut better than others. On the flip side of that, we don't want to recommend something too aggressive either.

 

You're in the right forum......but 'small scratches and paint swirls' is fairly general. Any chance you have pics of these that you can post? The scratches....can you catch your fingernail in them?

 

No, theyre not bad at all. The truck is 4 months old, but like an idiot, I took it through a car wash that was a bit too aggressive on the paint. So there are now some light scratches and a few swirls I want out of it.

 

RE: Maguiars Ultimate Insane Shine Tire Foam - Lives up to the insane claim and slings if not wiped down.
https://youtu.be/X_2gOPng1Ro

 

There are tons of options out there as far as machines, pads, compounds, polishes, and waxes/sealants. A lot depends on how much your budget is, and how comfortable you are with the process. I realize that seems pretty vague, and maybe not very helpful, but it is a pretty deep rabbit hole you're about to go down.

 

If you don't want to go down the rabbit hole of a DA polisher and have access to a random orbital buffer, I'd start with a basic carnauba cleaner wax. I personally like the Mother's.

I've been detailing cars for a LONG time, but talking to the guys on here makes me feel like I'm the first act at amateur hour.

Easiest: get a buffer and pad and just give the vehicle a good wax. I use the buffer to apply the wax and then take it off by hand. I believe the proper way is to put it on by hand and use the buffer to take it off, but I've never liked doing it that way.

Side note and support for this recommendation: When my wife and I were still dating, we took her 4wd SUV through some trails in the National Forest. It got pinstriped pretty good and when we got home she was livid. I was able to buff out almost all of the scratches using a cleaner wax and the random orbital.

If the scratches are deeper than that, get a DA polisher and the different cutting pads. Lake country and Griots are good, but I went with the Chemical Guys pads due to cost:

$70 CHEMICAL GUYS HEX_3KIT_6 6.5" Buffing Pad Kit,4 Items, 16 fl. oz, 4 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guy...1618335868&s=automotive&sr=1-2&ts_id=15707091 Make sure you get pads that are the right size for the polisher. The 6" polisher is pretty standard, but the 4" supposedly does a better job. I have the 6. Then, you'll want to get a good compound to use with the cutting pad, followed by a polish with the medium pad, followed by a good wax with the softest pad. Watch lots and LOTS of YouTube videos and make sure you understand the different speeds to use with the different compounds.

Then just get out there and practice. Take your time. It's an art and you will suck at it the first time around. Something else they don't tell you blatantly is that you should have multiple pads to get through a single detail. As one clogs up, you'll need to clean it for it to perform properly.

I'll have to watch that when I'm not on VPN.

 

He gave it a great review and said it makes the tires look like glass. The only negative was slinging if precautions (wiping down) aren't taken.

 

If you find you'd like to pick up a buffer and you're not wanting to spend $150+ on a Griot's, the Harbor Freight (Bauer) one is on sale right now for $60 (through 4/22). I understand it's not bad as an entry-level buffer and the price is pretty friendly.

 

This question is really gonna depend on your commitment to do a proper paint correction and protection. If you are looking to get it this lifestyle then by all means do it and we will be happy to assist. If your not ready to fully commit then the best advice I can give is let a professional do the correction and sealant then from that point join in on properly maintaining the vehicle.

 

Hello All... Hope everyone is doing great.

Question... has anyone ever used the TST 5000 with PTFE? Picking up a new Pro in a few weeks and the Dealer is trying to talk me into this. $599 outside
and 579 inside. Not so concerned about the inside, more of the outside.

any comments are welcome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YnUHY3FRh4

 

Ok they lost me when they washed the car with a sponge. Personally I don’t believe the hype. Take it to someone that will truly care for your vehicle. IMO and don’t ever let them wash it when you take it for service.

 

First wash after ceramic coating. Gotta say, it is worth it! I'll do the tundra after I fix some paint chips.

 

Fuck! Now I gotta fix my chips and try a ceramic...take my monies!

 

Big fan of cquartZ

 

That was my first DA. Worked fine, not as good as Griots, but for light work it was perfectly good. At 60 bucks, it’s definitely a good option.
Only thing I’ll say is the Griots G9 is light years better if someone is good with spending around 150.

 

I don’t even let them wash it when I buy one.

 

Nope. Leave it alone. Don’t even remove the stickers.

 

I always tell them don’t wash it..just make sure the inside is clean, and don’t put any dealership logos on it.

 

Can confirm. Wife finally drove the Expedition yesterday. The stuff had like 48 hours to adhere to the tires (not normal) and still flung on the side. It also seems to have attracted dirt. It still looks good from a distance, but up close looks to have the effect of fly paper. I suppose I'll try adding the wipedown step after applying it next time. It also seems to be very heavy on the silicates (or whatever causes the color change on the asphalt) as the spots under the tires on the driver side are WAY darker than what was on the passenger side (which got the last of my previous can of Hot Shine Tire Coating).

This is the one I have. No complaints, but no experience with nicer units either.

I'm usually too late for this one and have to remove them myself.

 

A couple of my new favorites.

 

Damn sales and rewards points!