Hi team,
I`m new to detailing and have a few questions in the form of a long, drawn-out brain fart. (I did get answers to other questions by literally reading the first 22 pages of posts as a lurking experience.) Hope this is cool to bunch it all under one post. Please be kind but firm...
Q: How long do pads really last? A couple uses? Only once? (Subjective, I know but looking for some ballpark) How will I know if they are worn and useless?
Q: Why is my car a dust magnet? When I used a terry bonnet my rear plastic spoiler looked like a static-charged fuzz ball.
Observation: My car`s previous owner thought it was best to let new paint "cure" and didn`t wash/wax it for a good long while. Now I`ve got spots etched into my hood and roof that I`m certain are down to the primer. I`ve heard Subaru paint and clear coat is "thin" so if I can`t get it out with a lite cut and orange pad I`m gonna leave it be. (see 1st pic)
Observation: Using a stiff-bristle detailing brush to clean dried white compound or wax from around moldings next to the body paint (washer fluid nozzle, roof rack mounts, intercooler scoop, door handles) will re-scratch the paint.
Do I need to start the process all over again to get them little scratches out (strip the wax, orange pad it, de-swirl polish, wax)?
Since I`m a newbie I`m still getting things together, reading and making shopping lists. I think I`ve gotta step up to some more "professional" liquids.
My PC-7424 process on my black `07 Subaru:
LC yellow pad with 3M Fine-cut Rubbing Compound just on the bad water spots and deeper scratches
LC orange pad with TurtleWax Premium Rubbing Compound
LC white pad with Mothers glaze
Hand-applied Collinite wax with foam applicator, MF towel removal (looked real nice!)
Final buff with terry bonnet (<-- bad idea, added a handful of tiny, wispy scratches. Shoulda hand polished with MF.)
Used a detail brush to clean dried crud from seams (<-- another bad idea, added plenty of fine, little scratches)
Q: will Collinite make my car faster? (just kidding... it`s a check to see if you`re still reading)
This has been quite the learning experience!
Thanks in advance for any input.
Ed in Chicagoland
Water spot??
Just a sideview.
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