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      08-27-2012, 11:13 AM   #1
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Recommendations for a DIY Correction to AW

Anyone have any recommendations on what products to use for an AW correction?

I'm going to get a PC dual action buffer, I'd really love to be able to polish in 1 step, then apply sealant or wax.

So something that cuts well and finishes down nicely.

Is there anything out there that will do this? This isnt exactly an AIO, but a 1 step polish followed by wax/sealant applications or Sealant and Wax depending on what I want to do.


Thanks!
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      08-27-2012, 11:37 AM   #2
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I too need to do a minor correction, would love to DImyself.
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      08-27-2012, 11:56 AM   #3
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Look into sonax perfect finish. It's supposed to be a great one step polish on black paints or soft colors. It should work nicely
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      08-27-2012, 12:25 PM   #4
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Anyone ever heard of this stuff? Or this website. I was recommended this stuff for a one step by someone on Autotopia.com

http://www.3dproducts.com/HD-Uno.html
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      08-27-2012, 01:10 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HREM3 View Post
Anyone ever heard of this stuff? Or this website. I was recommended this stuff for a one step by someone on Autotopia.com

http://www.3dproducts.com/HD-Uno.html
that's a very good brand as well. I haven't really heard alot about their products but I know there are many detailers who use them with satisfaction. op read reviews and see what fits your needs the best!
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      08-27-2012, 01:39 PM   #6
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Hmm, well if you're only looking for a one step, I would use Auto Finesse Tripple. It's labeled as an AIO, but I think it does quite a good job removing minor defects. It leaves the surface ready for an application of Tough Coat (their sealant) or wax of your choice.

I've always liked using Tripple and following up with Tough Coat. It does great things.
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      08-28-2012, 09:36 AM   #7
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I think I'm going to try the HD Uno stuff. I was looking into a mezerna 1 step polish, but I cant seem to find anything.

I guess they have the Super intensive polish, but I'm not sure.

I've also heard from a pro detailer that AW paint is very hard.
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      08-28-2012, 10:15 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HREM3 View Post
I've also heard from a pro detailer that AW paint is very hard.
I don't think any color paint is "hard" or "soft". When you are doing correction, you are working with the clear-coat, which is 90% of the paint thickness. If you get to the actual AW color, you're doing something very wrong!
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      08-28-2012, 10:30 AM   #9
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My personal recommendation based off correcting the JB and MR on my M3s are the following:

One-Step Polish:
AF Tripple with a light cutting pad (Blue or Green)
AF Tough Coat with applicator pad

Personally, I would highly recommend doing an additional polish step with Meguiar's D300 depending on the condition of your paint. The reason I mention this is because AF Tripple has good bite, but it is so easy and fast to use that I barely even call it a "step" haha. The D300 will have more corrective characteristics and the Tripple will bring back good shine.

"1.5" Step Polish:
Meguiar's D300 with MF Pad
AF Tripple with light polish pad (this step is incredibly fast and takes no time at all, Tripple breaks down very easy and effortlessly)
AF Tough Coat with a applicator Pad

I just did my JB E46 M3 using D300 and Tripple. It took me maybe a total of 5 hours or so to do from start to finish.

If you're interested in hearing a workflow, I can definitely share what I did with my E46 and E90 M3. Just let me know and I can quickly type it out
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      08-28-2012, 10:43 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flipm3 View Post
My personal recommendation based off correcting the JB and MR on my M3s are the following:

One-Step Polish:
AF Tripple with a light cutting pad (Blue or Green)
AF Tough Coat with applicator pad

Personally, I would highly recommend doing an additional polish step with Meguiar's D300 depending on the condition of your paint. The reason I mention this is because AF Tripple has good bite, but it is so easy and fast to use that I barely even call it a "step" haha. The D300 will have more corrective characteristics and the Tripple will bring back good shine.

"1.5" Step Polish:
Meguiar's D300 with MF Pad
AF Tripple with light polish pad (this step is incredibly fast and takes no time at all, Tripple breaks down very easy and effortlessly)
AF Tough Coat with a applicator Pad

I just did my JB E46 M3 using D300 and Tripple. It took me maybe a total of 5 hours or so to do from start to finish.

If you're interested in hearing a workflow, I can definitely share what I did with my E46 and E90 M3. Just let me know and I can quickly type it out
I'd like to hear more about this. It sounds like a great combination. I'm looking to use the same products on my GFs black civic. Obviously I want the process to be as quick as possible.


Regards,
Chris
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      08-28-2012, 11:26 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HREM3 View Post
I'd like to hear more about this. It sounds like a great combination. I'm looking to use the same products on my GFs black civic. Obviously I want the process to be as quick as possible.


Regards,
Chris
Sure thing Chris! My whole workflow was based of advice from MartinD of Auto Finesse USA and my endless research on different products. You'll notice that I have a bias towards Auto Finesse. That is simply because they are easy and fast to use with great results!

So here goes my workflow!

Wheels: ~30 minutes
Hose down with water.
Spray thoroughly with Auto Finesse Imperial.
Let sit for a few minutes.
Scrub using varios brushes with Auto Finesse Lather.

Wash: ~1 hour
Hose down car top to bottom
Pre-wash with some cheap car shampoo and foam gun. (Step not necessary)
Let shampoo dwell for a few minutes.
Hose down car bottom to top
Spray down car with Iron Cut. Let sit. Agitate with sponge.
Spray down car with Auto Finesse Citrus Power. Let sit. Agitate with sponge.
Spray down car with Auto Finesse ObliTARate. Let sit. Agitate with spone.
Hose down car top to bottom
Wash car with Auto Finesse Lather top to bottom.
Hose down car top to bottom

Paint Preparation/Correction: ~3 hours
Clay bar the whole car.
Quick wash, rinse, and dry car.
Meguiars D300 with Meguiar's MF Pad. Speed 6 on my Griot's DA Buffer. I do section by section, making sure to follow up by wiping with a MF towel. At a minimum, I recommend two pads for each car.
Auto Finesse Tripple with Blue or Green Pad. Speed 3 on my Griot's DA Buffer. I do section by section, making sure to follow up by wiping with a MF towel. At a minimum, I recommend two pads for each car.
Quick wash, rinse, and dry car.

Paint Protection and Finishing Touches: ~1 hour
Auto Finesse Tough Coat using a sponge applicator. I do section by section. Let it cure for a minute or two. Wipe off with a MF Towel.
Auto Finesse Satin for the tires.
Auto Finesse Crystal for the windows.
Auto Finesse Revive for the rubber/plastic trimming
Auto Finesse Stain for the tires

If you want, you can go as far as protecting your wheels with Auto Finesse Mint Rims. You can also clean up your engine bay as well using various products out there. This step can vary from car to car and condition of engine bay. Obviously you can address the interior too.

Getting quality MF drying and detailing towels can make a very big difference. I really encourage using multiple pads per car and product. Having a clean pad makes a big difference, something I recently learned and applied!

But overall, it sounds like a long list, but it goes by very fast! If you start in the morning, you can definitely finish in the early afternoon.

If you need any clarification on steps on what I do, feel free to ask.

To anyone who is reading this, please feel free to correct me on any of my mistakes or if I can work on certain areas. On top of that, if you have further suggestions, I'm always open to constructive criticisms.
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Last edited by flipm3; 08-28-2012 at 02:11 PM..
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      08-28-2012, 01:55 PM   #12
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Any particular reason you hose down the car starting at the bottom and finishing at the top? I always thought you started at the top and let it run down the car. Maybe I'm wrong, lol. Such a simple thing I didn't really think about.
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      08-28-2012, 02:12 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Templar View Post
Any particular reason you hose down the car starting at the bottom and finishing at the top? I always thought you started at the top and let it run down the car. Maybe I'm wrong, lol. Such a simple thing I didn't really think about.
Oh man, thanks for catching that! It was a typo on my behalf.

I would only hose the car down bottom to top after I do "Pre-Wash Foaming". I read on various sites and resources that this helps agitate the soap at the bottom/dirtiest portion of the car instead of diluting or washing it away if one were to start from top to bottom.

Otherwise, you are correct, I usually do top to bottom. Thanks!

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      08-28-2012, 02:53 PM   #14
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I see you're using Meg D300. What do you think about M105? If I'm using the AF AIO as a finishing polish why not use a more intense polish as a first step?
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      08-28-2012, 03:08 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HREM3 View Post
I see you're using Meg D300. What do you think about M105? If I'm using the AF AIO as a finishing polish why not use a more intense polish as a first step?
If you want to use 105 you will have to use other products to bring out the true shine of the car. Popular combo is 105>205 and then menzerna 85rd sometimes. Pretty effective combo
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      08-28-2012, 03:12 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HREM3 View Post
I see you're using Meg D300. What do you think about M105? If I'm using the AF AIO as a finishing polish why not use a more intense polish as a first step?
Quote:
Originally Posted by rjd598 View Post
If you want to use 105 you will have to use other products to bring out the true shine of the car. Popular combo is 105>205 and then menzerna 85rd sometimes. Pretty effective combo
Yup, rjd598 is 100% correct. When searching for the compound I wanted to start off with, I wanted something that was very easy to use, not too abrasive, but would correct majority of the swirls out there.

M105 was just a bit more abrasive than what I wanted to start off with.

From my recent experience, AF Tripple or Rejuvenate are great follow ups to D300!
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      08-28-2012, 03:37 PM   #17
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Okay great. Last question. Why not use the Meguires duo?
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      08-28-2012, 03:41 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HREM3 View Post
Okay great. Last question. Why not use the Meguires duo?
I personally just chose to use something that had less abrasive characteristics. I never really looked too far into M105/205. I have just found from my research that D300 is practically dummy-proof when used with a DA Buffer. I have been out of the detailing game for awhile until recently, and I am glad I chose the Auto Finesse + Meguiar's D300 route.

Here's what I ended up with with the D300 + AF Tripple + AF Tough Coat + AF Desire!

This shot shows the depth and clarity out of my 11 year old Jet Black E46 M3!


This is just a shameless plug of the desirable AF Desire wax, haha


I'll be honest, the paint isn't 100% corrected. There are still some deeper etchings and scratches that I'm sure a more abrasive compound can remove. But for the most part, my paint looks pretty darn good thanks to the advice and help of Martin_D of Auto Finesse!

I think the biggest thing you have to decide is how "damaged" your paint is and how much clear coat you're willing to take off from polishing.
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      08-28-2012, 03:42 PM   #19
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Oh yeah, those photos were not post processed other than resize and renamed before being uploaded to my server.
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      08-28-2012, 03:50 PM   #20
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Great Thanks for the help. I didnt mean the 105/205 duo though. I think you're right those are too abrasive for my needs as well.

But the D300 comes with a finishing wax D301 or something. Its the Meguires Dual Action set or something like that.
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      08-28-2012, 03:53 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HREM3 View Post
Great Thanks for the help. I didnt mean the 105/205 duo though. I think you're right those are too abrasive for my needs as well.

But the D300 comes with a finishing wax D301 or something. Its the Meguires Dual Action set or something like that.
Oh! Sorry, that decision was solely because I wanted to try out the Auto Finesse stuff. I have heard of how incredible their waxes are from international detailing forums. Coincidentally, when I was in the market to restock on detailing products, Martin_D introduced Auto Finesse USA.

Think of it as, stars aligning, haha.

Not sure how the durability is of the D301. If it's anything like the D300 product, I imagine it to be a great wax. I imagine you can't go wrong either or.
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      08-28-2012, 08:00 PM   #22
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U can use chemical guys v36 and v38 and that cuts imperfections ad finishes beautfly. V34 cuts deep scratches and finishes nicely as well. Followed by a sealant and wax ur done.
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