CullinS

Hey all,

I checked the shop directory link and messaged the folks listed for detailing but I didn't get a response. My poor car has some pretty serious swirl marking going on, and I've decided to bite the bullet and get it wetsanded/buffed out.

I don't trust myself enough with an orbital buffer to not take off all the clear-coat, so I'm planning on paying someone to just do a full detail for me.

Can anyone recommend a detailer in the Santa Cruz or Southbay area?

Also, I've heard that many auto detail shows will use a compound to fill in the swirl mark spots instead of buffing them out of the clear-coat, and that the compound can get washed out over time, revealing the marks again. Any veracity to this, and which is really the better option?

espelirS2K

I doubt your car will need any sort of wet sanding. Generally that's saved for sever hard water etching, bird bomb etching, or deep(er) scratches.

Also, when one buffs the paint (if they know what they're doing) they'll be removing about 2-3% of the total paint thickness of the paint (or about 4-6% of total clear coat thickness). Generally you cant heavy polish a car twice a year for 5 years before needing to worry about the paint thickness, and the life of the clear coat.

And what you're talking about isn't a compound, it's a glaze. A compound mechanically abrades the clear coat, temporarily removing the swirls, glazes FILL the swirls with oils, and it washes off. When I say temporarily, the problem is Honda Clear is very soft. Swirls are created VERY easily which from improper wash technique, going to the swirl-o-matics, or my favorite "100% hand wash!" at the corner. Anyo one of these will completely erase what the detailer has spent many hours correcting.

If you follow proper washing and drying techniques, expect the swirls to stay away on Laguna Blue for up to a few months. Keeping a car 100% swirl free is nearly impossible on a daily driver, and often times, not worth the cost. That's why I usually recommend a 2-3 step polish that removes 90-95% of the swirls. it looks better than new, and will be easier to maintain... and you won't feel bad if a swirl shows up

RedlinedITR

Jake!
PM ushjt

Takes care of a lot of people's vehicles in the Santa Clara area, worth the extra few mins. He's cured a few of my dirty children.

des_si

Voodoo_S2K

[QUOTE=espelirS2K,Oct 11 2010, 12:28 AM]I doubt your car will need any sort of wet sanding.

ryanmatic