Question for the detailing gurus of the site

**tpilews** · 12-10-2009, 08:39 AM

'98 z28 whose paint looks twice the age. It is also my DD. So, once I get started, I wash, clay, and then start the compounds. Do they provide any protection against the elements? The entire process of restoring the paint is sure to take more than a day and my car sits outside. If I go through the pain of claying and the first "cutting" compound and it gets rained on, do I have to start all over? Like if it rains, do I have to wash the car before I get back to buffing?

**Pony_Eater** · 12-10-2009, 09:33 AM

yes you will need to wash the car before buffing....compounds do not protect the paint..i would reccomend you apply a sealant after buffing.

**00blacktransam112** · 12-10-2009, 07:57 PM

compounds will actually take your wax off. +1 on the sealant. if you have the time and the indoor parking, surf city garage makes a glaze/sealant that you leave on for 24 hours. but it works tits. follow it up with a good wax and your paint will look like glass

**Z06-Goose** · 12-10-2009, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by tpilews

'98 z28 whose paint looks twice the age. It is also my DD. So, once I get started, I wash, clay, and then start the compounds. Do they provide any protection against the elements? The entire process of restoring the paint is sure to take more than a day and my car sits outside. If I go through the pain of claying and the first "cutting" compound and it gets rained on, do I have to start all over? Like if it rains, do I have to wash the car before I get back to buffing?

No, you don't have to start over. You can of course give it a quick wash preferrably soap and water...
Then you can move onto the next step.
If it rains on it, check for water spots.

What kind of cutting compound are you referring to, and what methods do you plan on using it with?

**tpilews** · 12-11-2009, 05:19 AM

Originally Posted by Z06-Goose

No, you don't have to start over. You can of course give it a quick wash preferrably soap and water...
Then you can move onto the next step.
If it rains on it, check for water spots.

What kind of cutting compound are you referring to, and what methods do you plan on using it with?

This would be my second car I've done. I used Pinnacle products before, with a porter cable DA buffer. It's their XMT series of products. Just bought some pads from autogeek. Holy hell is their shipping fast. I even bought some carpet attachments for the PC to get that looking like new.

Goose, any products you recommend for the carpet?

**Z06-Goose** · 12-11-2009, 07:18 AM

Originally Posted by tpilews

This would be my second car I've done. I used Pinnacle products before, with a porter cable DA buffer. It's their XMT series of products. Just bought some pads from autogeek. Holy hell is their shipping fast. I even bought some carpet attachments for the PC to get that looking like new.

Goose, any products you recommend for the carpet?

I've had good luck with Folex for carpet cleaning.
You can get it at your local supermarket, hardware store, etc...
It's widely available.

**LETHALxLS1** · 12-12-2009, 11:58 AM

XMT isn't gonna get the results you are after if your 98 looks anything like mine did. If you have the coin- get Menzerna Super intensive polish and follow up with Menzerna Nano finishing polish. The results are unreal. Then follow up with either a good Carnuba wax or a sealer.
Autogeek has a detailing forum where you can learn techniques/ask questions. I was looking at a new paint job till I learned about Menzerna at AG forum. The before and after pictures those guys post tell the real story.

**tpilews** · 12-13-2009, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by LETHALxLS1

XMT isn't gonna get the results you are after if your 98 looks anything like mine did. If you have the coin- get Menzerna Super intensive polish and follow up with Menzerna Nano finishing polish. The results are unreal. Then follow up with either a good Carnuba wax or a sealer.
Autogeek has a detailing forum where you can learn techniques/ask questions. I was looking at a new paint job till I learned about Menzerna at AG forum. The before and after pictures those guys post tell the real story.

Well, I've already got the XMT products, so I'm gonna use them until they're gone. I cleaned up a '97 Accord with these products previously and was impressed with the results. We'll have to see how it comes out. I'll be sure to post before and after shots for y'all.

**02convertibleT/A** · 12-14-2009, 03:54 PM

XMT products will get you the results your looking for.

I personally use menzerna polishes also, the SIP and Nano. LOVE THEM... but if you get on autogeek you will find posts on pinnacle being used on bad cars.