Learn to machine polish

[Gio G]

Got my son's S2000 for a few weeks and I really would like to do some paint correction on it. I don't really mind paying someone to do it, however looking at some of the quotes I got, was wondering whether it was worth buying a DA polisher, pads and cutting compound and having a go myself..

I can do the whole decon myself and prepare the paintwork, however not quite had the balls to go any further. Also the work would be done outside, not under a shelter..

Any pointers please?

G

[Summit_Detailing]

I'd suggest a Honda isn't the ideal test car to try your first attempt at machine polishing - factory paint typically has very, very soft clear-coat and it is thinner than other brands.

If it is black you could end up with it looking worse than when you started.

Maybe try to find detailer local to you who will do some of the work but you could also shadow for the day and can pick up the very basics from?!

Cheers,

Chris

[Gio G]

Summit_Detailing said:

I'd suggest a Honda isn't the ideal test car to try your first attempt at machine polishing - factory paint typically has very, very soft clear-coat and it is thinner than other brands.

If it is black you could end up with it looking worse than when you started.

Maybe try to find detailer local to you who will do some of the work but you could also shadow for the day and can pick up the very basics from?!

Cheers,

Chris

Thanks Chris, any recommendations please, in Herts.

G

[Summit_Detailing]

Unique Detail
Azuri Car Care
Gloss Workz

Cheers,

Chris

[matt666]

You could try to get a scrap panel and practise on that.

It’s worth having a go yourself, start with a mild polish and work up to more abrasive if it needs it.

There’s plenty of guides on detailing world. Unless you really balls it up and burn through the paint most mistakes can be rectified.

It’s just time (and wallet!) consuming. Some people enjoy it though!

[Belle427]

It really isn't rocket science, there are lots of videos on you tube to get you started.
Forensic detailing channel has a few.
Biggest headache is the choice of pads and compounds.

[gweaver]

Summit_Detailing said:

I'd suggest a Honda isn't the ideal test car to try your first attempt at machine polishing - factory paint typically has very, very soft clear-coat and it is thinner than other brands.

I'd agree, especially when said cherished Honda doesn't belong to you. If you make a mistake, you will not be thanked.
Best to learn with some scrap test panels or a jalopy, with the owners permission.

[Gio G]

gweaver said:

I'd agree, especially when said cherished Honda doesn't belong to you. If you make a mistake, you will not be thanked.
Best to learn with some scrap test panels or a jalopy, with the owners permission.

It is my car, but I get your point

[trickywoo]

You aren’t going to wreck the paint being sensible with a DA on a medium pad with Sonax EX 04-06.

Watch some YouTube, Honda specific if you can and go from there.

[D'oh]

It will be very hard to do damage with a DA! Get a machine paired with a Medium Cut Pad and some good One Step Polish and you should see some good improvements

[sospan]

Get a couple of scrap panels from a scrapyard/ bodyshop to practice on. Then try you tube and www.detailingworld.com for more.