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If you use a rotary buffer and you don't do it properly, you will create more problems than what you started with. However, trying to polish swirled paint by hand is an exercise in frustration. Personally, I like to use a random orbital as it's pretty much a no brainer.
Detailing process:
1. Wash car
2. Clay car (This will necessitate another washing or rinse depending upon technique) Hand clay only. This is for removing impurities.
3. Polish car (Use the least aggressive polish possible to get the result you want as this step removes paint...)
4. Wax car or apply first finishing coat of acrylic sealant
5. Apply additional layers of sealant or wax.
I prefer sealant to wax as it last longer, but nothing can beat the depth of a GOOD carnuba wax for concours type competition. I prefer racetrack competition, so to each their own.
When I got my car I spent a whole weekend doing this process. It looks great, but takes TIME. If you have more money than time, I'd recommend a professional. They can do it a lot faster, and a good one will do it better.
HTH
Joel Wahlsten
93 968 Amazon Green w/LSD and a few mods
2017 Cayenne GTS Mahogany Metallic
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Swirl marks are caused by dirt and contaminants on the paint surface that scratch the surface ever so slightly. Most of this scratching comes when drying a car after washing. Avoid using regular towels as they can and do scratch the paint. Also, when washing, I use a different mitt for the rocker panels and wheels than I do for the rest of the car. Buffing with a light polish will remove these swirl marks. You can achieve the same results with hand application, however it takes a lot more effort. Your best bet if you want results better than the numerous so-called professional detailers, is to purchase a Porter Cable random orbital polisher and some light polish and apply once or twice to the surface after you have completely clayed the surface. Then when you apply the wax, you can be sure you have a completely smooth surface that the wax can protect. My advice, albeit expensive, is to go to griotsgarage.com, and purchase their Porter Cable random orbital and then some Machine Polish 3 and 4. I use 3 first, then follow up with 4. For a few hundred bucks you will have the random orbital and enough supplies for a year or so. Then all you need is to replenish supplies when you run out. They have a video and book that shows you how to do it. Be sure to do a few square feet at a time and wipe the polish off quickly as it is hard to remove when completely dry. I've found hand removal of the polish with microfiber towels is much easier than machine removal. Hope this helps. Oh and if you want my opinion on wax, I still think pure carnuba is the best way to go.
07 Honda Civic Hybrid - silver with 07 EX rims
93 968 Coupe - cobalt blue, cobalt/white leather, 6-speed, factory C2 Turbos, 43k miles
70 Mustang Boss 302 - grabber blue/black, all original, matching numbers, shaker hood, Magnum 500 wheels, rear spoiler, tachometer, sport slats, wide ratio transmission -- a true time capsule
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I second the consensus here - just to add that you can find a LOT of info about polishing/waxing on
www.ppbb.com (boxster board) and at other Porsche forums/sites. Detailing a Porsche is the same across the years - don't listen to the jap/american car detailing sites, our paint is different and has to be cared for differently.
Oh, and yep I'm killing time before the super bowl also! Wash car? Go for another drive? (I've already been for one testing my new tires)
<img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />
Michael Sorbera
aka San Antonio Silver Bullet
2002 VW Beetle TDI
2004 Nissan Titan Crew Cab
2004 Cherokee 33ft Travel Trailer
1990 Mercury Grand Marquis
1993 Amazon Green 968 Coupe (sold)
2002 Speed-Yellow Boxster (sold)
1987 Slate Grey 944 Turbo (sold)
1987 Guards Red 944 (first Porsche - sold)
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[quote name='ds968' post='30568' date='Feb 4 2007, 11:00 AM']( I was thinking of killing some time until the super bowl ) it will just get a good washing.
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[/quote]
[quote name='sasilverbullet' post='30572' date='Feb 4 2007, 11:37 AM']Oh, and yep I'm killing time before the super bowl also! Wash car? Go for another drive? (I've already been for one testing my new tires)
<img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />[/quote]
Oh to live on the West coast.
Its a cloudy 30 degree day here in the DC area so washing my car is completely out of the question. This cold dry air is great however for turbos.
I love my 968 for what it is & don't hate it for what it isn't!
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I have to second the Porter Cable recommendation as that is the one I have. I got it at Lowe's for a LOT cheaper than Griot's Garage.
As for polishes, I spent a bunch of time on Autopia.org prior to using the Poor Boys stuff. I am very happy with the results.
A good friend of mine swears by Zaino, and his car looks fantastic. I've been using Klasse, but I think it gets a little silvery on top of Black. I am going to try Jeff's Workstatt next.
Talking detailing is like politics. Lots of strong opinions...
Joel Wahlsten
93 968 Amazon Green w/LSD and a few mods
2017 Cayenne GTS Mahogany Metallic
