Do I need to use an IPA wipedown between each polish pass or can I use a compound and then come right back with a finishing polish without wiping clean?
Usually, those that do an IPA wipedown do it after all the compounding/polishing, etc., is done, to check one last time for any defects that didn't get removed that might have been covered up by fillers, etc., and to also remove any oils, fillers, etc., that some compounds/polishes, leave, so that the LSP will have the best opportunity to bond to the paint,and not to stuff that is still stuck to the paint but will fall out easily. Its really up to you to decide when/if you use this step or not and how many times you want to use it. Good luck with your project ! Dan F
Thanks a ton Dan. I also wanted to ask a couple more questions. For the test spot, you see what polish/pad combos work the best to remove swirls. Is it ok to use one polish and come right back over top of it with another without wiping anything or should I use one, wipe off residue and then hit it with another? And it may sound dumb, but are you supposed to do one whole pass around the car with the first polish and then do another pass around with a different polish? I guess what I'm getting at is you're supposed to do a whole pass instead of a section at a time right?
I work one panel at a time; and I do an IPA wipe between every corrective step so that I know for sure the amount of work I've done and I won't be surprised when I IPA later. I like to work in small areas, getting each panel perfect before moving on to the next. You'll probably find that different people do it different ways, that's just what I like to do. And if you're doing a test spot, then I'd recommend breaking a panel up into multiple sections for each product instead of using one polish on top of the other. That way you can get a side by side comparison of them and really get a feel for what product works best.
If there ever is a time to do an IPA wipedown its right after your compounding (initial correction) stage. You need to see exactly what the finish looks like before you move forward and any residual product/oils can have an effect on what you see or perceive to be perfect.
mdt1308 - You are welcome ! We are all glad to help. I would always want to wipe off the residue from the test spot or panel, etc., before I did another pass at it regardless of what I was using. This step will also help keep your pads cleaner because all that residue has to go somewhere, right ? And of course, you get an opportunity to see how you are doing with this particular pad/compound, etc., combination. Maybe all the paint needs is another pass to help remove just a little more gunk from the paint and it will look great ! For example, I just finished a 2004 BMW 330iX in Steel Metallic Blue, a medium metallic blue, that was almost dull, lifeless, and had very little light reflection. A good wash and claybar removed a lot of a medium/dark brown substance from the vehicle and left it smooth and much shinier than before. A Lake Country Cyan Hydro-Shred pad with Menzerna P0203S Power Finish on my Rotary removed another layer of lighter brown gunk from the paint, which showed up on my pad. It required a 2nd pass to completely get this brown gunk out of the paint, and of course each pass amped up the gloss as it removed the small scratches and swirls from the car wash. Regarding doing each step all the way around the vehicle, and then perhaps a 2nd step/3rd step, etc., I like to do all the correction around the vehicle first, then refining polishing next, and if a 3rd step is in the plan, for say, a glaze, or jeweling, then that is last. Its just easier for me to break it up this way, so I dont have to think about what residue is on my microfiber towels, how many pads have what product on them, are they drying up from not being used, etc... Now, some Detailers may like to do all the steps per panel as they go around the vehicle, and that's ok too. There is nothing set in stone that dictates how these processes should worked together, etc.. Hope I answered your question, Dan F
I am with Dave on this 100% its essential to see the finish after compounding before one can move on to a medium grade polish and a finishing polish. I personally work section by section which are areas within a certain body panel. I then compound that area until I am pleased with it then do and IPA wipe down, then I move on to the next section and do that same exact thing until the vehicle is completed. I do the exact same process for the polishing stage and finishing stage. I even some times wash after compounding before moving on to polishing and finishing. Or if I'll do a full IPA wipe down or two after completing the compounding stage prior to polishing and clean all the jambs and crevices thoroughly.
Ok yeah thanks guys. Answered my remaining questions, now im just picking up a couple more pads and ill be ready to tackle my correction. Appreciate it a ton everyone.
