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Pinnacle suggest using a polishing pad but it didn't touch it. I ended up using a Meg's MP finishing pad on the Rupes 21 and was very impressed. There were a few spots I got to go over twice but all in all I'm pleased with the results.
I've seen anywhere from 10-20% off depending on where you go!
I did have another question regarding de-con removal. I think I'm going to buy the Nano Skin from DetailersDomain.. This is similar to fine grade clay, is it necessary to still use a medium before hand or would the use of iron-x or similar de-cons be sufficient here? Or am I going a little overboard?
Also, how hard is the opti-coat to apply and is it worth it vs a good coat or two of sealant and LSP?
I've seen anywhere from 10-20% off depending on where you go!
I did have another question regarding de-con removal. I think I'm going to buy the Nano Skin from DetailersDomain.. This is similar to fine grade clay, is it necessary to still use a medium before hand or would the use of iron-x or similar de-cons be sufficient here? Or am I going a little overboard?
Also, how hard is the opti-coat to apply and is it worth it vs a good coat or two of sealant and LSP?
Regardless of what grade of clay you use I would still use Iron X or something similar. It does different things than claying does. It will be easier to clay after you using Iron X.
OC is great but IMO it can be a pain in the *** to work with. There is a learning curve to it. Priming the pad IMO is the hardest part. Once the pad is primed its easy peasy. The most important part is to knock down any high spots before it sets up completely. If does setup you have to polish the high spots down which isn't a big deal unless you don't have a polisher and the polish to do it.
FWIW the only time I will OC a car is after a full correction. Reason being whatever is under the OC is there to stay.
I use Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant and really like it. You can let it set up for up to 24 hours to get the best results out of it.
Last edited by LilJayV10; May 26, 2013 at 12:21 AM.
Regardless of what grade of clay you use I would still use Iron X or something similar. It does different things than claying does. It will be easier to clay after you using Iron X.
OC is great but IMO it can be a pain in the *** to work with. There is a learning curve to it. Priming the pad IMO is the hardest part. Once the pad is primed its easy peasy. The most important part is to knock down any high spots before it sets up completely. If does setup you have to polish the high spots down which isn't a big deal unless you don't have a polisher and the polish to do it.
FWIW the only time I will OC a car is after a full correction. Reason being whatever is under the OC is there to stay.
I use Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant and really like it. You can let it set up for up to 24 hours to get the best results out of it.
I've been meaning to try the Auto Finesse iron remover, but I'm still working through the last of my Iron-X & Wolf's Decon gel. Anyone tried this yet??
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Wash w/ dawn
Meguiars Clay bar (blue)
Meguiars M105 w/ orange pad
Meguiars M205 w/ white pad
Meguiars Gold Class Carnauba paste wax
I even went as far as to remove my spoiler and tail lights and get under/behind them good......




I ended up taking a soft bristled brush and getting as much dirt loose as I could. Then I took some APC and carefully wiped away the dirt making sure it didn't come into contact with the hatch paint.
Here are a few pictures after cleaning off the major dirt, prior to detailing......


And this is the finished product. There were still areas that were damaged to the extent that detailing couldn't fix. All that I cared about was getting it a little cleaner than it was, even though most would never go through this process. More pics.....




No more dirt!!!!

*Also note, the oxidation/etc on my sail panel also came off when compounding/polishing. I'll grab a picture of that area too.
Before:

After:

And here are some inside finished pics. Trust me, the car is CLEAN. Pics don't do it justice.




Your trans am came out great!
As Jeff and Jason have stated, an Iron remover will only make claying easier. It will also further clean your paint as you ready the surface for compounding.
As Jeff and Jason have stated, an Iron remover will only make claying easier. It will also further clean your paint as you ready the surface for compounding.






