Universal clear

R

Rick

In January I sprayed some SPI black on a 63 Impala restoration. Gave it 24 hours to dry and then cleared with Universal 4000/Normal activator. Having trouble getting all the micro scratches buffed out. Waited 2 weeks. Could not get any good days to get it out into the sun. Horrible winter here in Iowa. Hand sanded with 1500 and followed with 2000. Buffed with Presta on wool followed by foam. Polish with foam after that. Some swirls showed up when I pushed it out into the sun. Inside it looks fabulous under a regular light bulb but get the reflection of window light and you can see the micro scratches. This is my first time with Universal, so need some guidance. Forecast shows some sunny days coming up with highs in the upper 40s.
 
1- black foam pad for final?
2- final polish used?
3- rotary or orbital?
You'll get it nice.
 
1- black foam pad for final?
2- final polish used?
3- rotary or orbital?
You'll get it nice.
Black foam on a orbital. Have been using some 3M polish. What about some swirls? What would you recommend?
 
Have you cut and buffed a car to perfection before?
Each step is in the process is critical especially on a black car.
IMHO, an orbital isn't aggressive enough. I use a rotary at about 1700 RPM for all of my buffing. I'm a hobbyist though, so I'll wait for the pros to weigh in.
 
In January I sprayed some SPI black on a 63 Impala restoration. Gave it 24 hours to dry and then cleared with Universal 4000/Normal activator. Having trouble getting all the micro scratches buffed out. Waited 2 weeks. Could not get any good days to get it out into the sun. Horrible winter here in Iowa. Hand sanded with 1500 and followed with 2000. Buffed with Presta on wool followed by foam. Polish with foam after that. Some swirls showed up when I pushed it out into the sun. Inside it looks fabulous under a regular light bulb but get the reflection of window light and you can see the micro scratches. This is my first time with Universal, so need some guidance. Forecast shows some sunny days coming up with highs in the upper 40s.

Rotary only for me. The following process is done on a rotary as well. 3m Ultrafina polish. Use either 3M 06068 or 3M 39062. Use it with the 3M 05708 double sided pad. Work it wet, don't let it dry. Doesn't take a lot just a few passes and then wipe off with a high quality (not a parts store or Harbor freight) microfiber cloth. I like the ones made by 3M. There are others if you prefer. Need to be quality ones that you know won't put micro scratches in the finish. Done right it'll give a perfect swirl free finish to black.
 
Rotary only for me. The following process is done on a rotary as well. 3m Ultrafina polish. Use either 3M 06068 or 3M 39062. Use it with the 3M 05708 double sided pad. Work it wet, don't let it dry. Doesn't take a lot just a few passes and then wipe off with a high quality (not a parts store or Harbor freight) microfiber cloth. I like the ones made by 3M. There are others if you prefer. Need to be quality ones that you know won't put micro scratches in the finish. Done right it'll give a perfect swirl free finish to black.
Yeah, I am not sold on this orbital.
 
I should have also included the actual pad that is designed for Ultrafina. It is 3M 05751. Being you are doing a black car it is probably a better choice than the 05708 pad.
 
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