First Detail - Adamized the Raptor

[CrownOffroad]

Nice write up and truck looks really good!

 

[TheWolf]

Paint Correcting on the Jeep

Since I did not get the chance to do any paint correcting on the Raptor, I decided to see what could be done to a Jeep with completely trashed paint. This Jeep is 9 years old, never been waxed, many trips though the automatic carwash, lots of scratches and brush stripes. In addition to the large scratches, the paint was covered in micro-scratches, swirls and oxidation.

After a thorough wash and clay bar, I spent about 6 hours using the Cyclo with the Paint Correcting Polish. This took care of most everything but I went back over it with a drill and microfiber cutting pad to get the remainder of some of the deep scratches in addition to the hard to reach areas like around the door handles where all the fingernail scratches were.

I then used the Paint Finishing Polish, followed by a wash, Paint Sealant, Brilliant Glaze, and then Americana Wax. I used the same processes as listed in the first post of this thread.

Here is a Before/After of a big scratch on the door.



And another of the brush striping on the rear pillar.



Overall, the paint looked as good as new. It was restored to a nice mirror finish. If it weren't for some of the door dings, you would never know the vehicle wasn't new. The Cyclo Polisher is a great tool to use.

 

[Raptor_man]

I finally found the time to do the first detail

Didn't do any polishing? Why did you paint seal before waxing? Is that how it should be done?

I plan on doing a wash / claybar / wash / polish / wax / paint seal.

Is this the correct order?

 

[AdamsPolishes]

Sealants need to go under a wax. They form a bond with the paint, whereas glazes and waxes kind of "surf" on top.

Won't hurt anything to seal on top, but it will compromise the longevity of the sealant, which is it's main purpose.

 

[Raptor_man]

Sealants need to go under a wax. They form a bond with the paint, whereas glazes and waxes kind of "surf" on top.

Won't hurt anything to seal on top, but it will compromise the longevity of the sealant, which is it's main purpose.

Thanks! Would be nice to see a tutorial video that shows all the steps in order!

 

[TheWolf]

Didn't do any polishing? Why did you paint seal before waxing? Is that how it should be done?

I plan on doing a wash / claybar / wash / polish / wax / paint seal.

Is this the correct order?

No polishing because it did not need it since there were no scratches or swirls. No reason to polish off a portion of the clear coat. The clear coat will only take so many polishes so it is a waste to do it too often or when not really needed. There's a lot of conflicting info on how many polishes a clear coat can take before going through it because there are too many variables (type of machine, type of polish, hardness of the clear coat, how long you polish on it).


Nick covered the order but just follow the steps in the first post. If you polish, I would add a wash before sealing as the abrasives can get picked up in later steps, especially if you are using a machine polisher. Apply the sealant only to clean, dry paint (no residue from previous steps and no Detail Spray when drying) to get the best bond.

 

[Raptor_man]

No polishing because it did not need it since there were no scratches or swirls. No reason to polish off a portion of the clear coat. The clear coat will only take so many polishes so it is a waste to do it too often or when not really needed. There's a lot of conflicting info on how many polishes a clear coat can take before going through it because there are too many variables (type of machine, type of polish, hardness of the clear coat, how long you polish on it).


Nick covered the order but just follow the steps in the first post. If you polish, I would add a wash before sealing as the abrasives can get picked up in later steps, especially if you are using a machine polisher. Apply the sealant only to clean, dry paint (no residue from previous steps and no Detail Spray when drying) to get the best bond.

I plan on doing it this upcoming weekend. I don't think I'll polish given what you just told me. My truck has only been through one wither with 11,000 miles on it. The paint is in great shape with a few scratches and chips.

My plan is to wash it, clay bar, wash, machine paint seal, wax. Hows that sound?
I already did the interior with Adams products - looks brand new. Too bad I don't have time to make a video by Friday and win that $1000 gift card

Can't wait to try the cyclo on my 93' corvette. It's pretty scratched up but its mostly shallow scratches. Should buff right out like your jeep.

 

[Raptor_man]

Did some clay baring / paint sealant / SVRT on trim. Looks good.

Now I need to use Adam's Premium Americana Paste and Adam's Brilliant Glaze

 

[OilPatch]

Does anybody know if our trucks are considered to have paint that is hard or soft? I'm trying to figure out the best cutting pats for my rupes

 

[TheWolf]

Don't know, I havn't done any polishing on it yet. I have read that you should start with the least aggressive pad and polish and then only go more if you don't get the results you are looking for.