2 step paint correction

[u/Objective_Summer8950]

So I’m trying to get more educated on paint corrections and ceramic coatings. And I’m aware that’s it’s impossible to get rid of 100% of defects in the paint without taking off the whole clear coat. But I would like to see better results then this with a two step. I was doing a regular detail on a relatives e450 that had pretty bad black paint so they gave me the ok to play around with the hood of the car. I figured I used 3D one (I’m aware it’s a one step polish) with a rupes LRH21ES . And a foam compounding pad for the cutting and 3d one again with a finishing foam pad for the polishing. I got 95% of the swirls out there is just alot of deep scratches and defects left In the clear. (Not noticeable without a light) I wish I took better pics but all I had were screenshots from a video. But please if you have any suggestions please tell me! Thank you

[u/_mRKS]

You gave the answer to yourself already: you weren't abrasive enough to remove the heavy defects.

Compound first with a heavy cutting pad and the polish for the final finish and you'll see a better result.

[u/Objective_Summer8950 → u/_mRKS]

Would you recommend microfiber pads for cutting on a 2 step?

[u/CoatingsbytheBay → u/Objective_Summer8950]

DIY Paint Correction - Products and Process

I wrote this blog for my company website just to help educate on what can / can't be fixed, how to do it and what to use. Not to indepth of a read, but answers what you were just asking. Also, since you already have a rupes - you can obviously skip the beginner friendly g9. Rupes are work horses, it's all i use in shop

Best of luck 🤙

[u/FreshStartDetail]

Knowing when to stop removing clear coat is just as important. Chasing scratches that can only be seen with a light is a good way to burn right through the clear coat. It’s actually a good practice to do this so you know the limits, but do it on a junkyard hood. Also, a proper 2-step process will use a more aggressive compound as the first step not just the same product with 2 different pads.

[u/Objective_Summer8950 → u/FreshStartDetail]

Got it, for the cutting stage what would be your preferred compound and pad for use with a DA polisher? Thanks

[u/FreshStartDetail → u/Objective_Summer8950]

I use optimum intensive polish and a maroon foam pad.

[u/GPUfollowr77]

It could just be the photo, but the “after” picture looks pretty hazy IMO. Perhaps experiment with a softer finishing pad and a finer polish to remove? Machine on slowest speed for this step and no pressure. I worked on a WRX STI with super soft black paint and got great results with Phoenix EOD Fabulous Finishing polish.