Ultimate Compound
 

Is there any danger in applying compound by hand to a black car with alot of swirls in it? I have heard that it might look terrible if i used hand application? Thoughts and/or concerns would be appreciated.

No. You won't ruin anything by hand. You also won't get very far by hand.

Check this out, it is a GREAT comparison of man vs machine with swirls and black.

Man versus Machine - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum

I tried by hand on my Explorer but had zero luck so I refused to touch the Monte with it. If you're really good you might get somewhere but for best results you'll want to make sure you have everything (old wax, dirt, etc.) off the paint. Probably the best time to claybar would be before Ulimate Compound if you haven't lately. A polisher works excellent.

I believe I didn't even go as far as Ultimate Compound on my Monte. Started out with Scratchx2.0, because it is only a chemical abrasive where as Ultimate Compound is a "physical abrasive", which can do serious damage if not applied correctly or if you press too hard etc.

I'd do quite a bit of research before hand to see what products will work best for you and which ones would be overkill. :)

Edit: Re-read your post, maybe ScratchX or SwirlX would be the best place to start if your just trying to remove swirls. Also you're going to need a polisher that can go up to 5-6k rpm to actually remove them. I recommend Porter Cable's Polisher.. works great when combined with some Lake Country Pads and the proper compound/polish/wax. Supplies may seem pricey up front but you'll thank me later!

I wouldn't try to hard with anything by hand honestly.

An orbital or a good DA is really going to help you out to get rid of those swirls.

I've tried it by hand didn't do a hole lot. Didnt damage anything either.

same problem here. Dispite its looks, my monte has swirls like no tomorrow.. I've tried the ultimate compound with no difference. I actually got to use the product with a powerball on my brothers durango, and 90% of the swirls and holograms disappeared.

I checked online first and the best way to use power applicators is with light pressure, just enough to keep it on the surface. Also, don't forget to use polish afterwards with a hand application.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...04/durango.jpg

I use all 3M products & never really get swirls when im done but u gotta have a real buffer not an orbital one

Great article to find there mike!
Thanks for posting it!

Thanks!

I can spend HOURS on that autogeek forum learning detailing tricks.

X2 on that and Meguiar's online,

Great places to find information on about all your detailing needs / questions

X3 I've read soo much on Meguairs. A LOT of great info there! Not just with there products but just in general how to apply various compounds.

Autogeek is a bad site.

I always lose 2-3 hours at a time when I get looking through it.

I'm THIS close to buying a really good DA because of that site.

Porter Cable 7424XP DA! I love mine.. No regrets :thumbsup:

I'm thinking about one of those myself. I have a cheaper Craftsman that is...OK but can really do more harm then good especially when I compound.

I wish i had the money to buy a Dual Action Polsiher :( i am just a poor college kid! It takes forever to do use hand application

If anyone buys a buffer get one with foam pads not that cotton or whatever it is

I only use Adams product and I agree you need to learn the technique's on how to polish your car. Adams has alot of videos and how to. Also they said you cant make white shine take a look at this.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...g?t=1338736364

Yea the white really shines up! nd i will keep that in mind 03JGMonte

Same here! I saved up for quite a while before I got my DA.

I also recommend the foam pads. Lake Country Pads are the best IMO :thumbsup:

Looks great! I've never tried Adams. I'm considering doing Zaino the next time around. But I need a lot more $$$ for all of their products haha!

Those are great Foam pads

This is the buffer i use

Makita 9227C Rotary Polisher 8.5 inch Pad Kit

you won't be disappointed with zaino. It's an awesome product. I've been using it for years. Don't let the price scare you, it's a little bit of an investment up front, but if you use it correctly a little bit goes a long way. You can polish an entire 4th gen or 6th gen with a little less that 3/4 of an ounce of polish.

I am another Adam's believer, here is a link to a new posting there as the Officially licensed Car care for Camaro & Corvette.

Officially Licensed GM Car Care

As you are low on funds, maybe have a pro buff it out and then go to Adam's or one of the many other car care forums and start washing it yourself. If you get the swirls out then you can keep up with the shine by hand.

Where in MN are you? If you can wait until late August/September we could meet and you can use my Porter Cable.