Buffing...is it bad?

FricFrac · 06-30-2009, 12:15 AM

Please for the sake of all 370Zs on the road do not attempt to buff your Z. Also be careful of detailers that use fillers to make your swirl marks disappear - they will just show back up when you wash the filler out after x number of washes. Also be careful of detailers that cut to much of your clear coat off - that brings you dangerously close to clear coat failure.

Now that I know all this stuff about detailing (but don't have the skills to do it myself) there is only one person I'd take my car to to get it done - someone who actually cares about the work he does rather than a business that need to be profitable with employees not necessarily interested in doing an excellent job. Good luck with that..... :/

FricFrac · 06-30-2009, 02:28 AM

...and this is why you let a professional do your car.... (I'll have to get some higher res pictures but you'll get the point

I asked NXTAZEE to take some pics before/after and the results are astonishing. When we pulled around the garage to pick the car up it just blew my mind how amazing the car looked - it was like black chrome - AWESOME!

zZSportZz · 06-30-2009, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FricFrac

...and this is why you let a professional do your car.... (I'll have to get some higher res pictures but you'll get the point

I asked NXTAZEE to take some pics before/after and the results are astonishing. When we pulled around the garage to pick the car up it just blew my mind how amazing the car looked - it was like black chrome - AWESOME!

Wow, I think this just sold me on getting it done lol.

nogoodname · 06-30-2009, 11:36 AM

I have a black G and wanted to Porter Cable it. So I bought a whole kit and did it. Turned out well and I read tons of instructions and it looks good.

So no worries about it. It is only bad if you buff the same spot for too long. Burning is what's it's called.

PM me if you want a link to the site I buy and read from.

FricFrac · 06-30-2009, 04:39 PM

The funny thing is - and a ton of detailers I'm sure hear it all the time - is that the guy that bring his black car in thinks its not too bad - just like the guy that owns the car above. Take a look at the door panel before/after split.... its like one side was in the junk yard and the other just drove off the factory line with the paint still wet....

Forrest · 06-30-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FricFrac

...and this is why you let a professional do your car.... (I'll have to get some higher res pictures but you'll get the point

I asked NXTAZEE to take some pics before/after and the results are astonishing. When we pulled around the garage to pick the car up it just blew my mind how amazing the car looked - it was like black chrome - AWESOME!

+rep for those pictures but DAM what did you do to it, to get it like that? Did you buy it that way?

People think im a nut job how i wash/take care of my car but you went in the oposite direction i think lol

37Z · 06-30-2009, 08:27 PM

I have color sand new car clear coat Z bumper covers to level out the paint for a smooth-as glass gloss shine. For some pointers, one can purchase John Tetz's "Paint-U-Cation" DVD's for the art of color sanding & buffing available from EASTWOOD.COM. Try out your budding skills on several test panals first prior to going deep on your Z's clear coated paint. Good luck!!

edeeZee · 06-30-2009, 08:55 PM

I "love" my 370 and all that, but uh...with all due respect peeps...IT'S ONLY A F*CKING CAR!

Yeah, take care of it and don't neglect it like those people who plaster their cars with political/musical affiliation stickers and don't wash it for like 10 years straight. Yeah, these people view their cars as a means to ends--transportation! They're not concerned whether you think they drive a bucket or not.

I understand we drive a special car, albeit it's not a Ferrari, and it's nonetheless extraordinary. But gosh!!!! Some of you get so ridiculous about wash/wax/buff etc. and examine every f&cking nuance, detail blah blah blah about what chemicals harm this, what buffer fibers destroy what. You guys sound like those "health experts" who'd claim that drinking tap water versus "organic bottled water" will lead to cancer--SALES PITCH!

I appreciate the input from a lot of you guys because you guys are so knowledgable about hi-performance tips, car care etc. But man, some of you DWELL on this to an EXTREME.

I wash my car with Palmolive dish wash soap, wax it with carnuaba Turtle wax...and the muthaf%cka still looks HOT! And no, no swirl marks--yet--just bird droppings and dead knats here and there.

FricFrac · 06-30-2009, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edeeZee

I "love" my 370 and all that, but uh...with all due respect peeps...IT'S ONLY A F*CKING CAR!

Yeah, take care of it and don't neglect it like those people who plaster their cars with political/musical affiliation stickers and don't wash it for like 10 years straight. Yeah, these people view their cars as a means to ends--transportation! They're not concerned whether you think they drive a bucket or not.

I understand we drive a special car, albeit it's not a Ferrari, and it's nonetheless extraordinary. But gosh!!!! Some of you get so ridiculous about wash/wax/buff etc. and examine every f&cking nuance, detail blah blah blah about what chemicals harm this, what buffer fibers destroy what. You guys sound like those "health experts" who'd claim that drinking tap water versus "organic bottled water" will lead to cancer--SALES PITCH!

I appreciate the input from a lot of you guys because you guys are so knowledgable about hi-performance tips, car care etc. But man, some of you DWELL on this to an EXTREME.

I wash my car with Palmolive dish wash soap, wax it with carnuaba Turtle wax...and the muthaf%cka still looks HOT! And no, no swirl marks--yet--just bird droppings and dead knats here and there.

...and to each his own. Most of my time is "wasted" here on the forums - as in I'm not actually contribuiting or getting anything out of it other than just shooting the breeze with a bunch of fellow enthusist.

To some this car is just to get from A to B in style or fast, etc. It just a shiny tool or something to make themselves feel important, etc. This car gets me from A to R to M to Z to Z to Z to Z to B - any excuse to enjoy this engineering marvel. To me its also an incredible piece of art - and that art is enhanced by detailing. Its kinda like shining your trophy - some care and some don't. So for those of us who appreciate this car like a piece of art we take care of it that way. For those of you who use it and couldn't care less then I guess this thread isn't for you ;P

FricFrac · 06-30-2009, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest

+rep for those pictures but DAM what did you do to it, to get it like that? Did you buy it that way?

People think im a nut job how i wash/take care of my car but you went in the oposite direction i think lol

I can in no way take any credit for this detailing job - it was a labour of love by NXTAZEE who spent well over eight hours clay baring, compounding and polishing this not just back to its former glory but beyond - well beyond its new condition.

So while some would take the Mona Lisa and staple it over the hole in the wall others like NXTAZEE would create a beautiful frame suitable for such a piece of art.....

NXTAZEE · 07-01-2009, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 37Z

I have color sand new car clear coat Z bumper covers to level out the paint for a smooth-as glass gloss shine. For some pointers, one can purchase John Tetz's "Paint-U-Cation" DVD's for the art of color sanding & buffing available from EASTWOOD.COM. Try out your budding skills on several test panals first prior to going deep on your Z's clear coated paint. Good luck!!

I'll say this again, "please don't wet sand your cars". I been in this business a long time and wet sanding is usually never needed. There really isn't enough clear on even new paint to try to wet sand it level so you have no orange peel. If you guy's start wet sanding your cars only bad can come of it. Unless you want to start detailing as a hobby, call some one that knows what they are doing. If you do want to detail as a hobby, then spend the hundreds of hours of research and "hands on training" so you will do it right.

zZSportZz · 07-01-2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edeeZee

I "love" my 370 and all that, but uh...with all due respect peeps...IT'S ONLY A F*CKING CAR!

Yeah, take care of it and don't neglect it like those people who plaster their cars with political/musical affiliation stickers and don't wash it for like 10 years straight. Yeah, these people view their cars as a means to ends--transportation! They're not concerned whether you think they drive a bucket or not.

I understand we drive a special car, albeit it's not a Ferrari, and it's nonetheless extraordinary. But gosh!!!! Some of you get so ridiculous about wash/wax/buff etc. and examine every f&cking nuance, detail blah blah blah about what chemicals harm this, what buffer fibers destroy what. You guys sound like those "health experts" who'd claim that drinking tap water versus "organic bottled water" will lead to cancer--SALES PITCH!

I appreciate the input from a lot of you guys because you guys are so knowledgable about hi-performance tips, car care etc. But man, some of you DWELL on this to an EXTREME.

I wash my car with Palmolive dish wash soap, wax it with carnuaba Turtle wax...and the muthaf%cka still looks HOT! And no, no swirl marks--yet--just bird droppings and dead knats here and there.

Honestly, if you don't like the question...there is no need to leave assanine comments - just move the f on.

I'm guessing the vast majority of the enthusiasts here like to take care of their cars.

StealthZ · 07-01-2009, 11:34 AM

Knowing a lot about the subject and never doing it are different. I do a lot of detailing, and can tell you this car is no different then others. mny etails with buffing/polishing on nissans from pathfinders to 350z to porches etc... yes there are different types of paint but all can be buffed. the issue comes don to most people not knowing how to wash and dry the correct way, thats where most of the swirls and abrasions come from. so first learn that and you'll minimize swirling in your paint. you can learn A LOT on this subject from Detail University very good people and professionals over there.

NXTAZEE · 07-01-2009, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StealthZ

Knowing a lot about the subject and never doing it are different. I do a lot of detailing, and can tell you this car is no different then others. mny etails with buffing/polishing on nissans from pathfinders to 350z to porches etc... yes there are different types of paint but all can be buffed.

There is a difference with this paint compared with a lot of others. It comes down to the hardness of the paint, which in return will marr a lot easier than say some Chevy vehicles. 370 paint is fairly soft so proper washing is essential. Yes all paint can be polished if there is enough clear on the car.

Proper wash technique is paramount. Use two buckets and a sheepskin wash mitt. One bucket for the wash and one for the rinse. After pre-rinsing the car wash about a 2x2 foot area at a time rinsing in between. Wash from the Top of the car to the bottom with light pressure or you will marr your paint. Tires and rims must have separate mitts and a separate bucket is recommended. Never cross contaminate or you will pay dearly. Wash out mitt and hang to dry. Use a microfiber drying towel to dry the car or better yet a leaf blower, this really is a nice way to dry the car with out marring it.

What I use for my customers when I wash a previously polished car is a foam gun. This eliminates the wash bucket and continually sprays soap between paint and mitt for a perfect marr free wash. It is also great for claying as there is continual lubrication. Hope this helps.

bigaudiofanat · 07-01-2009, 05:54 PM

I use a porter cable random orbital buffer on my black car works just fine. Just make sure not to use an abrasive pad on it.

06-30-2009, 12:15 AM	#16 (permalink)
FricFrac A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 1,481 Drives: 370Z 300ZX 280ZX 240 Rep Power: 228	Please for the sake of all 370Zs on the road do not attempt to buff your Z. Also be careful of detailers that use fillers to make your swirl marks disappear - they will just show back up when you wash the filler out after x number of washes. Also be careful of detailers that cut to much of your clear coat off - that brings you dangerously close to clear coat failure. Now that I know all this stuff about detailing (but don't have the skills to do it myself) there is only one person I'd take my car to to get it done - someone who actually cares about the work he does rather than a business that need to be profitable with employees not necessarily interested in doing an excellent job. Good luck with that..... :/ __________________ '09 370Z - '93 300ZX Vert - '83 280ZX - '83 280ZXT -'81 280ZXT stroker - '72 240Z - Stillen CBE, HFC, G3, Grounding Kit, Sways // Swift Spring // H&R 15mm // 5% Tint // Clear Bra //

06-30-2009, 04:39 PM	#20 (permalink)
FricFrac A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 1,481 Drives: 370Z 300ZX 280ZX 240 Rep Power: 228	The funny thing is - and a ton of detailers I'm sure hear it all the time - is that the guy that bring his black car in thinks its not too bad - just like the guy that owns the car above. Take a look at the door panel before/after split.... its like one side was in the junk yard and the other just drove off the factory line with the paint still wet.... __________________ '09 370Z - '93 300ZX Vert - '83 280ZX - '83 280ZXT -'81 280ZXT stroker - '72 240Z - Stillen CBE, HFC, G3, Grounding Kit, Sways // Swift Spring // H&R 15mm // 5% Tint // Clear Bra //

06-30-2009, 08:27 PM	#22 (permalink)
37Z Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 476 Drives: 370Z MB 6M -sold Rep Power: 263	Buffing Tips I have color sand new car clear coat Z bumper covers to level out the paint for a smooth-as glass gloss shine. For some pointers, one can purchase John Tetz's "Paint-U-Cation" DVD's for the art of color sanding & buffing available from EASTWOOD.COM. Try out your budding skills on several test panals first prior to going deep on your Z's clear coated paint. Good luck!!

07-01-2009, 05:54 PM	#30 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I use a porter cable random orbital buffer on my black car works just fine. Just make sure not to use an abrasive pad on it. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

06-30-2009, 11:36 AM	#19 (permalink)
nogoodname Lifetime Premium Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Montreal Posts: 22,357 Drives: E46 M3 Rep Power: 1765	I have a black G and wanted to Porter Cable it. So I bought a whole kit and did it. Turned out well and I read tons of instructions and it looks good. So no worries about it. It is only bad if you buff the same spot for too long. Burning is what's it's called. PM me if you want a link to the site I buy and read from.

06-30-2009, 08:55 PM	#23 (permalink)
edeeZee Track Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: s. cali, los angeles Posts: 627 Drives: 09 370z plat 6 speed Rep Power: 266	I "love" my 370 and all that, but uh...with all due respect peeps...IT'S ONLY A F*CKING CAR! Yeah, take care of it and don't neglect it like those people who plaster their cars with political/musical affiliation stickers and don't wash it for like 10 years straight. Yeah, these people view their cars as a means to ends--transportation! They're not concerned whether you think they drive a bucket or not. I understand we drive a special car, albeit it's not a Ferrari, and it's nonetheless extraordinary. But gosh!!!! Some of you get so ridiculous about wash/wax/buff etc. and examine every f&cking nuance, detail blah blah blah about what chemicals harm this, what buffer fibers destroy what. You guys sound like those "health experts" who'd claim that drinking tap water versus "organic bottled water" will lead to cancer--SALES PITCH! I appreciate the input from a lot of you guys because you guys are so knowledgable about hi-performance tips, car care etc. But man, some of you DWELL on this to an EXTREME. I wash my car with Palmolive dish wash soap, wax it with carnuaba Turtle wax...and the muthaf%cka still looks HOT! And no, no swirl marks--yet--just bird droppings and dead knats here and there.

07-01-2009, 11:34 AM	#28 (permalink)
StealthZ Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 356 Drives: '14 GTR Premium Rep Power: 17	Knowing a lot about the subject and never doing it are different. I do a lot of detailing, and can tell you this car is no different then others. mny etails with buffing/polishing on nissans from pathfinders to 350z to porches etc... yes there are different types of paint but all can be buffed. the issue comes don to most people not knowing how to wash and dry the correct way, thats where most of the swirls and abrasions come from. so first learn that and you'll minimize swirling in your paint. you can learn A LOT on this subject from Detail University very good people and professionals over there.