Depth/Reflections on a Black Car - What Am I Doing Wrong?

Z

ZCarGuy

New member
I have a 1991 Nissan 300ZX with 130,000 miles on it. It has been taken care of and detailed ever since it was new and I have been detailing it since I was 15. My dad just recently gave it to me and I want to really make it look perfect. My problem is that the paint is in good condition but I don't get the depth and clear reflections I have seen other members get from black cars. I know it is 14 years old but the paint really isn't that oxidized. I have used #83 DACP with a Megs yellow pad followed by NXT. I want to purchase some FPII and some Souveran because I think that will achieve the look. I don't know if its the paint because its 14 years old or me and my poor product selection. I really want to achieve the look that many of you guys have gotten out black cars. Is my paint just old and tired? Or is it me and my poor product selection. Maybe its the type of paint on my Nissan? Sorry if this is a stupid noob question but I am really confused and I dont really know what to do...



Here is a couple reflection shots of my paint....its not bad but there isnt much depth:



305775620gWxJLq_ph.jpg




305775840sRHiKE_ph.jpg




And this is what I would like to achieve. Is it even possible on 14 year old paint? (Sorry to whoever I jacked this pic from, it is an amazing job and I hope you dont mind I use it as an example of awesome work)



305776159mOKLbY_ph.jpg




Thanks for your help,

-Ryan
 
It is possible if the paint is still good. You will have to outline your attack in polishing it to a shine. If you think that your first polish is aggressive enough, then look up a milder polish to follow it.



You may want to use a sealant (IMO I would finish the polish routine, however, and follow rite away with the carnauba), then follow it with souveran (sp), but try to stick with a premium wax like s100, pinnacle, and a few others. I think you're within striking distance. Good luck.
 
No I did not clay it yet. I thought the clay just made the paint smoother and takes off the contaminents but I may be mistaken. What I am planning to do is:



Wash w/NXT Wash

Pinnacle PolyClay

#83 DACP

FPII

Souveran



When I get a bit more cash, I will purchase all of these. I was just wondering if these will help alot or I just need a re-paint. I know prep is extremely important but I just needed some opinions. Thanks!



-Ryan
 
You could clay it if it has visible particles or even has a hint of roughness. The most important step will be the cleaning and polishing. Make sure one of those ingredients in your arsenal has paint cleaning as an attribute.
 
Oh ok, i feel stupid now. I guess my problem really is my inadequate knowledge...



I will clay it and follow the steps I outlined above? Does it sound alright? WILL #83 DACP be strong enough or should I use something stronger yet still safe for my paint? I was just worried that it was my paint but as soon as I can I will clay it. Again, thats for the advice as it is really appreciated!



-Ryan
 
Instead of FPII you may want to try some 1Z (Einszett) Metallic Polish (personal line). This product is absolutely great for bringing back the "POP" and depth in black (all colors actually) clearcoated finishes. Remember that you must clean and polish the clearcoat in order to have the best presentation of your black base colorcoat.

Clean the lens and the whole picture (depth) will shine right thru. :xyxthumbs



Clay - absolutely necessary when cleaning clearcoat

DACP - polishing pad

1Z MP - polishing pad



Now the finish is ready for your LSP of choice.
 
The hood shot is not my car. It is a detail of a black BMW but I put it up because it is a perfect example of what I would like to achieve. Thanks for all the help! So just to clarify...



NXT Wash

Clay

Megs #83 DACP

FPII

Souveran



Should I add anything else in between these steps? Does Souveran need or would benefit by being topped with any type of sealer to last a bit longer?



Thanks again for all the help, much appreciated!

-Ryan
 
blkZ28Conv said:
Instead of FPII you may want to try some 1Z (Einszett) Metallic Polish (personal line). This product is absolutely great for bringing back the "POP" and depth ...

DACP - polishing pad

1Z MP - polishing pad.
Click to expand...



Did you mean 1z *professional line* MP or the pink consumer stuff? I've found I just *love* the professional version, just a bit more cut than the pink stuff and less wax (and less interference with LSP bonding).



I'd rather use the Pro version of this to remove any micromarring from the DACP, but I'm not looking to :argue or anything.



ZCarGuy- Some of us find other products easier to use than DACP. I'd use either 1z products or 3M PI-III RC/MG (05933 and 05937) and *then* 1Z MP.



IMO *nothing* beats Souveran on black. Just gotta get the prep right to take advantage of it. And yeah, the clay might make a big difference.
 
Accumulator,

Good question. :bow

I haven't tried the 1Z professional series MP yet and you are correct about avoiding potential LSP interference by using the professional MP (no waxes or silicones).

The reason I made the distinction was because of my non-experience with the pro MP and did not want to mis-lead. Also I am beta-tesing a paint cleanser that seems to eliminate any consumer-MP interference, even though I have not notice any problems (incompatibility) on my wife's vehicle (LS400 /black) when I did not use this beta product prior to applying LSP (Z2-PRO). :wavey
 
blkZ28Conv said:
......Also I am beta-tesing a paint cleanser that seems to eliminate any consumer-MP interference, even though I have not notice any problems (incompatibility) on my wife's vehicle (LS400 /black) when I did not use this beta product prior to applying LSP (Z2-PRO). :wavey
Click to expand...

What a tease !!!:p
 
blkZ28Conv- Heh heh, we older guys have to check on each other sometimes to make sure we're not misunderstanding :D Thanks for clarifying, I should've known that was a deliberate distinction/differentiation on your part.



Yeah, next time you need some MP, get the Pro stuff in the round, 1 liter can. I'm never going back to the pink stuff, though I have a can of their Wax Polish Soft in case I want something extra mild for the Jag.



Interesting about the use of your "beta product" cleanser. I'm always so thrilled by how things look after the last pass with MP that I'm afraid to do *anything* except apply my LSP. I'll be interested in any future info about this new cleanser but I certainly understand your wanting to keep mum until if/when it's available.
 
Accumulator said:
blkZ28Conv- I'm always so thrilled by how things look after the last pass with MP that I'm afraid to do *anything* except apply my LSP.
Click to expand...



Accumulator,

I feel the same way about the MP's results. It leaves an amazing appearance. That is the reason why I just went straight to the LSP on my wife's car. I did not want to change a thing about the prep appearance that was finalized by the MP. I was shocked that I had not tried this product and only did so as a product trade.



Results, price and ease of usage makes this line of polishes (Einszett) very attractive.

:xyxthumbs
 
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