Vivid Black issues
Understood.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: Southington, OH
You can put 4 & 3" BPs on the 6" polisher and have versatility with other vehicles. You're still going to be hand polishing the tight spots in front of the tank, fender between the forks and much of the rear fender. M105 works great by hand there. I've used 4" pads on my Vivid Black and got good correction, tough to get a good marr-free finish though. I couldn't get M205 to finish without leaving tics and micromarring no matter what pad I used. M105 w/LC orange finished better. In order to get M205 to finish well on super-soft clear coat some have thought outside the box and reported perfect results using a LC yellow hard cutting pad, just the opposite of what you'd normally do! I ended up getting a flawless finish burnishing with a 4" finishing pad and Menz PO85RD with a rotary. Moot point as the first time you wipe it off with a QD and the plushest of MF you're going to leave marks.
You wanna read about a soft clearcoat nightmare... I've got no idea how this guy did this and used NO towels!
http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/...b-328-mess.htm
I ordered a bottle of Honda-labeled Glare Pro Polish on eBay. Despite some mixed reviews those with swirl problems on soft CC reported Glare appeared to harden the finish and swirl avoidance was significantly improved. We'll see. Film at 11.....
TL
I agree. with an additional small backing plate you can use one DA for both jobs.
I recently purchased the Griot's 6" DA and it does have a lot more power.
3" DA (240 watt motor)
6" DA (7-Amp, 850-Watt Motor)
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Spread Eagle WI
I sis get a few photos today, there not the best, I'll try again this weekend when its brighter outside. Just a quick reminder this bike was just done with Mothers Pre-wax cleaner then Glaze and carnauba wax 5 days ago. The spider webbing was very prominent to the naked eye that didn't show up in the photos and also the flat spots didn't show up that well.
Personally, I'd try the Glare (by hand) on the flat spot. It worked for me. (you could also try it on the swirls).
To polish out the swirls the KBM with 105/205 (then optional 85RD) with a DA is a good combo.
I have not tried it but I have heard good things about adding
by finishing off with E Z cream glaze and then Blackfire Wet Diamond.But just to get you started I'd probably follow some of the advice above.
Griots 6" polisher with additional 3" backing plate, 3" LC pads Orange, White and Grey and 16oz Megs 105 and 205.
Cheapest route: Try the glare first.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Spread Eagle WI
Thanks Merlin I'll give the Glare a try before I move on to the others. Have you tried the Glare spider web remover yet? Also what does KBM and 85RD mean? My learning cuve on the lingo is still a little green...lol
Thanks a ton
Dave
Thanks a ton
Dave
I have had the best results with Glare Pro Polish.
Sorry 'bout the detailing acronyms...sadly there a quite a few.
KBM is the Kevin Brown Method with a Dual Action (DA) polisher.
85RD is Menzerna Polish PO85RD and this just kicks it up a notch after the Meguiars 205 (MEG205 or M205)
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: South Alabama
The reason you are getting scratches is most likely from the wash process. Look in to Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine, a soft microfiber for washing and a soft microfiber for drying. Also you may want to invest in a porter cable 7427, lake country polishing pads, and a fine polish such as menzerna final polish II. The best looking wax/sealant I've ever seen on black is from Blackfire. It's a 2 part system where you apply a coat of sealant then after a minimum of 8 hours a coat of pure carnuba wax. Go to www.autopia.org if you really want to learn some tips and tricks to detailing! You will find anything you want to know there.
BTW this was sanded with 2000 grit paper, buffed, and polished:
BTW this was sanded with 2000 grit paper, buffed, and polished:
Last edited by xtremekustomz; May 14, 2010 at 06:19 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: Southington, OH
TL