by finishing off with E Z cream glaze and then Blackfire Wet Diamond.
Vivid Black issues
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: Southington, OH
I picked up that Honda-branded Glare pro Polish I mentioned via PM on eBay for $16.50 + $6.50 shipping. She doesn't take PayPal so after a few inquiries we settled on an alternate method. Got the stuff in 2 days! Looking forward to doing a few test spots this weekend.
TL
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: Southington, OH
Man, that's a nice cut n buff on that tank! 
Not necessarily so. Those of us that've been doing this a while use 2 buckets, grit guards, MF, sheepskin, high lubricity shampoos, ONR... even foam and blow dry. The swirls, at least in my case and others with H-D OEM Vivid Black, is due to super-soft clearcoat. Polished to perfection, burnished via rotary with PO85RD... not a mark to be found under halogen, Brinkmann or direct sunlight... give a wipe with a super-plush MF & FK425, UQD, even ONR @ QD strength and hit it with the Brinkmann and you just left marks. It's maddening. Don't even think of giving a dusty bike a QD wipedown!
That Midnight Sun combo does produce stunning results. Still, the CC is super-soft regardless of what LSP you use. I looked at the Glare blurbs as snake oil but I've seen enough reviews from initial doubters that report the Pro Polish seems to add a hardness to the finish I'm gonna give it a try. This from a guy that doesn't use glazes because I'd rather correct than hide it. If this doesn't work maybe it's time for a white bike. ::::gasp!:::
TL
TL
I would find a test spot rub it in like compound until it's gone. Repeat if needed (at least once probably twice) then finally put it on like a layer of wax and buff off. It is not the shiniest stuff on the shelf but if it can remove rub marks and help make the CC stronger that would be a good thing.
I've been leaning towards the GG 6" due to the PC's (v1) hand numbing vibration at high speeds. I hear the GG has less vibes but it's my thought you could probably use lower speeds and still keep the pad turning under pressure. The Meg's 110 v2 was under consideration but you just can't beat GG's Lifetime warranty.
TL
TL
Thanks again for the correction.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,278
Likes: 2
From: Mission,BC.Canada
The best way to lessen the amount of fine scratches and swirls, is the way you wash. Use 2 buckets and 2 or 3 wash mitts. 1st bucket, soapy water. 2nd bucket, warm rinse water. Use a hose (NEVER a pressure washer) to rinse any loose dirt from your bike. Using a wool wash mitt, wash an area with soapy water. Stop. Before you put the wash mitt back into the soapy water, rinse it in the clean water. Shake it vigorously in the rinse water and ring out any extra water. This process removes any fine particles that were picked up by the wash mitt. Now you can safely put the mitt back into the soapy water. If the wash mitt touches the ground or gets oil on it, get a fresh one. I've washed hundreds of Vivid black bikes and this process really helps. You can safely put the wash mitts in a washing machine and drier, avoid using fabric softener.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: Southington, OH
I'm a big Glare believer. The stuff works. However, I'm not swallowing all the manufacturers hype and it has it's place. Although, I am not familiar with the Vivid Black CC, from what tlmitchell says it sounds like it's VERY VERY soft.
I would find a test spot rub it in like compound until it's gone. Repeat if needed (at least once probably twice) then finally put it on like a layer of wax and buff off. It is not the shiniest stuff on the shelf but if it can remove rub marks and help make the CC stronger that would be a good thing.
I would find a test spot rub it in like compound until it's gone. Repeat if needed (at least once probably twice) then finally put it on like a layer of wax and buff off. It is not the shiniest stuff on the shelf but if it can remove rub marks and help make the CC stronger that would be a good thing.
A little additional info on the Vivd Black... the tin is the main PITA. The fiberglass/plastic isn't bad at all. The plastic stuff comes out of Wisconsin, the tanks are formed and painted in York. Even if it's the same formulation the paint and CC isn't from the same mix. I don't know if that would account for the variance or whether the paint takes on different properties on different surfaces. Funny, the tin's CC polishes like a harder finish. You've got to work to remove defects but it swirls so damn easily. Go figure.
I have a PCxp and a GG 6" DA. The GG is smaller, stronger, a little heavier and IMHO has more vibration than the PCxp. I have found you can use a lot more pressure with the 6" GG and the pad will still turn. The 6" GG comes with a 6" backing plate and a lifetime warranty. IMHO, I would consider it a tool in between a PC and a Flex.
I just peddled a used-once Flex 3401 DA. Nice machine but being limited to large pads and the lack of an interchangeable backing plate was a serious handicap for the way I used it.
TL
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: Southington, OH
Same regiman applies to any finish, hard or soft, CC or single stage. TL
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