04 E55 AMG: roof paint oxidation

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kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

04 E55 AMG: roof paint oxidation

Post by kevm14 »

Buffed like 4 passes with this compound:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A ... UTF8&psc=1

I used a machine similar to this that I've had for probably 18 or 19 years but only used on my Caprice back in the day:
https://www.amazon.com/Pro-LifT-I-4510- ... 135&sr=8-1

And I ceramic coated with this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082V ... UTF8&psc=1

Good news: the buffing got out most of the oxidation. Honestly I think I could have gotten it perfect. I think the machine is very gentle and I'd be hard pressed to hurt the paint, because it's not a DA that actively spins (it orbits and the rotation sort of happens passively) - this is good for paint correction beginners. Probably would have saved me time with a good DA but I've never used one and didn't want any oopsies.

But yeah I buffed and then cleaned with alcohol. It was extremely humid, probably not the best conditions for this. Like 85% humidity outside. Garage is probably a little drier being connected to the basement (and I kept the door closed) but still.

I'll try to snap some pics but I think I accomplished what I set out to do, which is NOT make it perfect but no longer like an eyesore. Hopefully the ceramic coating lasts a while (this product says 18 months). I think the roof started getting worse since I bought it which was making me nervous. The PO buffed it for me but without applying a protective coating, that will quickly oxidize I guess. Obviously I could do a maintenance buff or simply another coating at the 12-24 month mark.

I might actually still buy a DA for the Roadmaster because I think I can bring back that paint, too. LOTS of surface area that needs correcting (hood, roof and trunk) which will just take forever with the gentle orbital buffer. Ain't nobody got time for that!
kevm14
Posts: 15200
Joined: Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 pm

Re: 04 E55 AMG: roof paint oxidation

Post by kevm14 »

Take 2. Polished the roof again with the 3M stuff from before, and also did the hood and trunk with some 3M swirl remover, though I think I used the wrong foam pad because it didn't seem to be super effective. Then I used some much higher end Adams ceramic coat. I also did a better job wiping down the car with alcohol and then again with the Adams surface prep spray. I also did multiple coats in most places.

But yeah check out this shine!!

https://1drv.ms/u/s!An5lt1BKvFKdqbZnJQx ... g?e=UFPS29
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That's pretty sweet. Now I hope this actually lasts. It has to stay in the garage for 24 hours to cure.
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