Going to be using the PC for the first time this weekend.

weegee

New member
What do I need to know?



Do I need to load up the pad with product at first? Seems like if that pad hits the paint without any liquid, I could be asking for scratches.



Going to be doing some SMR with yellow pad. I heard 5-6 is proper speed range. Do I build up in speed or just blast off?



Any other helpful tidbits for beginner would be highly appreciated.



Thanks.
 
Geekysteve has an excellent article on the use of a PC. See if you can locate that article. It explains the use of the PC as well as pads and polishes.



good luck
 
very helpful. thanks guys.



How is the PC experiment treating you? I think like most, I'm shying more towards the conservative side. Will probably use SMR with yellow. But the last thing I want to do is have to do this all over again because I didn't get the swirls out. I have very light swirls that can only be seen in bright sunlight, so I think I'm okay, but after reading that second link, I'm thinking about giving the wool or DACP a try.
 
OK, so you have light swirls right? I'd try one of two products,

Megs #9 SMR, which does a good job or 3M PIII-MG, also a very fine product. Work whichever one till it breaks down. Wipe off the area, check the area and if swirls are gone great! If not, and you used a yellow pad, time to step up to Megs DACP. Same thing, let it break down. Since this is a cleaner and polish, you could go straight to wax. Or keep lowering the grade of polish all the way to a glaze and white polish pad and let it burnish the finish to a high gloss. Some glazes have a boatload of oils (Megs #7), but do a wonderful job at end as it will be glossy and wet. SOme have problems with #7 wiping it off due to the oil being re-distributed. Think of it as a skin on pudding. Anyway, wax and enjoy your work!



The PC is very helpful. Just don't be intimidated, and you'll be fine.



Regards,

Deanski
 
weegee, I started with the PC set at 3 and worked it up to 4. Didn't need to go higher than that. I had some mild water spots and a little oxidation. So I say try it slow at first and work your way up.

I applied the product right on the pad, then smeared it over the surface (with the PC off) and then turned it on.

I'd start with the SMR and yellow pad before the wool.

Have fun, it's no biggie.
 
weegee- Instead of trying a SMR/wool combo, *I* would go with a more aggressive product. SMr is VERY mild and MANY people find that it does NOT remove the marring as well as they'd like. Even with a yellow pad. I strongly urge you to take Deanski's advice and get some 3M PI-III MG (pn 05937). It is well matched to the yellow cutting pad and a quick follow-up (if necessary) with a white polishing pad will finish up nicely. It is a mild product that will NOT remove too much paint. Unless you have reason to suspect that your paint is already quite thin, you'll be fine.



I use the PC about the same as SK2003TypeS except that I almost ALWAYS speed it up to 6 when polishing. 3-4 is OK for applying waxes/sealants but there's no need to be leery of using higher speeds. It's NOT like a rotary, it's just a "fast hand".



BTW, a partially dry pad shouldn't be a real problem. Even cutting pads are made of pretty soft foam. Since you'll be going over the area quite a few times with the polish anyhow, I wouldn't worry too much about it.
 
Back
Top