Meg's D151

[Kevin Brown]

Do you mind if I chime in? :nervous2:



I don't know everyone's polishing methods (downward pressure, buffer speed, diameter pad, etc), so bear with me if you've already tried this method. For both random-orbital and rotary application, it's best to switch to a fresh pad for your final passes on a given area. Even of you use a similar pad, the outcome will be better. The reason for this is two-fold: First, it minimizes the chance that the old & crunchy oxidized paint stuck to the pad isn't installing defects. Secondly, it reduces the amount of product left on the pad. In my experience, the second reason is key to making D151 finish out nicely on any type of paint (hard or soft).



Now, if you don't want to do this because you think it kind of defeats the reason for using a one-step (it takes time to switch back & forth between pads), you should absolutely minimize the amount of product attached to the pad, and cut way back on the product you're using when adding product to final-polish the surface. A good way to do clean the pad is listed in post 65 of this thread. Even though it was in reference to removing excess moisture to avoid saturation problems, it'll do the trick. Here it is:

To remedy build-up of product and saturation of the pad, you should frequently clean it. A very simple way to do remove excess liquid is to attach the pad to a random-orbital, and push the pad's face against a microfiber towel (set the towel on a flat surface, like a table), Run the machine for 5-10 seconds, or until most of the moisture is removed. This process will remove a majority of the saturation.

For final finishing with a rotary and a foam finishing pad, drop the speed to a very slow setting (Makita's 9227 goes down to 600 rpm, Metabo's 12-175 runs at 700, while most others spin at 1,000 rpm). I'm guessing most guys are using a pad smaller than an 8-inch (likely 5.5-6.5 inches?), so the velocity of the pad should be pretty slow. Use a normal amount of applied pressure, and do not lighten the applied pressure at the end of your polishing cycle.



For final finishing with a random-orbital and a foam finishing pad, run the machine at a mid-level setting (PC/Meg's G100 @ 2.5-4.5, G110/G220/UDM @ 1.0-3.0), and make sure the pad is spinning approximately two to four rotations per second. This may be a bit over-detailed recommendation on the speed- The pro's will know the range they should use the machine at. Use a normal amount of applied pressure, make sure the pad spins (but not too quickly), and do not lighten the applied pressure at the end of your polishing cycle.



A lot, I know...

The main thing is, minimize the amount of product being applied, and keep the dang pad clean. :xyxthumbs

 

[Jason M]

Thanks for adding that Kevin. Without really knowing what I was doing that's how I've been using 151. Maybe that's why I haven't seen any marring from it? But again, I have not used it on any stupid soft paints.