Polishing the right way/ The basics

R

Ryan

New member
So this week I went to have someone else detail my car for the first time as I can not wash the car where I live. After watching and questioning the detailer I realized that they used two different kinds of polish. THe first with a buffer wheel and the second application with a dual orbital. So my question: Is the first application of polish more abrasive than the second application. Can using two different applications of polish really have any more effect on the car than multiple apps of only 1 type of polish?

I liked the result alot. The dual buffer seems very worthy and would give me more confidence that the job is getting done by breaking down the abrasives.

For now I have only a high speed which is what I was trained to use. If I used a polish with the high speed, which polish AND which pad would be best for this high speed application. On the other hand, which polish and pad would be best suited for a dual buffer or single head that use slower speeds?

Brand names and some contact info are greatly appreciated.
 
A hi-speed buffer with a medium polish, followed up by a finer polish with a dual action will make a great finish. The hi-speed will remove the minor surface problems and reduce the major ones so the dual action can take care of them. It also reduces the applications of polishes by the hi-speed which wears down the paint film level considerably faster than a dual action. You might even get better results using a hi=speed followed by a dual action to furthur refine and polish the surface. Like putting the icing on top of a cake.



If you are using a hi-speed you would want to use the least agressive polish for the job. It varies from surface to surface. I recommend the 3M waffle pads www.3m.com or www.motorhead.net



If you like to work with 3M polishes, try www.properautocare.com or www.carcareonline.com they both have a selection of 3M and Meguiar's polishes.



My favorite for hi-speed use (still learning) is Automotive International's ( www.autoint.com ) Machine Polish for medium swirls, and more often than not, Clear Coat compound for really neglected finishes.



For dual action, I usually follow up with a cleaner/sealant type product, either Meguiars #20 or Klasse AIO. You may also use a fine polish such as 3M's Swirl Mark Remover or Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion.



The porter cable dual action is what is preferred by this board, and the Dewalt W849 for a hi-speed. I'm currently learning on a Makita 9227C, I actually like the loop handle!



www.coastaltool.com



www.properautocare.com



Jason
 
Where can you get this dewalt dw849? I was looking on the costaltool.com that you posted but could not find it... thanks



raley
 
I did that today on a little Mazda pickup I did today. I first used my Makita with Prowax Duz-All and then followed up with my Dewalt random Orbital buffer and some Meguiar's #9. The truck looked new. I stood there for like 30 mins looking at it in the sun before I called the owner to say her truck was done. When she arrived she said it looked like it was a new truck. Got a nice tip too :D



I'll be posting pics as soon as I get them off my camera and resize them.
 
The DeWalt DW849 is not available at most home repair stores, it's a specialty tool and it's not cheap to stock. In most cases it will have to be ordered from places like www.harborfreight.com They are around $200 just for the machine, then you need a velcro backing plate ($20) and a good selection of pads.



For a dual action the Porter Cable is the way too go. Lowes stocks them for $109+ tax. Model 7336SP. :up
 
NeuroSynapsis said:
n00b questoin, what's a dual action polisher?
Click to expand...

A dual-action polisher is one that does more than just spin like a drill. "DA"s actually move in a figure-eight kind of motion that dissipates heat much better than rotary buffers which makes them much safer for the novice.



An example is the "PC," or Porter*Cable 7424/7336/7336SP which so many of us use and love. :up



HTH
 
*edited for too many I's

I know the high speed does alot of work if used right and following with a slow speed buffer is best. My only issue with this method, which holds me back, is product selection. I guess detailers have to trial and error before they can provide a service worthy of customers cars. Honestly, customers of mine have great cars and cant afford to make bad choices when the time comes to refinish.

I can pretty much use some polish I have but can't decide on the right compound to use. Something with a light abrasive, that would hide scratches, would do for my purposes. 3M PI-3 would cut it, anyone?

I purchased my Dewalt high speed at my local auto body supplier for 250 bucks. It now can be purchased on ebay for 120, boxed and never used. Recently, I found the porter cable DA polisher (the one every one likes so much) for 110 on ebay, brand new. 109 sounds good at lowes which is right down the road.

When I said "dual action polisher" I didnt have the PC in mind. Rather I was leaning to the Dual Action, Dual Head buffer. I have no idea who manufactures them, only that the cost is high.

Now where is that all inclusive list of abrasiveness by product thread???
 
I just found a web site store with loads of detailing products. They carry the Cyclo DHDA for $230. From the looks of their inventory they are complete as far as accessories which makes ordering a breeze. One thing seems out of place is the price on the PC but the price on the Cyclo is phenominal. Maybe the cyclo isnt such a bad idea although I will probably end up with a PC. Peer pressure can be a b*tch.:p

*The link is Right Look



I hope someone is going to enlighten me about which polishes to use in a 2 step polishing process as well as the proper pad to use with the two. (Only dual action specific polishes of course) Or if you have a little time, a list of good polishes and their respective abrasiveness can really help me get started.
 
Bumpers Plus said:
Hey Intel, what did you like about the Pro Duz all? I havnt tried it yet. What color truck did you do? THanks Jason.
Click to expand...



I really liked it. The truck I did was red. I should have the pictures up here soon. I've already got them resized and online, just gotta make a thread. Not sure what to compare duz all too though. It is more abrasive than Meguiar's #9 and 3m SMR. I don't think it is as abrasive and 3m's Fine Cut though.
 
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