Taping before polishing

I

imported_sonyexec

New member
I notice that most of the taping being done is to close off the body panel gaps and I hav a question about that. Is the tape being used to keep product out of the crevices or is it being taped because those areas have the thinnest layer of paint??



While I'm at it, I got 2 303 questions: (a) can 303 be watered down? (b) can 303 be used on leather?





Thanks y'all
 
I tape next to trim. Be it black plastic/rubber or painted. Damage can/will be done to both in the compounding stage.



You can probably water 303 down but I don't think I would. You have a particular reason for wanting to? It works fine on leather.
 
I have a black dashboard and the 303 straight is pretty glossy. Lately with the sunny days here it's reflecting big time onto my windshield. I thought adding a little water may reduce the gloss.





thx
 
sonyexec said:
I have a black dashboard and the 303 straight is pretty glossy. Lately with the sunny days here it's reflecting big time onto my windshield. I thought adding a little water may reduce the gloss.





thx
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You can absolutely water 303 down, I have diluted it up to 10:1 with distilled water. I agree, on some dashes, its too glossy. I like 3:1 or 5:1.



It works well on leather, again, I dilute it for leather as well.



As to your first question, your initial thoughts are spot on, edges are generally thin and frequently require less aggressive approaches.



HTH.
 
wrt 303, I too prefer a more matte finish on the dash. I don't formally dilute the 303 but instead spray it onto a wet microfiber towel to apply it. That seeems to help me get both a more even and less shiny finish.
 
sonyexec said:
I notice that most of the taping being done is to close off the body panel gaps and I hav a question about that. Is the tape being used to keep product out of the crevices or is it being taped because those areas have the thinnest layer of paint??
Click to expand...



Both reasons. Most of the time I don't mind product spatter getting in the crevices, I just clean it out later. But in some areas (e.g., behind trailing edge of front fender/in front of door) it can be a PIA. I often stuff a MF in there too, because at some point you need to take off the tape and polish that area.



I don't worry *too* much about the paint being thinner, but often the panels aren't aligned quite right and the higher panel would be susceptible to overly-aggressive polishing if not taped.
 
If you are unsure about moldings or uneven edges then tape off. If you are heavy compounding then tape off. Personally i don't tape off much any more, having used the rotary for many years, i have a good feel for it and the materials it could damage. If you are filling up cracks with product you are using too much.



303 can be diluted. I keep a full strength and one diluted 3:1. Full strength sprayed on a damp MF gives a nice matte finish. I also spray a little Febreze on the damp MF, to improve the smell.
 
taping, matters what product and process I am using, If I am doing heavy paint correction I do not tape off because I will re wash it and the tape becomes bothersome half way thru, on mild paint correction I will tape to prevent heavy dusting, I will tape off trim depending on the product and process also, some products enhance trim quite a bit and then I do not have to take a seperate step to treat or dress.
 
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