Using the PC and Swirls

Y

Yaemish

New member
I am going to be getting a PC and really need to get some of the swirls and fine scratches out of my dark blue car. I did a search and found some things but my question hasn't been answered specifically enough for comfort.



I would like to know what product are prefered for swirl mark/scratch removal when used with the PC? Also, I'm not really understanding the entire process for removing them. Do you apply with the PC and then immediately remove or do you need to let it sit/haze before doing anything?



Does the entire process actually remove the swirls and scratches or just fill them and make them less visible?



Thanks
 
I would like to know what product are prefered for swirl mark/scratch removal when used with the PC?
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There are plenty of options, the main differences between the polishes (apart from simply brand name) is the abrasiveness levels. The more abrasive the more heavier swirls/scratches it will be able to polish out.



Here is a very good thread outlining the abrasiveness of various polishes.



http://autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=497842#post497842



For PC, I would recommend for micro-marring/light swirls something around abrasiveness level 3 [eg. #9, #80 or PB SSR 1.0]



For heavier swirls and fine scratches something around abrasiveness level 6+ [eg. #83, SSR 2.5]



Once you have a better idea of what product you want to try, take a look around the review sections for more specific opinions.



Also, I'm not really understanding the entire process for removing them. Do you apply with the PC and then immediately remove or do you need to let it sit/haze before doing anything?
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You work it in with the PC, and then you buff it off immediately when you've finished. There are many excellent articles and videos on how to use the PC. Here is a good place to start --- http://autopia.org/kb/index.php?page=index_v2&id=38&c=root



Does the entire process actually remove the swirls and scratches or just fill them and make them less visible?
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The process levels out the surface around the scratches with abrasives. This is not always true though -- as some products, like Megs #80 Speed Glaze also contains some filler oils that might compliment this process. This is minimal however...and the majority of work by #80 and polishes with no filler oils is done in removing the swirls entirely.



Hope this helps,
 
Immediate removal is optional. Depends entirely on the products and your own process, and weather conditions, sun/no sun, high temps. humidity.....etc. Pick a process which works for you. Colche mentioned two very good products, #80 and 83. There are many others also, experiement accordingly! And have fun....
 
Menzerna twins are my favorite polishes. IP isn't that aggressive, about as strong as SSR 2 and SFP. FP leaves the best finish on dark colors then any other finishing polish I've used. (see my sig on how IP and FP breakdown)



Here are my "go to polishes"



SSR3 for heavy swirls and scratches like this:

01-3.jpg




SSR2.5 or DACP:

20-01.jpg




SSR2, SFP or IP:

mustang_s_before.jpg




SSR1, FP for finishing and removing any hazing or micromarring left by more aggressive polishes
 
White95Max said:
Does it take a long time to break down the SSR3 with a PC? What kind of pad/speed do you use them with?
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-Not really

-Cutting/polish

-The things that I've learned using it is - to start it off at about 4, move the PC slowly, let the product do the work, then bump up the speed after it starts to break down if needed.





The other thing is the pads get gummed pretty quick so change or clean them often or it will haze like crazy and not work and breakdown as well.
 
I have a rotary on the way for use with SSR3 or anytime I have bad swirls to deal with. I was just thinking it would be hard to get the same results by PC with something as strong as SSR3.
 
Is the IP part of a two step process? The swirls aren't too bad but they are pretty noticiable in my dark paint. My car is a 97 so the paint is pretty old, does that change the product recommendations?
 
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