[Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Hi JT,
Great input! Thanks for all the detailed info, it helps a lot.
OK, let's see where we are. Going in numeric order.....
1. I'd recommend a couple of foam polishing pads and a couple of foam finishing pads to start. Depending on mfr and supplier, the polishing pads are usually yellow and finishing in white. I use mostly Meguiar's pads only because I like the flat pad design (most detailers don't) and I can get them locally for a decent price. The Lake Country pads are of excellent quality and design, I highly recommend them.
3. Pretty much any compound or polish will remove any wax or sealant. I was thinking maybe you had just waxed the car or there was some funky "polyrazzmatazz" silicone sealant on the car which might be smearing around or something.
6. Yeah, definitely crank up the speed, especially with compounds. The PC doesn't generate the heat a rotary does so you don't have to be as careful with the machine speed. When I'm polishing I've usually got the speed at 5-6 and slow down only for light polishes, glazes, and final waxing.
Don't be afraid to put some pressure on the machine. Again, heat generation is not an issue so light to medium pressure will help the polish "bite" more. As you are working the panel, apply pressure initially then back off as the polish starts to flash off (transition from a liquid state to a powdery state). There isn't really a time limit for polishing, just watch what the polish is doing and adjust accordingly. The rule of thumb is to polish until the product is almost gone, like there is almost no residue to wipe off.
7. Yeah, with foam you have a lot of choices in aggressiveness. I've never got the results with a wool pad on a PC like I've gotten with one on a rotary. But certainly buy a wool pad if you want to see what it can do for you. I personally am much more comfortable with foam.
9. I think your 3M combo is fine, esp. on single stage paint. With a little technique help and practice time, I'm sure you'll be getting great results.
A good friend of mine wrote a fabulous tutorial for the PC rookie. He talks about pads, tools, polishes, and technique. Click on the link to read.
I hope all this helps. The best thing about the PC is the learning curve is short and not too steep. A little more practice and you'll be an expert, I'm sure.
Let me know if there is anything else I can do for ya.
posted by 24.98.68...
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.