Define "Breaking Down" regarding polish/compound.

[Rez90]

I'm having issue's with this term. Can anyone give me some specifics on what it means for a product to "Break Down" when polishing?

Does it mean "Dissappear?" or "Become very thin"?

Someone please elaborate for me. Thanks much.

 

[wgilles]

It is usually manufacturer specific. However, most of them will turn "clear" or translucent when the compounds have broken down.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

If you're working with a diminishing abrasive product that starts out in the bottle as an opaque liquid, then as you buff the "film on the surface", that is your "working product" will change from an opaque film to a translucent film as you work the product.

Most people say this is a visual indicator that the abrasives have completely broken down.


I would say that this is a visual indicator that you're near the end of the products buffing cycle and that it is very likely the abrasive have broken down.


I'd say it's less of a worry than most people think and that when using a quality compound or polish with good technique, as long as you're working the product to this point you're good to stop buffing and wipe off the residue and inspect the results.


:xyxthumbs:

 

[Rez90]

i've noticed that if i don't buff long enough the product (whatever it may be...D151 last weekend) there will be marring left on the paint. it wasn't until the product was nearly gone on the vehicle that i could wipe away any remaining residue (which was nearly nothing) that i would get a marr free finish...

I was using a HT tangerine pad with my 3401 and D151 on a white GTR. there were a few times where i had to follow up with D151 on a White LC pad to remove the marring on the paint

 

[AutowerxDetailing]

i've noticed that if i don't buff long enough the product (whatever it may be...D151 last weekend) there will be marring left on the paint. it wasn't until the product was nearly gone on the vehicle that i could wipe away any remaining residue (which was nearly nothing) that i would get a marr free finish...

I was using a HT tangerine pad with my 3401 and D151 on a white GTR. there were a few times where i had to follow up with D151 on a White LC pad to remove the marring on the paint

I've noticed D151 is a fairly coarse (comparatively) SMAT compound and sometimes requires a softer foam pad for proper finishing. Overall though I think it is a fantastic AIO product.