How fast should the DA spin when polising?

[flugufrelsarinn]

When using a one step polish/finish like 2500, how fast should the DA spin? I put a black mark on it to see it's speed, but I am not too sure what I am looking for. I was watching the videos by Mike and it looks like it is spinning very slow (1 turn/min). This seems like it is too slow to do any work though? What speed should I aim for?

I am having trouble with holograms with 2500 and any pad (white,gray) so I am guessing its my technique.

 

[swanicyouth]

What car are you working on?

There could be a lot of reasons you are getting holograms - not necessarily related to pad speed. The pad should be spinning, not too fast - not too slow. You may just have soft paint that doesn't respond well to a one step type polish. You may need a follow up step with an ultra fine finishing polish.

Your pad/paint may be dirty/contaminated. You may be dry buffing. You may not be breaking the polish down enough. Who knows?

If it was me, I'd just try another polish and make sure everything was clean - assuming your technique is spot on. Cleanliness is very important. Maybe try a SMAT polish like Optimum or Meg's 205.

 

[flugufrelsarinn]

What car are you working on?

There could be a lot of reasons you are getting holograms - not necessarily related to pad speed. The pad should be spinning, not too fast - not too slow. You may just have soft paint that doesn't respond well to a one step type polish. You may need a follow up step with an ultra fine finishing polish.

Your pad/paint may be dirty/contaminated. You may be dry buffing. You may not be breaking the polish down enough. Who knows?

If it was me, I'd just try another polish and make sure everything was clean - assuming your technique is spot on. Cleanliness is very important. Maybe try a SMAT polish like Optimum or Meg's 205.

It is a molten orange Ford. I don't think I am dry buffing as I can still see a residue when I go to wipe the paint.

 

[silverfox]

There are many variables, but I doubt there is a right or wrong answer. I've found for me that a properly primed pad using SMAT polishes can work well on a DA at very slow rotation speeds. I rarely every exceed 4 on my trusty PC polisher. I'm honestly convinced that proper pad priming is critical including foam pads.