Everyone - please note that I do not believe that I am instilling these swirls with the MF (although I know that is possible) because I am drawing the MF across the finished area in a straight line - not rubbing in circles - I am doing this deliberately to see if the MF is instilling or I am not finishing down. BTW Using a variable rotary with below 1000 rpm.
What you first have to determine is if it is your polishing technique or wipe off technique that is instilling the swirls.
I’d suggest the following steps.
First do not use IPA at any dilution. I’m with Dave on this, IPA is just not necessary to do wipe downs and will usually only make matters worse with the sort of problems you are experiencing. No point repeating what Dave has said, but I agree with him on his thoughts about how IPA has come on the scene. Also I’d don’t really know why people insist of doing dry MF wipe offs to remove polish residue. The simplest method that won’t induce marring is to use a wet MF and gently wipe away the polish residue. Rinse out the MF and then wring it dry and wipe off again to remove the majority of the water and finally dry the panel with a separate MF. That completely avoids any harsh rubbing to remove stubborn polish residues and will eliminate any risk of marring the paint. For a final inspection just vary the technique and add detergent (such as Dawn) to ensure that all oils from the polish have been removed.
Second have you established that you are not introducing new swirls and scratches after polishing each section? Do the scratches and swirls appear in the same position on the panel. If they are in the same position, then that indicates that your polish/combo is not aggressive enough to remove the swirls. If the swirls/scratches appear in different positions then it is your polishing technique that is introducing new swirls. You mention low rpms and I assume from your description that you are using Menz P085RD. Low rpms by themselves is not the correct technique with a rotary for a diminishing polish such as 85rd. You need to use the zenith technique to work the polish and cause the abrasives to progressively break down. However first question is does your rotary have a sophisticated electronic speed control that guarantees each speed at whatever the load. You’ll need to work 85rd from 600 to 900 to 1200 and then work back down to 900 and finally back to 600. If your rotary doesn’t have that type of control then you will certainly have difficulty achieving the finish you want.
To learn more about the zenith technique I’d suggest DaveKG’s article over at detailing world see
Machine Polishing by Rotary Polisher - Full Guide - Detailing World He also has some very goods videos that show the correct rotary technique for finishing down with 85rd.
Lastly if you are having no luck with the rotary why not try with a DA? If you can finish swirl free on a DA, that points to your rotary or your rotary technique. Undoubtedly a rotary (using the correct technique) and 85rd will produce a superior finish than a DA with 85rd, but at this stage you aren’t interested in jewelling the paint, if you still have swirls to contend with.
I certainly wouldn’t give up at this point because it is possible to achieve what you want on any type of paint.
