My 1st attempt with a HF DA polisher

Shawn1112

Shawn1112

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Well here are a few pics from my 1st attempt at paint correction with a HF DA polisher.
This is my 20 year old daughters car so you can imagine it wasnt in the greatest shape. Just did a regular wash and dry, clay bar, as far as polishing I tried the blue HF polishing pad with Meguairs M205. It didnt seam like it was doing a good enough job, so I switched to HF orange cutting pad with some 3m cutting compound i had in my garage, then followed that up with blue pad and the M205, and sealed it with black finishing pad and Meguairs yellow wax (forgot the number, either 18 or 26). Sorry but only before pic i have is rear 1/4 panel where the worst scratches were. I can still see some swirls in the paint. So would I need to A: order better pads or B: use a stronger cutting compound or both, lol. Open to any and all criticism, and suggestions, so be totally honest.






 
I've tried using 3M rubbing compound on a DA. While I was able to get it to "cut" there is better stuff out there for that job IMO.

I would pick up some Meguiars Microfiber Cutting pads and try out Meguiars M100.

Then follow it with M205 and a polishing pad. (Work on an area you haven't worked on already on that truck, if possible, when going with your new setup.)

Also, what size pads and backing plate are you using?

I found switching the HF to a 5" is better than the stock 6", I believe it comes with.

And if you go down to 3", you'll have a small powerful DA :D
 
And don't know if you have one or not, but I would go to my local Home Depot and pick up a small flash light to start off with.

Of course you can always step it up and even build one as you go. But a small flash light is about $15 and does a great job to inspect your work.
 
As Art said changing the backing plate would make a big difference. A black vehicle will definitely show you where you are getting the results you want and where you still need to do more work. I would take Art's advice and look at different pads and compounds, and then practice, practice, practice.

Walter
 
Thanks, and yes I read in reviews on HF website that a few people recommended switching that backing plate. So that will be my next purchase along with some different pads and the M100.
 
Shawn1112 said:
Thanks, and yes I read in reviews on HF website that a few people recommended switching that backing plate. So that will be my next purchase along with some different pads and the M100.
Click to expand...

This will make a world of difference. I found the HF pads to be garbage after I moved on to a Lake Country backing plate and pads.
 
Desertnate said:
This will make a world of difference. I found the HF pads to be garbage after I moved on to a Lake Country backing plate and pads.
Click to expand...
LOL, thats exactly what people recommended on the HF reviews (LC pads and backing plate)
 
I would still choose the Meguiars MF cutting pad for the compound/cutting stage though.
 
Looks good!

Aside from the above recommendations, make sure you move the polisher over the paint s-l-o-w-l-y; watch Junkman's video "Polisher Speed of Movement" on YouTube.
 
Would've love to see the before pictures, good job nonetheless
 
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