My technique concerning the 3401, Menzerna products, and Hybrid pads

Mike, I always enjoy your posts. Thanks.

I want to share my recent experience that underscores the technique of "lightening up" on the last few passes to let the pad do the work to reduce unwanted marring and complete the polishing step.

I recently bought a jet black 2010 Nissan Murano that likely had not been really detailed in its life. Spider webbing and a milky white film were ever present on most of the car. Fortunately, no major scratches except in a few places. I proceeded with Menzerna 400 and followed with 3800 using a flex 3401 and orange and white pads, respectively.

The interesting thing to share is that there were several areas that showed small spider web like scratches that I believe were caused by too much pressure when using the white pad and the 3800. To correct after the first use, I simply repeated the 3800 white pad polishing over the affected areas -- with only the weight of the machine -- and the scratches were removed.

So, for what it's worth, Mike's suggestion of lightening up on the last few passes while polishing is a good one. I am a believer now and will use this approach routinely going forward.
 
Good validation of that technique, SpewKing! It's important to pay attention to some of the nuances involved and you've done exactly that. I still use my rotary every now and then and that technique is used from compounds to jewelling. Somtimes even slightly less weight than the machine.
 
honestly i dont have enough pads to do it this way i usually just use one pad but i clean it real good. thats the best i can do right now i get good results
 
spewking said:
Mike, I always enjoy your posts. Thanks.

I want to share my recent experience that underscores the technique of "lightening up" on the last few passes to let the pad do the work to reduce unwanted marring and complete the polishing step.

I recently bought a jet black 2010 Nissan Murano that likely had not been really detailed in its life. Spider webbing and a milky white film were ever present on most of the car. Fortunately, no major scratches except in a few places. I proceeded with Menzerna 400 and followed with 3800 using a flex 3401 and orange and white pads, respectively.

The interesting thing to share is that there were several areas that showed small spider web like scratches that I believe were caused by too much pressure when using the white pad and the 3800. To correct after the first use, I simply repeated the 3800 white pad polishing over the affected areas -- with only the weight of the machine -- and the scratches were removed.

So, for what it's worth, Mike's suggestion of lightening up on the last few passes while polishing is a good one. I am a believer now and will use this approach routinely going forward.
Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing your story and getting the black Murano back in shape. :props:

Yes, removing the downward pressure to just the weight of the machine ensures that the abrasives and finished off properly during the working time and not overworked into the paint which can haze the finish.

Puckman said:
Good validation of that technique, SpewKing! It's important to pay attention to some of the nuances involved and you've done exactly that. I still use my rotary every now and then and that technique is used from compounds to jewelling. Somtimes even slightly less weight than the machine.
Click to expand...

The technique is just as important if not more so when using a rotary machine. :xyxthumbs:

fightnews said:
honestly i dont have enough pads to do it this way i usually just use one pad but i clean it real good. thats the best i can do right now i get good results
Click to expand...

As soon as you can add more pads to your arsenal so your not overworking the one pad.
 
Mike@DedicatedPerfection said:
As soon as you can add more pads to your arsenal so your not overworking the one pad.
Click to expand...
ya i wish i had an extra yesterday, i just bought the hybrid power finish pads in five inch. using the finish pad half way through the car started acting funny even with cleaning on the fly after every pass. washed in the sink then dried it but not enough because water splattered everywhere. almost ruined the whole detail. the pad defg lost its firmness. i wish i would of had two i only bought one of each it was a disaster.
 
I have been using your technique with great success.

I have been using speed 5 then 3 with 400/orange. Now I am going to back off a little.
I needed to reread the thread I guess.
I just ordered the 3500 to try instead of M205. I have 3800 but always wanted to try the old 4000.
I really like the Menzerna polishes.

So Mike...have you tried the new Force pads?

I just ordered up 6 grey, 6 orange,6 whites,3 black and 3 red to use on my spun down 5.5 to 5" backing plate.
 
fightnews said:
ya i wish i had an extra yesterday, i just bought the hybrid power finish pads in five inch. using the finish pad half way through the car started acting funny even with cleaning on the fly after every pass. washed in the sink then dried it but not enough because water splattered everywhere. almost ruined the whole detail. the pad defg lost its firmness. i wish i would of had two i only bought one of each it was a disaster.
Click to expand...

Ouch.

Make sure to add more pads to your arsenal.

spazzz said:
I have been using your technique with great success.

I have been using speed 5 then 3 with 400/orange. Now I am going to back off a little.
I needed to reread the thread I guess.
I just ordered the 3500 to try instead of M205. I have 3800 but always wanted to try the old 4000.
I really like the Menzerna polishes.

So Mike...have you tried the new Force pads?

I just ordered up 6 grey, 6 orange,6 whites,3 black and 3 red to use on my spun down 5.5 to 5" backing plate.
Click to expand...

Thanks for chiming in with your success.

Let me know your thoughts on the new 3500 when you get a chance to use it.
I too love Menzerna. Especially on German paint.

I have not tried the new Force pads. Have you?

brw71585 said:
Hey Mike can you share the doc please
Click to expand...

PM me an email address please.
 
Hi guys. I just bought myself flex 3401 and I will try to polish my own car. It's a white van. I couldn't find any hybrid pads in UK. I did order lake country HD pads with the hole in the centre 6.5". Bought X3 blue pads for cutting with FG400 and X3 orange pads to polish with SF3800. Do you think it will be suitable to use the "smack" technique with them? Also what can you recommend for finish - wax?
 
It looks like you did your homework and should be good to go.

Since you can get Menzerna products just buy some Powerlock.
 
Mike@DedicatedPerfection said:
Thank you Rob!!!

Sure thing! I know there has been quite a few threads concerning the Flex and or Menzerna questions so I wanted to get this out their for all to see.

This Autobahn over here is something else!! Imagine holding your speed legally and cruising at 120mph!!! I love it!!

Send me a PM concerning your email address....



Thanks for taking the time to comment Bob!!!!
Click to expand...
Somehow I would get behind someone doing 50 in the left lane putting on make up!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top