Orange pad, Coarse green

[dsjohn]

My car had quite a lot of swirls, (black color paint) I was quite concerned to use the green pad, so I just have the orange (lite cutting) with intermediate swirl remover.
I polished with the orange pad, (1st. time using) the Flex 4301, 1st time ever to detail anything! and once, quite a lot remained, 2nd time, better, but still could see swirls, 3rd time, about 80 to 90% are gone, but not all. then polished with black pad & finishing glaze, Still slight swirls, and slight scratches, (none can be felt) Should I press harder?
Just very nervous! it's an expensive auto.

 

[AutowerxDetailing]

Got any pics?

Don't be afraid to step up to a more aggressive compound/pad combo to achieve the results you are looking for. Otherwise you might be polishing for a really, really long time! :buffing:

 

[dsjohn]

I have some pics in the members gallery, I don't know how to attach them here; under, Swirls, dsjohn
After 2 hours, it looked as if I hadn't started, although in the garage under close scrutiny 400W bulbs, it looked quite good, compared to un-worked areas!

 

[Vegas Transplant]

 

[AutowerxDetailing]

Try doing a small 2x2' test spot with the products you have and see if it looks any better. If not getting any better you may need to step up to a more aggressive compound.

 

[dsjohn]

I see that there is a 4 inch backing plate, some spots on this vehicle will be very tough with a 6 inch pad. Without using the 4 inch, (which didn't exist until recent) how does one get into tight spots? (my guess is you don't, only by hand)

 

[AutowerxDetailing]

Yeah, sometimes, depending on the curvature of the panel and things getting in the way, your only choice is to polish areas by hand. Search through Mike's threads for one about "surgical buffing" and a lot of your questions will be answered.