Question about taping before DA polishing..

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nockiboo

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I been reading a few topics about taping and I noticed people tape cracks and some don't. I am new at using a PC 7424XP, just wondering what peoples thoughts are. I will be taping trims, rubbers and lights but wondering if I should tape the cracks from panel to panel or from hood to fender etc.


Let me know your thoughts..thanks in advance..
 
I wouldn't tape the crack because that wouldn't allow you to correct all the way to the edge of a panel.
 
Flannigan said:
I wouldn't tape the crack because that wouldn't allow you to correct all the way to the edge of a panel.
Click to expand...

I agree with Dave when it comes to using a DA Polisher. The exception is any hard body line where you think the paint might be thin or any gap between panels where it will visually bug you if you get polish residue into the gap and can't get it out.

Doing correction work right up to the edge is perfectionist detailing and there's nothing wrong with this type of perfectionist work but it is time consuming. So if it's your own car then no big deal is its your own time. If it's for a customer's car then take into account how perfect you promise to get the paint and charge accordingly.

Here's a couple of articles on the topic from my article list...


Taping-off and Covering Up

The Beach Towel Tip

The Soft Flannel Bed Sheet Tip

Tips on Taping Off Thin Paint and Chipped Paint

Tape it off and avoid a lifetime of ugly...

Best Practice - Avoid buffing on top of body lines and edges



:)
 
For some projects, taping is very important. For example anytime you're machine sanding. After knocking out what you can by machine sanding you can always come back and carefully hand sand closer to raised, hard body lines.

Dampsanding with 3" Griot's Garage Mini Polisher

mini3dampsanding006.jpg



mini3dampsanding007.jpg
 
The first time I used my DA, I got all sorts of polish in the gaps where the panels meet. So I figured I must have to tape them. Later I realized I was using too much product and I didn't have to tape the gaps.
 
TornadoRed said:
The first time I used my DA, I got all sorts of polish in the gaps where the panels meet. So I figured I must have to tape them.

Later I realized I was using too much product and I didn't have to tape the gaps.
Click to expand...

Very good point, worthing of highlighting in this thread. Focus on the task at hand and don't overuse product.

Also clean your pad often, by removing built-up residue off the face of the pad after buffing a section you prevent it from getting into cracks and crevices when you buff the next section. Now all you have to monitor is your fresh product.


:xyxthumbs:
 
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