Question: how to machine polish sculpted body panels?

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mthopton

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I'm new to machine polishing, well polishing in general, and would like to know what is the best technique for using the Porter Cable DA polisher for sculpted body panels. I have a 2016 Black Toyota Tacoma that has a stamped hood with 4 different levels to include a hood scoop.

I have watched all of Mike's videos and read online for hours about machine polishing and have not seen this question answered.

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Thanks for the advice and answers. I have $450 worth of supplies waiting from autogeek I'm anxious to put to use.

Mike

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mthopton said:
Question: how to machine polish sculpted body panels?
Click to expand...


The real answer is,


"Anyway you can"


I do have a video on buffing out curved panels.




Besides that what you have to do is what we all have to do and that's spend time behind the buffer and become one with it. Then you can make it dance on the paint.

As for the Porter Cable specifically, any of the new super thin foam pads are going to be your friend because it will be easier to maintain pad rotation with a thin pad than any thick pad and that is the to overcome, maintaining pad rotation on curved or thin body panels.

See my article here,


5.5" SUPER THIN FOAM PAD OPTIONS for your Dual Action Polisher



For thin panels and curved panels using RUPES or FLEX orbital polishers I show techniques for this in person in my classes but the trick is learning how to go up on edge like you would do using a rotary buffer on a thin panel. Doing this and doing this safely is the key, comes from again... spending time behind the buffer or watching and learning from someone that already knows how to do it.


:)
 
Hi Mike, welcome to AutoGeekOnline! Congrats on the new Tacoma.

As mentioned by Marc, a smaller plate and pads will excel with those areas. One way to do it would be to grab a smaller 3" machine such as the Griots Garage and equip it with the smaller pads and outfit the PC with larger 5.5" pads.

What do you have on order from AutoGeek?
 
Wow....great responses, guys, thanks!

What's on order you say? Here goes:

1) Porter Cable DA starter kit with many of the Lake Country pads AND both a 5" and 3.5" backing plates. It also includes pad cleaner and conditioner.

2) McKee's 360 all in one
3) Blackfire blackice sealant wax
4) Pinnacle clay and clay lube
5) VIP wheel cleaner kit with McKee's wheel glaze and Wolfgang wheel cleaner.
6) Assorted brushes - speed master, etc.
7) knee pad (insert jokes here)
8) a pile of microfiber cloths to include a couple of different guzzlers
9) a chenille wash mitt
10) and....Mike's detailing book, which I've read cover to cover.

This is a whole new obsession...

Since I've already got the 3" backing plates, looks like I really just need to.order some CCS pads in that size.

Mike

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Oh ya you got the BUG :)

Hide your credit card :)
 
Sheesh....no kidding. :)

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Nice order Mike!

The McKee's 360 should work out great with a white pad on the PC. Perform a test spot and see how it goes.

Don't hesitate to ask questions!
 
Mike@DedicatedPerfection said:
Nice order Mike!

The McKee's 360 should work out great with a white pad on the PC. Perform a test spot and see how it goes.

Don't hesitate to ask questions!
Click to expand...
That is exactly plan. I'm good at following direcrions...

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Make sure to document everything with pictures and create a Show 'N Shine Mike.

Would like to see more pictures of your Tacoma.
 
I sure will.

How about working around decals? This truck has a big, square decal on the bed. Should it be taped off? Should the edges be avoided so as not to create "wax lines"?

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Note the brown tires...that will be fixed soon!

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As already mentioned above, i prefer smaller diameter pads to fit as best i can the surface being worked. I want my pad as flat as possible on the paint and for curvy, elevated "character lines" on a panel that means a smaller pad. I usually "cut in" those areas first after determining from my test areas what i want to use for THAT paint. I use my rotary with an assortment of spindle extensions and 2" and 3" pads. I am not aware of any BP's or pads less than 3" for the PC but 3" pads could most likely work those areas with a little "persuasion". And there is always the hand method for getting a little more gloss and shine out of those really tough to reach areas.

As far as decals, i usually don't compound them and simply brighten them up a bit with my finish polish. Some may say tape them off but i sometimes do and sometimes don't. I wipe down with Car Pro Eraser after i'm done polishing and that seems very effective at avoiding any product build up around the edges. A good, careful and thorough wipe with Eraser or Iso Alc always working a clean side of a MF towel should prevent any buildup.

Beautiful new truck and best of luck with it. Welcome to the "sickness" my friend!
 
I wouldn't worry about taping those off when working with a PC/AIO/polishing pad. You can run right over them without worry. A mf towel will remove any buildup that may be left behind on the edges. Just be easy around/over the decal.

One thing I would tape off though is the black plastic bed rail cap located just above it. You do not want to bump your rotating pad/AIO against the black trim.
 
Perfect. Thanks guys. I have a stack of 4" CCS pads on order to knock out the hood.

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