Some questions about correcting/polishing

[Nav45]

Hello, I am very glad to be on these forums! They are excellent.

I've learned to polish a bit in the past year with my DA and have had decent results. I have a good selection of foam pads and a good finishing polish. The compound I have been using (UC) is almost out so I'm looking to buy a new one.

I've tried using UC with foam pads on a car with very hard paint (single stage white I believe) and while it has improved the finish, the swirls and scratches are still there. When I was working on the car, I believe I was not taking my time and doing it a bit too fast. I was applying plenty of downward pressure on the machine (maybe a bit too much) but it didn't really help with the paint defects. I will try to work slower and see how that goes.

I'm looking to get some microfiber pads to see how they do. I'm also going to get a new compound as well. Right now, I'm looking at HD Cut since it seems to have good results. I'm just wondering if this is the right approach. The other option is to get more foam pads with a heavier cut. But I just want to see how the MF pads do.

How many MF pads does one generally need to do a mid size car? Can 2 be enough?

I've read that blowing compressed air generally cleans them. Also, how does one clean them after polishing? Similar to foam pads or is there another way?

I have a pad cleaner but I'm not sure if MF pads can be cleaned the same way.

I would appreciate any help.

 

[Setec Astronomy]

Typically, MF pads would be considered to give you more cut than foam. They can be cleaned just like foam pads, or thrown in the washing machine. The compressed air cleaning is while you are using them, for fluffing the fibers back up and removing some of the spent polish and paint. You can probably get by with 2 per car if you are blowing them out.

As far as the compound, I personally haven't used HD Cut but people seem to like it. Some others are Menzerna FG400 or whatever they are calling it now, Optimum Compound, and of course Meg's 101 or 105, which have a bit more cut than UC. I'm sure people will give you some more suggestions.

 

[custmsprty]

I can't answer to the micro fiber pads but I personally feel that two of any type pad is not enough to do any vehicle.

I used 5 brand new orange pads to do a 370Z Saturday and that's a small car. The longer you use a pad the more you abuse the pad. By which I mean you heat it up and it breaks down and the life of the pad is severely diminished. And most importantly as the pad loads up with product it's effectiveness is greatly diminished. You can only clean so much off of it. So I personally choose to use more for the job. They last longer and in turn my investment in pads is lower over time. Hope this helps.

And I have the entire HD line of products and it is top notch, user friendly and very cost effective.

My advice is to stick with one line of products so you learn how each works with different pad combinations.

HD Adapt is excellent too. With Cut you may need to do a final polish which now makes it a two step. I got amazing results Saturday on a pretty swirled up 370Z with Adapt on my G21 with orange pads. It finished out great and about 95% swirl free. It was my first time using it, it won't be my last, that's for sure.

Take a peak at the review:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ssan-370-z-griots-g21-hd-adapt-7-hd-poxy.html

 

[Nav45]

Typically, MF pads would be considered to give you more cut than foam. They can be cleaned just like foam pads, or thrown in the washing machine. The compressed air cleaning is while you are using them, for fluffing the fibers back up and removing some of the spent polish and paint. You can probably get by with 2 per car if you are blowing them out.

As far as the compound, I personally haven't used HD Cut but people seem to like it. Some others are Menzerna FG400 or whatever they are calling it now, Optimum Compound, and of course Meg's 101 or 105, which have a bit more cut than UC. I'm sure people will give you some more suggestions.

I have considered the compounds you mentioned. They all seem like good products with each having its strengths. I'm thinking 2 might be a bit low though. Thank you Setec Astronomy.

I can't answer to the micro fiber pads but I personally feel that two of any type pad is not enough to do any vehicle.

I used 5 brand new orange pads to do a 370Z Saturday and that's a small car. The longer you use a pad the more you abuse the pad. By which I mean you heat it up and it breaks down and the life of the pad is severely diminished. And most importantly as the pad loads up with product it's effectiveness is greatly diminished. You can only clean so much off of it. So I personally choose to use more for the job. They last longer and in turn my investment in pads is lower over time. Hope this helps.

And I have the entire HD line of products and it is top notch, user friendly and very cost effective.

My advice is to stick with one line of products so you learn how each works with different pad combinations.

HD Adapt is excellent too. With Cut you may need to do a final polish which now makes it a two step. I got amazing results Saturday on a pretty swirled up 370Z with Adapt on my G21 with orange pads. It finished out great and about 95% swirl free. It was my first time using it, it won't be my last, that's for sure.

Take a peak at the review:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ssan-370-z-griots-g21-hd-adapt-7-hd-poxy.html

Just lovely.

This is the type of product I'm looking for - great finish and yet can cut when used with the right pad. I actually never considered this product until you brought it up. I'm trying to not have to do a two step because I usually rush through them due to time constraints, etc. This way is less effective and uses more time.

I'm totally with you on having a good quantity of pads. I have tried to clean them while polishing and the results weren't all that good. I just like to use a new pad after a panel or so. Thank you custmsprty.

 

[AGOatemywallet]

I have seen Beginners & Pros get great results using a DA, Meguiar's Microfiber Cutting Pads and Meguiar's D300 Compound.

You can clean these pads with a standard pad brush, but compressed air is quicker and more thorough if you have a compressor.

The D300 has a longer working time, less dust and finishes down really well; compared to M105 and most other compounds. It is also priced moderately and available in smaller sizes (16oz).

I prefer white or black Lake Country foam pads with Meguiars M205 for finishing, although the combo above leaves many types of paint ready for wax. If you are using a standard DA (Meguiar's, Griot's, Harbor Freight or Porter Cable); I will suggest that 5 1/2" is the largest pad you should use. These smaller pads allow you to maintain consistent rotation of the pad, which increases cut and minimizes hazing.

I prefer to use more pads, as I see less hazing and better, more consistent cutting.


Moving the polisher too fast is the most common mistake that I have seen with beginning polishers.

 

[Setec Astronomy]

I have seen Beginners & Pros get great results using a DA, Meguiar's Microfiber Cutting Pads and Meguiar's D300 Compound.

Ha ha, I forgot all about that, yes, that's a great suggestion. I actually used to recommend the Meg's MF kit (with the D300 and D301) routinely for beginners...apparently I've gotten old and senile and forgotten...