How do you use a dual-action polisher on a car that has a lot of curves and contours? The instructions and videos say to have the pad flat on the surface, but if that's the case there's going to be a few areas that I won't be about to polish by machine. The 2010 Camaro's have a few curves on the panels. For example, on the RS model, if you look at the hood the middle portion of it is raised. The sides of the hood sort of curve up to the higher middle portion. Can you safely use a polisher on that curved portion? Also, the rear fender (close to the doors) have ridges in them, how would one use a DA on that area? Thanks in advance for your answers!
Using a DA polisher on a non-flat surface?
- Thread starter mcpp66
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HighEndDetail
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- Apr 29, 2006
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Here is one I did so I know what you are talking about. I used the flex 3401. I just moved the flex back and forth, side to side motion. And on the slopes like you were asking. Did the same using part of the pad, and a little of an angle too.
- Thread starter
- #3
So you didn't press the pad down harder over the slopes to make sure there's full contact? You just angled the pad? How did you angle it? Are there any general rules of thumb when it comes to angling the pad? Should the edge of the pad be in contact with the paint surface or should it not? Thanks.
Rsurfer
Well-known member
- Jan 26, 2007
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Using a da and going over edges and curves are no problem. Just be sure your backing plate is at least a 1/4" smaller than your pad. You need to be a little careful when using a Flex because of the force rotation. Stay away from edges when using a rotary.
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- #5
I'm using a porter cable 7424xp with a 3.5" backing plate and 4.5" pads so I guess I should be okay.
Rsurfer
Well-known member
- Jan 26, 2007
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Yes!
Rsurfer
Well-known member
- Jan 26, 2007
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Yes, but keep the pc moving as heat can build up on plastic much quicker than metal. Plastic bumpers have a flex agent in the clear coat and is not as tough as the clear on metal.
- Thread starter
- #10
Thank you for the advice on that one, I didn't know that! Does this mean that a single pass over a plastic panel with the pc should be made faster than a single pass over a metal panel?
and even then your probably still going to have a hard time do damage.
Rsurfer
Well-known member
- Jan 26, 2007
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Not necessarily faster, but with less pressure. If using a 4" pad, it will generate some heat if left in one spot too long and you'll get what they call paint winkle.
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- #13
The amount of pressure I use is about equal to the weight of the polisher itself so it sounds like I should be fine. Thanks for the advice.
Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
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Depends on what you're trying to do? Are you spreading out a coat of wax or paint sealant or trying to remove swirls? If you're trying to remove swirls then you need to keep the pad rotating and you can accomplish this with the XP or the ROP by using small pads and balance your pressure to engage your SMR while still maintaining pad rotation.
Over the weekend on the Nissan rental car we used for the GTG at Nick's I was able to use the Griot's ROP on just an edge to remove the swirls out of the tight, curved panel that runs down the hood with no problem.
Correct. Whenever you can buff flat you should buff flat. If you have panel that don't lend itself to using a pad flat then there's not much you can do but to buff on edge, switch to smaller pads, work by hand.
:xyxthumbs: