When using a DA.........

[YankeeFan]

I see many mention keep running the DA until you finish "breaking down the polish". I assume this is for the newer polishes that do break down? Also, how can I determine when a polish is broken down as compare to being too far gone? Is there a danger zone (damage to the paint) if you go too far?

Howard

 

[BILL]

I see many mention keep running the DA until you finish "breaking down the polish". I assume this is for the newer polishes that do break down? Also, how can I determine when a polish is broken down as compare to being too far gone? Is there a danger zone (damage to the paint) if you go too far?

Howard

Breaking down the polish is when its turning to a powder form......it takes some experience to know exactly when,,it did with me at the beginning of this hobby.........

 

[Revearl]

Glad you asked this Howard. As a newbie using the PC I've wondered exactly the same thing. My main concern is going too long with the PC. When I've used XMT I haven't noticed a big change in the polish after buffing for a few minutes.

so I don't have an answer for you, but am eager to hear what others say.

Earl

 

[ScottB]

Most polishes break down ....some faster and better than others. These usually turn into finishing polishes. What you want to do is carefully watch the polish while buzzing around, it will start to cloud (no longer transparent looking) and then talc or powder. This is where to stop ...

 

[justin_murphy]

There are so many factors in the break down time of a polish. Temperature, amount of product, speed, and pressure are just some that will determine it. I use very little product per panel with high speeds with moderate pressure. I then back off the pressure and lower the speed. I get the polish to clear and work in less times like this. This one of my polishing secrets to saving time. This also saves marring due to that the polish has almost broke down into almost a final polish. This lets me remove marring with the same product that could cause it!!!

The biggest mistake I see is the use of way to much polish. The polish has lubricants in in it......way more than abrassives. So if you use to much polish, the abrassives will never have time to work right and it will never breakdown.

Here are a few pics of me working with DP Super Polish Remover.


The mass of scratches I was talking about....

Starting out. This how much pressure I use...

Working it in....

Starting to clear out. No dusting at all...

Major cleaning power....

Scratches after first pass....

After final pass....

Notice the lack of marring even with an abrasive polish as this. This all took less than 5 minutes in an area larger than the recommended 2X2 foot square. This process takes time to learn but when you do, the time saved and results are well worth it.

 

[Russecu]

Great Tip Justin!!! I see you used the wave pad. Do you see a difference in results b/t those and the flat pads?

 

[P1et]

That's a great tip Justin. I think that I might be using a bit too much polish myself seeing as your pad is almost completely lacking it.

I think part of the problem is that in most instructional vidoes, a lot more polish is used than you use. I think a lot of people are afraid to keep the pad too "dry" and then putting that on their paint.

Do you prep the pad whatsoever? I have a tendency to them with a QD before applying my polishes.

 

[Revearl]

The directions on my swirl remover called for a "quarter size" blob. Is that about the amount you started with?

Great pics and great tip too. Thanks!

 

[Ridgeliner]

Killr, Justin...
Thanks for the great info. I know I can use all the help I can get here. Justin the pics are really good I can see what you mean by "breaking down" the polish now, (It's been a concern of mine too).

I use very little product per panel with high speeds with moderate pressure. I then back off the pressure and lower the speed. I get the polish to clear and work in less times like this.

What speed do you start off at; what do you back it down to and how can we determine when to make these changes in speed and pressure? Is this partially determined by the type of polish being used?