Why is FG400 doing this to me?

taxi_dub

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I'm currently working on a BMW M3 e46 (2004) I found the paint to be on the really hard side, so I went with fg400. For some odd reason fg400 is sticking to the paint and drying up right away. It has done this to me in the past but I figured it was cold weather. I'm using the Meg's micro cutting pads, I feel like it's happening more on this car then the 370z I did. What is weird is I have this problem with my 21mm rupes but not my 3inch griots. I'm using 3 pea size dots on the pad and working in a 1x1 sections on speed 4.5-5. View attachment 33039
 
I have used fg400 on an e46 before and never had any problems. In fact I am an avid user of Menzerna polishes and have never had this happen.

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Are you using any pad conditioner? If not, maybe a spritz beforehand would help.
 
If this don't work, try that. Change your approach until you figure something out. Perhaps you could try lightly priming the entire face of the pad instead of the 3 pea sized drops. Maybe working in smaller sections etc. Have you tried any other variations in product amounts or techniques yet? Trial and error is one of the constants in detailing.
 
Are you using any pad conditioner? If not, maybe a spritz beforehand would help.

For what its worth I have often in the past taken a new pad, added my working product (no priming, no pad conditioner etc) and have not seen any difference in the way the polish interacts with the paint
 
How many passes are you making? Maybe you are trying to remove the polish before it has had a chance to break down? Target 6 to 8 passesand drop your machine speed to 3.
 
I think it may be a possibility your using too much downward pressure and the pad is getting too hot. I have exactly zero experience with MF pads, but to me this looks stuff is getting too hot.

IMHO, it seems your using a hodge podge of products. Rupes machine, Megs MF pads, & Menz polishes. While normally this likely wouldn't be an issue, the Rupes is a different animal. The machine operates on low downward pressure and a large stroke, where these pads were designed to operate with more downward pressure and a smaller stroke.

I'd just solve the issue by using Rupes polishes and their MF pads. That way - you have a proven system and success is assured.
 
Make sure you're cleaning the pad frequently, and do not apply too much product to the pad.

You might also want to slow your speed down just a tad.
 
The diminishing abrasives in the FG400 clog the MF pads really fast. You have to clean them often. Also, the heat can be a problem, and not ambient heat, but the pad heat. Try to ease up on the pressure and let the pad and the compound do the work.

HUMP
 
Or even switch to a foam pad for a trial run to see if its the same results
 
Make sure you're cleaning the pad frequently, and do not apply too much product to the pad.

You might also want to slow your speed down just a tad.

The diminishing abrasives in the FG400 clog the MF pads really fast. You have to clean them often. Also, the heat can be a problem, and not ambient heat, but the pad heat. Try to ease up on the pressure and let the pad and the compound do the work.

HUMP

I concur with the above 2 :whs:

1) Work clean (clean pad often)
2) Don't oversaturate the pad with products
3) Don't "cook" the product by working at high speeds and for too long, or by driving the pad in the panel
4) A little extra moisture on the pad may help the work time.

As previously stated ambient temp and % humidity will allow you more or less time to work. You just have to adjust the technique
 
I blow out the pad after ever section pass. I try and use less product, trial and error, same thing. I just switched to a new pad, same thing. I use no pressure and the machine on 4.5, same thing. It's so weird that it only happens on the rupes. My griots 3inch I don't have this issue.
 
I would have to say that the DAT technology in Menzerna products do not play well with mf pads combined with the large stroke machines.

It does fine coupled with mf pads on 8mm throw machines but I dont think it behaves properly on that larger throw.
 
I remember having this issue with the 21, although I don't remember which compound(s) or polish(s) it was. I chalked it up to the long throw of the 21 because changing products, not technique, reduced or eliminated the dusting.
If you have a shorter throw machine, try that. Or, try another pad material. Good luck.
 
Just like Nick said. Keep the pads clean and I wouldn't go past speed 4. Ideally working between 3-3.5 The MF discs were not designed to be used at high speed for any machine, much less a large orbit da.
 
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