Machine Polishing Advice

[Ian_Mac]

At Christmas I was lucky enough to receive the following machine polishing set up. http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/dodo-...th=71&osCsid=5b3d7168a275ce53a7fb936f0e7a17a4

As yet I've not used it due to holding out for nicer/warmer weather.

Having never used a machine polisher before I'm wondering if there are any good teaching guides online anywhere or any useful tips people can offer.

I'd like to think the condition of my paintwork is fairly good, definitely no deep scratches or anything like that. In the past I have clayed the car every 6 months and used Iron-X and Tardis treatments as part of the cleaning regime.

The car is now due it's big Spring clean so I'd like to include a machine polishing stage as well this time.

I know there are some extremely experienced detailers on here and am hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

Thanks


Ian

 

[Mr.CAP]

Start by covering any unpainted plastic with masking tape. If you run a polishing machine to fast over the plastic it can be a very tedious task to get them back into shape again. I have never uses the machine the include so therefor I will refrain from giving advice on using it. But I will give you the same advice as I give any other enthusiast starting out polishing a car, start of SLOW and with a very moderate speed on the machine at least until you get the feel of the machine. Since there is nothing in the package you bought I use I can not help you out any more.
/ Mike

 

[whitenemesis]

Get a couple of body panels from the scrap yard to practise on.

 

[TDE1]

I'm building myself up to do mine and that kit looks like just what I need. I don't have any experience in detailing, other than years ago when T-Cut, Triplewax, and Duraglit gave my Spitfire a nice finish.

Do you happen to know whether the quantity of discs supplied are sufficient for a car? And what on earth is sling?

Cheers

 

[millo777]

Loads of videos on youtube about how to use the megs microfibre DA system. The link below is a good place to start.

Autogeek.net - New Meguiars Microfiber DA System - YouTube

 

[Igurisu]

I'm building myself up to do mine and that kit looks like just what I need. I don't have any experience in detailing, other than years ago when T-Cut, Triplewax, and Duraglit gave my Spitfire a nice finish.

Do you happen to know whether the quantity of discs supplied are sufficient for a car? And what on earth is sling?

Cheers

Sling is the bits or lumps of polish that build up on the pad then get thrown out by the rotational speed.

 

[TDE1]

Sorry Ian, I hijacked your thread there for a moment.

Watched the link, Millo777, thanks. Doesn't look too daunting. Presume it's ok to use on all OEM paint? Obsidian black for example? Sorry, last stupid question and thanks to Ian for the thread.

 

[Ream]

I only use a machine for removing swirls, would never use one on a clean nice car especially if I was a novice.

 

[Merc Owner 2B]

Offer to polish your neighbour's BMW or Audi first of all. When proficient, do your own!

 

[fatdazza]

Superb guide on using a DA


Machine Polishing by Dual Action Polisher - Full Guide - Detailing World

 

[Ian_Mac]

Thanks for the links guys, looks like I need to set an hour aside to give them a good viewing.

 

[ddavidm]

I'm a bit of a detailing fan.

I'd always suggest clay bar before using a DA polisher. Best advice is to start with softer pads / finer polishing compound and work up from there. Merc paint is very hard, and, unlike thin / soft Jap paint, you're very unlikely to do any damage unless you're completely ham fisted. ALso, consider why you're doing this. Is it just to polish, or are you correcting swirls / light scratches?

 

[Simon_M]

Offer to polish your neighbour's BMW or Audi first of all. When proficient, do your own!

Or try it on the wife's car...

 

[Ian_Mac]

I'm a bit of a detailing fan.

I'd always suggest clay bar before using a DA polisher. Best advice is to start with softer pads / finer polishing compound and work up from there. Merc paint is very hard, and, unlike thin / soft Jap paint, you're very unlikely to do any damage unless you're completely ham fisted. ALso, consider why you're doing this. Is it just to polish, or are you correcting swirls / light scratches?

I'd say I'm 90% happy with my paintwork. When I'm in a petrol station on a night under the bright lighting I can see some very minor swirls.

That is me being really fussy I guess but since I've got the machine I may as well give it a go.

 

[Merc Owner 2B]

Or try it on the wife's car...

I must admit I do that!

 

[ddavidm]

The dreaded petrol station lights..excellent place for noticing swirls! You certainly won't do any harm with a DA polisher using soft pad and a mild polishing compound, and may well be pleasantly surprised by the results.

 

[Beno]

I'd have to disagree I've seen paint/lacquer burnt by over enthusiastic DA use they can really generate some heat. Before you have a go on your own paint work practice on something else. When I first started I had an old bonnet to practice on. The last thing you want to do is screw up your paint.

 

[ddavidm]

Agreed, hence my caveat in the earlier post about not being ham fisted with the process. With care, there's little chance of inflicting damage IMHO.

 

[Ian_Mac]

There's a black Mondeo bonnet on eBay near me going very cheap at the moment so I may get that to have a play with first.

 

[Ream]

There's a black Mondeo bonnet on eBay near me going very cheap at the moment so I may get that to have a play with first.

Looks like you are going to do this then I suggest you purchase some evo from Autosmart just in case.

I have just repaired a black Audi that was damaged by a mobile body repair believe it or not, now these guys use the machine daily where as I will use it 3-4 times a year. You have to get it perfect with the pads chemical and speed or else it gets everywhere.

The evo will solve the swirls if you ever create them.