[ZephyrEFI]

So I bought a Craftsman buffer and some Turtle Wax car polish paste stuff in a tub with the idea that maybe i could get my Zephyr's dull paint to shine a bit more. I thought maybe I would try it on the wife's Fusion first, since it had some minor fading and haze issues. I applied the polish with a hand terry cloth pad, and then tried buffing it off with the buffer, with a terry cloth pad on it. Well, the buffer didn't really do squat, so I was left hand-buffing most of the polish haze off. After a few areas, i gave up on the buffer altogether. The polish gave the car a pretty nice shine, but I get the feeling a clay bar would have been just as effective and a whole lot less trouble.

I've never used polish or a buffer before. the pad (elastic type) was slipping all over the place on the buffer too, sometimes not even turning. Anyway, what am i doing wrong?

[D.Acker]

I think it's just the type\style you got. I have a Porter Cable 7424 that uses a velcro backing plate\pads. I've never had a problem with the pads etc coming loose. I use Meguiar's polishes\seals etc. Does a nice job of removing swirls etc. Our van had some hazing\fading which the PC w\Megs helped (it really needs a wetsand though in our case).

I've used buffers with the slip on pads and had the same problem you described, possibly applying to much pressure when using it though is what causes the pads to slip\not move.


Some pics of my results, I have added a step between the cutting compound and sealant using Meguiars 205 polish. Sorry I forget to get before pics usually.

http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/showth...ess&highlight=

http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/showth...-SZ&highlight=

[ZephyrEFI]

Those cars look great!

Couple of questions. by "sealant" I assume you mean what is generally called "wax" but is not necessarily limited to waxes? What do you mean by "cutting compound"? The only ones i know of are either polish or rubbing compound, and i can't believe one would use rubbing compound large scale on one's car regularly. But, again, i really don't know. I didn't even use wax regularly until 5 years ago. The wax/polish aisle at the auto parts store makes my head spin.

And as for procedure, you apply the compound by hand, and buff it off using the buffer/polisher right?

[Boghog]

Any compound should be applied with a machine.And if your not profiecent with an air or electric buffer,don't waste your time ,you will surely burn the paint.If you insist on doing it, my recommendation would be to by a used hood from a used parts yard and practice.

[D.Acker]

Originally Posted by ZephyrEFI

Those cars look great! Couple of questions. by "sealant" I assume you mean what is generally called "wax" but is not necessarily limited to waxes? What do you mean by "cutting compound"? The only ones i know of are either polish or rubbing compound, and i can't believe one would use rubbing compound large scale on one's car regularly. But, again, i really don't know. I didn't even use wax regularly until 5 years ago. The wax/polish aisle at the auto parts store makes my head spin. And as for procedure, you apply the compound by hand, and buff it off using the buffer/polisher right?

Apply with the machine, I work it until it breaks down, then wipe with microfiber to remove any remaining product. Cutting compound is what it sounds like, it is abrasive and removes swirls etc, that polish isn't abrasive enough. Sealant, I'm not exactly sure how to describe it, it's similar to wax but is not wax.

If you weren't almost 7hrs away I'd invite you over and give you a lesson in person.

Autogeek.net has some good how-to's.

Originally Posted by google search

A paint sealant is a sealant that protects cars from ultraviolet rays and acid rain. Paint sealants protect cars' finishes, and can make cars shiny. There are synthetic sealants and carnauba waxes.

Originally Posted by Boghog

Any compound should be applied with a machine.And if your not profiecent with an air or electric buffer,don't waste your time ,you will surely burn the paint.If you insist on doing it, my recommendation would be to by a used hood from a used parts yard and practice.

Actually, the dual action ones (ie Porter Cable 7424) won't burn the paint, unless you really screw up. However, an orbit unit can easily burn the paint. The dual action units don't create near as much heat.

[leanael]

i really like turtle wax in keeping my car body shine and scratch free

[leanael]

anyway thanks for this i learn a lot


-goooooooooogle