Machine Polishing

[bigmike]

I've finally broken down and purchased a dual action polisher (Porter cable 7424xp) and some Lake country pads. It should be arriving today!

However, I'm new to machine work. I've been pretty good at maintaining my vehicles by hand over the years and know how to clay bar, wax, etc. However, I'd like to use a compound or polish on my truck.

Can anyone give me some advice on what speed settings I need to use a compound and polish? Which pad to use for light swirls and scratches?

I have Meg's Ultimate compound and ultimate polish. I know there is probably "better" out there but I'm not looking for perfection here. Maybe one day.

I figure to:

Wash
Claybar
Compound
Polish
2 coats of wax

Note: I plan to use Collinite 476s as a base coat and 845 for top coat. How long between coats?

I've read alot but feel free to point me in the right direction!

 

[Vikas]

Which pads are you getting?

 

[bigmike]

I picked up a kit that has:
2 white
1 gray
1 blue
4 orange
2 backing plates (5" and 3.5")

All pads are 6.5" except the orange, which are 4" pads.

 

[Vikas]

I believe you use orange with the UC and white with UP.

 

[Patman]

Keep in mind you're always better off using the less aggressive compounds and less aggressive pads at first, and seeing how that goes before you try more aggressive measures. I would avoid those orange pads unless absolutely necessary, not only are they the most abrasive, but also because they are smaller in diameter they will put more pressure on the paint too.

I try to do all of my correction with the white pad, and with my UDM I set the speed to 5 out of 6. I forget if the PC 7424 goes up to 5 or 6, but I would recommend going just one number below the max setting when removing scratches. Then if you use the PC to apply wax, set it to 2 or 3. I use a black pad when applying my last step product (I mostly use Zaino Z2, but occasionally I'll throw on Z5 instead)

If you haven't checked it out yet, go to Meguiar's online forums and read up on their polishing advice. I have learned a ton of stuff from there!

 

[kkreit01]

^ what he said. Also, check out Autogeek's site. There are many "How Tos", and videos by Mike Phillips.

 

[bigmike]

I wonder how aggressive Meg's UC is with a white pad? My paint isn't too bad, but it does have some swirls. I doubt just a polish is going to do it though. I will do a test spot first!

I've read just about all I can on autogeek's website. Watched alot of videos as well. I'm gaining a bit of confidence but until I get my feet wet, I'm a bit hesitant.

After I finish the truck, my wife's Accord is next. I understand it has softer paint (and newer), so I might just clay, polish, then wax and skip the compounding since it's pretty good.

 

[Vikas]

Don't worry! I even used HF rotary on my vehicles and I did NOT screw up. As long as you use some common sense, you will be alright. With PC, you will really have to try very very hard to cause problems.

- Vikas

 

[RTexasF]

Quote:
I wonder how aggressive Meg's UC is with a white pad? My paint isn't too bad, but it does have some swirls. I doubt just a polish is going to do it though. I will do a test spot first!


Actually it's quite mild and finishes out nicely. By all means do a test spot on the worst area. Multiple passes may be necessary on some areas. Do keep the pad clean.

 

[Malo83]

This should get you going

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/sho...Action-Polisher

 

[bigmike]

Thanks for the info. Hopefully I did it justice:

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/ultimate-compound-polish-and-collinite-review.161185/