Technique for removing scratches with PC

justinschmidt1 · 05-04-08, 10:55

Ive got a PC, yellow cutting pad, and some ssr3.

How should I be using the pc to remove scratches with this setup?

Should I just hold the PC hard enough to keep it there?

Move very slowly for a couple minutes?

Should I keep going over it for 5 minutes or so?

Ive been seeing results but I want to see what you guys think I should do to maximize cutting power.

BigAl3 · 05-04-08, 01:14

go to the "heavy swirl removal" video... Detailing Video, How to use the Porter Cable 7424 7336 polisher

smprince1 · 05-04-08, 01:18

For scratch removal with a PC, I recommend 4" pads.

justinschmidt1 · 05-04-08, 03:03

Hmm...Ive seen that video...it just looks like he works the polish in for a long time and does it very slowly....I just feel like its not doing anything but maybe I should just give it more time.

Im assuming the meguairs cutting pad isnt gonna do any more than my yellow cutting pad.

I need to invest in some 4 inch pads and a 3.5 inch backing plate I guess....

what do you guys think of the 4 inch pads with a drill?

Apparently you can use the 3.5 inch backing plate anda drill attatchment kinda like a rotary to increase cutting power...might be a good idea to use on spots with deep scratches

TTWAGN · 05-04-08, 08:38

A drill with 4inch pads will give you the most cut by far.

Some spot buffing kits come with a backing plate that can be used to work with a drill and a PC. Go with that and some cutting pads and you'll be sweet!

Also SSR3 isn't very good at cutting with a PC, its definitely rotary only. In my opinion Meguiars M105 will cut nearly twice and its much more PC friendly.

accordmaniac · 05-04-08, 09:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAl3

go to the "heavy swirl removal" video... Detailing Video, How to use the Porter Cable 7424 7336 polisher

nice videos. wish there were something like it when i first played with my pc. certainly would have alleviated some frustrations.

themightytimmah · 05-04-08, 10:37

If you want to get deep scratches out, you're probably better off wetsanding with unigrit 3000 and polishing out with an orange 4" pad and a mild compound than by using something like SSR3. It will happen a lot easier, with less scouring, and you'll have finer control over the amount of paint removed.

Accumulator · 05-05-08, 09:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by themightytimmah

If you want to get deep scratches out, you're probably better off wetsanding with unigrit 3000 and polishing out with an orange 4" pad...

That's what I was thinking...but you gotta be careful and resist that "just a little bit more" temptation.

justinschmidt1 · 05-05-08, 11:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

That's what I was thinking...but you gotta be careful and resist that "just a little bit more" temptation.

lol...yeaaaaaaaaaaa....

I was wetsanding the other day on my car and couldnt resist that temptation...now I have a touch up paint blob

So I kinda dont want to wetsand anymore lol

Accumulator · 05-06-08, 09:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinschmidt1

lol...yeaaaaaaaaaaa....I was wetsanding the other day on my car and couldnt resist that temptation...now I have a touch up paint blob

So I kinda dont want to wetsand anymore lol

Heh heh, well, you're not the only guy who's done that!

IMO most people oughta probably stop wetsanding at the "gee, I haven't really done *anything* much yet..." point. By the time you work out the sanding scratches you end up doing more correction anyhow.

On the small pads with a drill, I've never tried it. Just remember that it'll basically be an awkward version of a rotary. Keep the speeds *down low* and try to keep the pad flat. Plan to repolish by PC as holograms/etc. are kinda likely. I myself would stick with the PC/4" and just plan to get a Flex or a rotary at some point (and in the meantime, I'd try to just not worry about the remaining marring that the PC/4" doesn't get

).

budman3 · 05-06-08, 01:38

Did you see this on BlkYukon's site: Car Detailed - Toyota Highlander ? Also, look at the other sections, he has great pictures showing polishes as they break down. Very good info on that site.

justinschmidt1 · 05-06-08, 04:06

I think im being too impatient with the PC....

he works it in for a long time compared to me.