Have Buffer, some product, LC pad but still have swirls - please help

[robos4]

Hi All,

To start off I live in Singapore where certain products are hard to find and I don't have access to a lot of the stuff you all have

I have an OBP (black) WRX STI 2007 with good paint bar a few swirls and rain drops. As most of you probably know the paint is VERY soft on Subarus and prone to swirls!!

Pictures by robos4 - Photobucket

I have only very recently bought myself a basic orbital buffer and LC white pad.

As for products I have the following already:

- Meguiars Scratch X
- Zymol Cleaner Wax (blue bottle)
- Autoglym Supreme Polish (purple colour)
- Autoglym super resin polish (red)
- Meguiars Ultimate Quick Detailer (black bottle)
- Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection (gold)
- p21s carnauba wax
- Turtle wax mild cutting compound polish

As for my buffer I have the new Bosch GEX 125:



Model
GEX125-1AE

Dust Extraction
Micro Filter System

Nett Weight
1.3kg

Orbit Diameter
2.5mm

Pad Size
125mm (5")

Power
250W

Rating
Industrial

Speed
4,500 - 12,000rpm

Disc Dia
125mm (5")

On top of this I have a small shop of other things (micro fibres etc)

I have tried for the second time using this buffer with a 6"LC white pad and SRP, swirl remover and turtle compund but only managed to remove about 40% of the swirls (and rain still evident).

So I guess I am asking here what do I need to do

- Is my buffer just not powerful enough??
- If I buy a more aggressive pad can I still use the buffer?
- Will something like M105 polish be what's missing from my bag and fix my problems?

Please help me guru's?

Rob

ps. I spread product on at speed 2, turn up to speed 5 for buffing with medium pressure and then lno pressure for last couple of passes

[gusbubba]

I've used a little palm sander like that before. On softer paint, you should be able to remove light to medium swirling. (Don't think you'll have much luck with water spotting, though, it just depends).
I'd strongly suggest using a 5 or 5-1/4 inch cutting pad, if you can get one.
The M105 would be a good idea, too.
A little patience and proper technique should yield results.

Hope this was helpful.

[dschia]

Hi, I am also from Singapore!

6" LC white pad with the rob and meg scratch x or TW compound will not be easy to remove heavier defect. You may want to use a more aggressive and small pad before you reach out for m105. Do you have LC orange pad?

[robos4]

Thanks for your replies

Hmm food for thought!

Since I have posted on here, I have done some more research..

- I have just realised I can buy the FLEX XC 3401 VRG here in Singapore ($700 SGP)
- I have also found the Makita 9227 which is cheaper (but a rotary)..

Yes I have access to the LC orange pad here but only 6" (I can't find anything smaller than 6" here). The guy I bought it from told me to go with the white pad but It just doesn't seem to do any cutting!

Also I am really worried about buying the M105 only for that fact that Singapore is damn HUMID and HOT every day!! and this product dries really fast...

A friend has offered to give me some Menzerna finish polish.. perhaps I give this a try.

Anyways, so for my process:

- apply small droplets on pad, rub into paint, work on a 1.5x1.5 area, spead on speed 2, turn up to speed 5 for breaking down, go over with about 4-5 passes, some times I repeat on same spot 3 times but still have no difference.. (I use medium force so that pad is 50% depressed)

I have spend so much money on this car with mods, money isn't really a concern for me when it comes to detailing it! I want my paint looking beautiful and I want to do it myself!! It's so easy to go and pay $180 for a great result! but where is the fun in that...

I guess now I will try my ROB with orange pad, Swirl remover (is there any recommended brand apart from what I have), TW compound and maybe M105..

If still not working maybe I go Flex or Makita!

Thoughts?

[dschia]

I have been using the m105 old formular for months already, you should not have a problem if you use it correctly. Are you using swirl X or scratch X? Try scratch X with orange pad if you have. I can pass you some m105, m205, m83, m80 if you want.

Menzerna finish polish will offer way lesser cut than scratch X. If scratch X ain't cutting well with your technique, you won't have luck with Menz FP.