Machine vs. Hand?

[blonzz]

It there any advantage to using a PC DA buffer for waxing other than to save time?

When using a DA buffer...

What RPM to use for wax application?

For wax removal?

For final buffing?

What is the optimal downward pressure to be applied with a DA?

Other tips?

Thanks,
John

[merci]

advantages:
1. more even application
2. use less product (especially if your wax is liquid) because the PC can make a little go a long, long way.

The PC uses OPM (random Orbits Per Minute) instead of RPM.

Many like to wax by hand since most agree that waxing (or LSPing) is the best part of detailing. Wax removal is easy to do by hand as well but this would depend on the wax (or LSP) and how thick you layed it on.

Wax removal by PC can use up a lot of MF bonnets, I reckon. If it were me, I'd use the PC for final buffing, then go over the car again by hand with a plush MF just for the feel of it.

[Tasty]

One thing that I really love about the PC is applying my LSP with it. I mean the final actual wax step. I have a truck and a small SUV, and it just saves so much labor and time. I will never go back to waxing by hand unless I get a small car in the future. I still remove by hand though. Removal by machine just doesn't get it done. Bonnets load up too fast.

[blonzz]

Originally Posted by Tasty

One thing that I really love about the PC is applying my LSP with it. I mean the final actual wax step. I have a truck and a small SUV, and it just saves so much labor and time. I will never go back to waxing by hand unless I get a small car in the future. I still remove by hand though. Removal by machine just doesn't get it done. Bonnets load up too fast.

After the LSP has been removed can the shine be enhanced by buffing the finish with a clean bonnet? I am planning on using Souveran.

John

[Intel486]

Originally Posted by blonzz

After the LSP has been removed can the shine be enhanced by buffing the finish with a clean bonnet? I am planning on using Souveran.

John

I'm not sure it would enhance the shine at all. The only time I've ever used a Random Orbital for buffing off residue is when I use Klasse SG. I'll buff off as much as I can by hand and then do the vehicle again with the Random Orbital and a MF bonnet.

I'll use the PC to apply certain liquid waxes. I still like to do P21S or any paste wax for that matter by hand.

I feel they PC will let you apply a thinner more even coat quicker and using less product than if you do it by hand. My main wax I use is Poorboy's EX-P and it works great for this wax.

[ben54]

I find that some "hard to remove" waxes wipe off easier when applied with a PC because it goes on more even and in thinner layers.

[truzoom]

Using an MF bonnet after the LSP has been applied and removed can help if you tend to get shadows or uneven areas. It seems to help add the final buff to get things nice and clear.

[BigAl3]

not to mention... a pc will give a work in deeper to remove swirls, defects, etc.... better than your hands, and you won't have a jelly arms afterwards

[Black240SX]

I use two double-sided bonnets to remove wax. I find the results are better than doing it by hand. The wax looks smoother and deeper.

[Accumulator]

When I remove LSP with MF bonnets I still have to do some of it by hand. Doesn't really seem to matte which I do first; I can buff off most of it by hand and follow up with the bonnets, or use the bonnets first and then give it a final buff by hand (e.g., with a CBT).

Bonnets can load up awfully fast when you use them to remove polish, and I'm pretty much getting away from doing that. But IMO if your bonnets are loading up with LSP you're using too much product. I did Accumulatorette's A8 with #16, on/off by Cyclo. The suede-style MFs from TOL were not loaded up at all by the end of the job and I only used one CBT in addition. Both the pads and CBT still appeared clean/barely used. #16 is a sorta "heavy wax", so if I can do a whole A8 with two 4" pads on the Cyclo....