4" pads...what did I do wrong

[Bill87GN]

Ordered two 4" pads and backing plate and some SSR 2.5 from Autogeek a little while ago because it seemed my 6" pads weren't taking out the problems in my clear. I have an orange pad and a yellow pad. Both supposed to be pretty aggressive. Did a search and asked what speed I should use and the replies were the same speed I usually use 5-6 on the PC. Went to the 4" pads because the 6" ones weren't taking out much

I tried a slower speed after putting some 2.5 on the pad and it seemed to bog the machine down (yellow pad) to the point where the motor made a "grinding" noise and this is with little to no pressure. Turned up the speed and it went better but if I applied a tad bit of pressure I'd get that noise again. After the "session" in one 2x2 spot it seemed to create more problems than it took out. I moved slow as I should be, multiple passes until the polish goes "clear." I got holograms. Most were removed after with a 6" pad and SSR2.5 and then SSR1 so that's not a big deal. I just want these imperfections out of the clear. The 4" pads definitely create some heat...to the point where I actually had the clear bubble in one small spot

What am I doing wrong...should I wet/soak the pad first?
I'm this >< close to asking for pro help from someone in MA. Maybe they could show me HOW to do this. I thought I had a good handle on it, but it seems there's a long way to go. Onve the car is free from imperfections, I know I could keep it that way, but getting out these bad ones is beyond me at this point.

TIA

More info: Black car/ Base coat clear

Products available:
SSR 1, 2, 2.5
#83 DACP
GEPC
S100
#7
PC
Sonus 6" Pads: orange, green, blue, black
Autogeek 4" Pads: Orange, yellow

[Bill D]

Originally Posted by Bill87GN

The 4" pads definitely create some heat...to the point where I actually had the clear bubble in one small spot

Yikes! . I think is the first I'm ever hearing of a PC doing something like that.

All I can think of off the bat is perhaps to try a different brand of polish. I know Menzerna works very well on black and I suspect the compounding and polishing nature of Optimum, according to pad/speed used, may be helpful.

[Bill87GN]

Originally Posted by Bill D

Yeah, that's what I did, lol

[MorBid]

I've never used any Poorboys products but do use TOL'S 4" Orange and Yellow pads w/my rotary and never had the clear "bubble"

If your not applying any pressure to the machine and it's making some kind of funky noise, I would get that checked out first.

[Bill D]

The Autogeek pads are Lake Country pads and IIRC, TOL sells both Cyclo and LC pads. The Cyclo pads,at least until recently, have the glued on black velcro backing. AFAIK, they don't carry the newer Cyclo padswithout these (yet) that Anthony Orosco uses.

[MorBid]

Correct there Bill. I have the Cyclo ones with the Black Velcro on the back. The only 4" LC pad I see there (am placing a order as we speak) are the Black Finishing ones.

Are the LC ones better than the Cyclo one's? I've never had a probelm with the former, but got to close to the edge on a car this weekend and it chewed them up.

[Bill87GN]

Should I wet these pads before using? Maybe that was a problem too?

[holland_patrick]

anyways I would like to see it because I can't bleive you made the clear BUBBLE I know i haven't been detailing lone but that is wierd.

[Bill D]

Originally Posted by MorBid

Are the LC ones better than the Cyclo one's? I've never had a probelm with the former, but got to close to the edge on a car this weekend and it chewed them up.

I favor the LCs over the Cyclos with the black backs. I don't how they compare to the new ones though.

Originally Posted by Bill87GN

Should I wet these pads before using? Maybe that was a problem too?

Don't saturate them, mist them with QD. This might help. I couldn't say for sure.

[Accumulator]

I just can't *imagine* anybody causing paint to "bubble" with a PC, but then I use the Cyclo brand pads and I haven't tried the SSR stuff either. But then I've never had paint bubble with a *rotary* either

Thoughts: use the orange pad, not the yellow, for the aggressive work. Inspect the progress more frequently and work smaller areas at a time. Try different polishes (PI-III RC works well by PC/4" in my experience). Take it easy with the pressure when using the 4" pads.

[papi_jay]

Pi-III removes 1500 grit wet sanding with ease with a wool pad , and then a yellow wool blend to polish out . Using rotary at 1900 rpm's
This leaves holograms which are easily removed with a yellow pad and Pi-III machine glaze .
Then to finish use orange pad and machine glaze .

I see no visible swirls or hologramming , only a light something or other which 3m said when I asked would be removed with PI-III finishing glaze and a white polishing pad
I am also going to go over it with a 3m greay waffle pad a 2nd time with finishing glaze as it is supposed to be slightly finer than white polishing pads .
Then I still have blue to finish and whatever other grade is finer than blue .
Different manufacturers rate their pads different

[1SLOW50]

I don't think your supposed to mist the pad with anything with using the SSR line. Doesn't it counteract with the product?