How much product to use

mjpowers728 · 04-29-07, 04:19

Hey guys, I did some polishing on my car today and it made me wonder...
how often do you guys add product? By that I mean, do you pick some product up in the pad, do a section, then put some more on for the other section? Or is what's on the pad enough to do quite a bit?
When I was going at it before, I'd pick a line up in the pad and do the section, then pick another line up for the other section and kept going...but then I was thinking today, is that TOO much product?

keep_it_clean · 04-29-07, 04:26

depends on what products you are using. optimum products use about 1/4 - 1/2 amount compared to xmt, poorboys or really anything but will cover same amount of area

SVR · 04-30-07, 03:00

With all products, I add 4 dabs of product with doors and 4 dabs x 4 sections on bonnet

After a quick pass at 600 rpm, I spray my quick shot on the panel and speed up to 1000 and then 1200 to 1400.
Then move to next section.

The quick shot extends the working time of any polish so that I don't need to add any more product on the same panel. I can spritz the panel and pad to keep the polish going.

A 6 inch line of product is probably ok for a clean pad on it's first use but after that, just add a couple dabs per 2 x 2 ft area

firegate · 04-30-07, 03:13

All depends on the product in question. I saw an Auto Magic product demo where the amount of polish used for just a panel was as much as I'd probably need for two full cars using optimum polishes. But that was the amount necessary for that product in that situation and it did the job just fine.

Generally, you want enough to keep a barrier between the pad and paint. Depending on the polish that could be a pea-sized blob, a line, or a bunch of lines. If the polish gets difficult to remove even after it's been completely broken down, it's usually a sign that you can get away with using less.

mjpowers728 · 04-30-07, 04:18

Thanks for the input guys. I looked up on Carbrite's site (I'm using their Crystal Shine polish), and they say a "small amount." A little vague, but it's a start. Anyway, I noticed that last time I tried polishing, after doing the hood I had what seemed like enough polish on the pad to do a couple more sections before adding more. I was a little iffy, but it was leaving some residue behind so I guess it was enough. I think.

sudds · 05-10-07, 06:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by firegate

All depends on the product in question. I saw an Auto Magic product demo where the amount of polish used for just a panel was as much as I'd probably need for two full cars using optimum polishes. But that was the amount necessary for that product in that situation and it did the job just fine.

Generally, you want enough to keep a barrier between the pad and paint. Depending on the polish that could be a pea-sized blob, a line, or a bunch of lines. If the polish gets difficult to remove even after it's been completely broken down, it's usually a sign that you can get away with using less.

Which video are you talking about at Auto Magic? The guy I saw actually used less product by applying a little Body Shine to the surface to get better workability out of the product. That was a compound movie I saw. I am going to check the rest out.

sudds · 05-10-07, 07:13

About a 8 - 10 inch line of product works fine for me per panel/door. The hood and roof receive the same amount per side.
Alot depends on your speed, pad (wool cut/finish, foam), machine (rotary/PC/Cyclo). Has the vehicle been clayed or not?
Many variables.
I have a motto- Use as little as needed!!!

firegate · 05-11-07, 12:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by sudds

Which video are you talking about at Auto Magic? The guy I saw actually used less product by applying a little Body Shine to the surface to get better workability out of the product. That was a compound movie I saw. I am going to check the rest out.

I was referring to an actual product demo, not one of the automagic videos.

David Fermani · 05-12-07, 04:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by sudds

Which video are you talking about at Auto Magic? The guy I saw actually used less product by applying a little Body Shine to the surface to get better workability out of the product. That was a compound movie I saw. I am going to check the rest out.

Here's a few:
Auto Wax Company Online Movies

You're not really appling less product, you're bringing the dried up product just used back to life to keep buffing.

David Fermani · 05-12-07, 04:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjpowers728

Thanks for the input guys. I looked up on Carbrite's site (I'm using their Crystal Shine polish), and they say a "small amount." A little vague, but it's a start.

Chrystal Shine is a great polish and is similar to Auto Magic BC-2. I'm always real generous when using products from both chimical companys. On a fender for example, I might apply 6 to 8 six inch lines of product.

sudds · 05-15-07, 02:25

BC-2 is a great product. Use it often.