Polish and Pad progression

[BigHonu]

When moving up the aggressiveness scale, do I change the type of pad first (i.e. LC white to LC orange) or do I change the polish first (i.e. FPII to IP)?



Thanks.

[imported_Dave KG]

Type of pad first... eg, try for example FPII on a polishing pad and if that doesn`t work, try it on a light cutting pad. Then if necessary, move to Intensive Polish on a light cutting pad, and if necessary a cutting pad and so on...

[thesacrifice]

I try product first....but experience is your friend and youll know right where to start usually.

[derek37]

i too would say move up to a more aggressive polish. A more aggressive pad might instill more micromarring alot sooner.

[Envious Eric]

^^^^agree on the polish first...pads micromar more than polish will

[imported_Dave KG]

^^ While a more aggressive pad is more likely to instill marring, if you start off with a light polish (eg PO85RD) on a finishing pad (where I *always* start on a test section as you should never ever assume anything regarding a paint finish in front of you, no matter how many cars of similar type you have done - it takes just a few moment to trial low abrasives first and it may be thats all you need) then my next step up certainly wouldn`t be moving to a more aggressive polish (PO106FF) first, but to trial the PO85RD on a polishing pad (next up on the pad scale). A polishing pad is very unlikely to induce micromarring with 85RD. Just my personal technique though, we all use different methods.

[Junebug]

Nobody said if it`s a PC or rotary. That would be helpful info. Personally, if it`s an older car - 4-5 years and just needs a good polishing to get the paint to shine ( I seem to get cars from owners that think rain does a good job cleaning a car) I use XMT#3 on a LC orange pad with a PC, spread it on 3, bump it to 6 and work the snot out of it til it`s clear. Then it`s ready for some sealer. Swirls, scratches etc - all done by rotary, I`ll start with a LC white pad then go to orange or yellow if required. Oh yeah, for this I use Meg`s #83.

[BigHonu]

Thanks for all of the replies!

[mose]

Hey Dave KG:



Is that you in your avatar? If not who is it?

[imported_DieselMDX]

^^ While a more aggressive pad is more likely to instill marring, if you start off with a light polish (eg PO85RD) on a finishing pad (where I *always* start on a test section as you should never ever assume anything regarding a paint finish in front of you, no matter how many cars of similar type you have done - it takes just a few moment to trial low abrasives first and it may be thats all you need) then my next step up certainly wouldn`t be moving to a more aggressive polish (PO106FF) first, but to trial the PO85RD on a polishing pad (next up on the pad scale). A polishing pad is very unlikely to induce micromarring with 85RD. Just my personal technique though, we all use different methods.





very good points, i do the same thing

[imported_Dave KG]

Hey Dave KG:



Is that you in your avatar? If not who is it?



Yes, thats me. :nervous:

[ConglomrationAL]

You Scottish devil, you...