Favorite Application Method?

[Troy@Protekt]

When applying a last step product, which is your favorite way to do it?

Which do you think gives the best results? Why?

Got any tricks that makes your method work better for you?

[Eliot Ness]

I like using a PC..... never do anything by hand that a power tool can do .

It just seems like I can get a thinner application using a PC or even my 4" cordless buffer. It also seems to work it into the paint better than I can do by hand.

The only tip I have is if you`re using a hard wax like Meg`s #16 or Collinite 476 with a large pad. I use a small plastic putty knife to scrape a small amount of wax out of the tin and then "butter" my pad with it. Something like a plastic razor blade would work well also.

John

[CharlesW]

My vote went to "By Hand".
With the LSPs I use, it is very easy and getting out the PC and a pad takes almost as long as it does to apply the LSP to 1/2 the vehicle. Add the time to put the PC away and possibly wash the pad, it didn`t seem worth the effort.

I have used the PC and I really don`t see any difference in results whether the application is by hand or by PC.

Two things work good for me.
1. Thin applications.
2. This applicator.



It seemed like I often managed to flip at least one of the round foam Meg`s style applicators across the garage when I used them to apply my LSP.

Charles

[Eliot Ness]

........Two things work good for me.
1. Thin applications.
2. This applicator.



........

If I decide to do it by hand then I like the applicator that Charles mentioned above or the Polishin’ Pal. With the Polishin’ Pal I can also use the pads with my PC and a 3.5" backing plate or with my little cordless buffer.

Either one of those applicators saves my hand from cramping up when gripping one of those little foam applicator pads...... right before I flip it across the garage .

John

[Tex Star Detail]

I like applying by hand. To me, it really gives the satisfaction of the final step. I can control the product and really see what I am doing.

[shineycar]

i somewhat apply lsp by hand, i have really gotten into using a wolfgang polishing pal and the finish pads that u can get for it. works real well for me and the pad is just the right size for buttering the nattys or souvern on the pad...

[CalgaryDetail]

I only apply by hand, even though it`s the last step I like to get a feeling for the paint which I dont feel you can do with a machine.... plus I enjoy taking the time and rubbing the smooth lines of my car... ohh right G rated

[audiboy]

I chose by hand, because typically, my LSP is a paste wax. I do like to apply my sealants via PC though.

[Len_nA]

I like using my PC, even with Zaino.

[jaybs02]

I use my PC for sealants (1st coat or two) then apply any additional by hand.
For paste waxes always by hand.

So I guess I`m a by hand person

"J"

[Troy@Protekt]

I`m surprised there aren`t any orbital votes so far. No cyclo fans?

[SVR]

Rotary. I buff in fireglaze double strength in with ultra gloss on some cars and Prime Acrylic followed by Acrylic Jett (non trigger) on front and rear bars and side mirrors as on plastic/fibreglass.

Prime and Jett turn to plastic on these surfaces.

[JaredPointer]

I`m as big a Cyclo fan as they come, but I still prefer to apply LSP`s by hand. I feel like I can be a lot more thorough in my application - i.e. hit all the nooks and crannies that you can`t get a machine into. I have tried to apply LSP`s by machine, and I just don`t like it. It`s a personal thing.

Look at it like this: If you are going to get a massage, would you rather have it done by hand or by machine? What do you think your car wants? Haha!

[Scott P]

Always by hand unless it`s a one-step product.

[Poorboy]

I prefer to do it by hand if it is my own car. I like to use either microfiber applicators or PVA`s ...like Scott, if it`s a liquid, creme or one step like PwS, it`s usually easier to use a finishing pad on a PC