Change pads instead of polish???

[jrjones60]

As an example, let`s say that I`m using BlackFire Scratch Resistant Clear Finishing Polish to try to eliminate light to moderate swirls using a LC White foam pad.(trying the least aggressive means first). It`s taking care of some of the swirls but not near enough. What if, instead of moving up to BlackFire Scratch Resistant Clear Compound (which is more aggressive) that I just switched over to using the LC Orange foam pad (which has more cutting power than the white pad). Any comments or suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help.

[tropicsteve]

that would be my next step- orange pad with the finishing polish.

[Don Porter]

Not knowing which machine you are polishing with it`s hard to tell if that`s your next best option. A cheaper polisher/buffer may not have the power you need to get rid of your swirls. If your machine has the power to eliminate swirls & scratches, then you`re on the right track. If orange doesn`t work you can go to a LC yellow pad. If that still doesn`t work try going with the clear compound with the white pad and so on. Have fun!

[Nth Degree]

So many variables.

If you`re looking for just a little more cut without having to go for a second step, then yes. The paint will often dictate the decision as well. I usually choose my polish first, then use the pad choice to dial in the best results. If cut is my primary goal in a one step I will usually choose a polish that is more aggressive and slow the machine and lessen the pressure on the final pass to finish.

[jrjones60]

I`m using the Porter Cable 7424XP to do the work.

[Stokdgs]

As an example, let`s say that I`m using BlackFire Scratch Resistant Clear Finishing Polish to try to eliminate light to moderate swirls using a LC White foam pad.(trying the least aggressive means first). It`s taking care of some of the swirls but not near enough. What if, instead of moving up to BlackFire Scratch Resistant Clear Compound (which is more aggressive) that I just switched over to using the LC Orange foam pad (which has more cutting power than the white pad). Any comments or suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help.

The first question that should have been asked is - how many times did you try to remove the defects? 1 time? 2 ?
Often, just going back over the place again, takes the remaining defects out.

As has already been said, so many variables....

Good luck with this !
Dan F

[spiralout462]

On my hypothetical test spot I would step up pad before I tried a polish with more cut, if after adequate passes the defects are not being removed.