New Beginner to Polishing... Need some Guidance

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dvn428

New member
Hi Guys,



Before anything let me just say that I did some research on this site as to what approach i should go to start polishing with a machine polisher and it only confused me even more.



I currently have the Zaino kit that I've been using on my 2004 World Rally Blue WRX... but at my age applying the coats by hand is becoming too much of a task for me. I've used an orbital polisher that i borrowed from a friend 5 years ago but the results were hard to see (I had a light colored car). I did however love how much easier it was to apply the products.



I looked into rotaries, but I'm somewhat afraid that I might ruin the car as I dont have any experience with one. I am however willing to try if the results and ease of use (of course with the right knowledge) pays off.



Basically can any of you fine autopians recommend me a good machine polisher to use, what kind of products to use with the machine, what kind of pads to use with each product, and etc.



Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
dvn428- Welcome to Autopia!



I used to have a silver WRX. I'd look into a PC, which is sorta the standard "what polisher?" answer around here. I prefer the Cyclo but the PC works well on the WRX's contours. There are some "sticky threads" on the PC that should tell you everything you need to know.



Get some 4" pads and a matching backing plate if you have any serious marring such as scratches. The larger pads act too mild for real correction.



The products I use are getting hard to find as they were discontinued due to VOC regs but they are still out there and they should work well with Zaino. 3M PI-III RC (05933) and PI-III MG (05937). Those are what I used on my WRX and they worked well. You could also look into Menzerna and Optimum, but I have no experience with those lines.
 
Definitely look into the PC (Porter-Cable 7424/7336). It will make application much easier. You'll still have to apply a little bit by hand, like some of the front bumper, under the rear spoiler, etc..., but most of the time you'll be able to just fly around the car with ease if you're just applying a wax or sealant.

For polishing, hand application isn't worth the time. You'll get much faster, much easier, and much more even results by using a polisher. And I wouldn't recommend anything but a PC for anyone new to polishing.
 
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