Porter Cable Questions (2)

I

imported_carnut00

New member
1) When should the yellow pad be used... is it really abrasive? My mothers corolla from 1998 hasnt been washed or waxed since...it doesnt even look like she has shine anymore heh. Would it be used here? Same goes with my girls 1992 Civic.



2) When initially applying the cleaner/polish... I understand that the pad will be "Dry"... will this dryness damage paint if your using the white/yellow pads? How do you ensure the entire pad is moist before applying? Is this even nessesary?



Ive been reading about the PC and other detailing websites but couldnt find the answers to these two questions... thanks peoples!
 
1) I use the yellow pad mostly for 3M Finesse-it II. It is a little more firm than the white pad, so it is a touch more abrasive. Choosing the right pad is very important, and it is probably the way to go with your 1992 car. FI-II and the yellow pad has certainly brightened up my 1992 BMW (which is clear coated). As for a 1998 car, it all depends on the condition of the car and the product you use. What polish will you use??



2) You don't have to worry about dryness, but if you want you can mist the pad with a QD. By the time you apply the product, rub it on the paint, and turn on the PC, it'll be plenty saturated.
 
(1) The yellow pad isn't *that* aggressive; just a tad more than the white pad that comes with a PC. For neglected paint the yellow pad is fine. If you're concerned, use a mild polish with the yellow pad to get an idea of its aggressiveness.



(2) After you apply product to the pad, smear it on the paint a little before polishing. Literally rub the pad lightly onto the paint without the machine running. This will not only spread out the product but "moisten" the pad. Dry pads generate heat too quickly and could damage the paint unnecessarily.
 
My products would be, 3M Swirl Mark remover, Blackfire cleaner, black fire wax...



Plan to apply with PC and remove with MF towels....



Thanks for the tips, any more pointers would be appreciated.
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by Chuckmotor [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>2) You don't have to worry about dryness, but if you want you can mist the pad with a QD. By the time you apply the product, rub it on the paint, and turn on the PC, it'll be plenty saturated. [/b]</blockquote>Hey Chuck,

I don't mean to be contradictory, I used to do the same thing with hand polishing. However, our knowledgeable fellow Autopian GeekySteve pointed out that most QD's have a very mild acid content that could attack and break down the lubricating oils in polishes.

I put more polish on the PC pad the first panel I do to address this concern of dry pads. Just put some on lightly and spread it around the pad and dot or drag it around the panel. Spread at low speed and you're ready to go!
 
I use exactly the same products on my car. Look for the posts about PC use from Carguy and Geekysteve; they'll help alot especially with the SMR use.



You'l find BF to go on very easily and evenly. Just remember to keep the application thin and you'll love it.
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by puterbum [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>
Hey Chuck,

I don't mean to be contradictory, I used to do the same thing with hand polishing. However, our knowledgeable fellow Autopian GeekySteve pointed out that most QD's have a very mild acid content that could attack and break down the lubricating oils in polishes.

I put more polish on the PC pad the first panel I do to address this concern of dry pads. Just put some on lightly and spread it around the pad and dot or drag it around the panel. Spread at low speed and you're ready to go! [/b]</blockquote>
Thanks, puter, I didn't know that. I have never actually use any QDs with polishes (except for Klasse AIO), it was just a suggestion to comfort a worrying detailer.
 
Some good advice was offered by chuck bret and puter.



I have detailed Corolla's before (3 or 4), The closest one to the 1998 one is the 1999 Corolla I detail (blue.)



When the car was 2 years old I decided to polish it with the PC and foam cutting pad (CMA yellow.) There were swirls in it from the touchless washes (can't wash when its below freezing.) It took me about 4 "work ins" of 3M finesse it II finishing material and the PC with foam cutting pad to remove about 85% of the swirls. I didn't want to use it again with a fear of going through the thin/sucky paint and I had very little enery left (3M polishes is a PIa to get off, I had to use QD, or try a damp MF followed up with a dry one.) I followed up with the Klasse and some Blitz. This was roughly last August or so, can't really remember which month during the summer. When I Zaino this car, I plan on clay, then take a lambswool pad with a clear coat compound, one maybe two passes, then a foam polishing pad and swirl remover, wash with dawn, check the work, if its good, Zaino. The PC should do this just fine, I don't have the wash mitts to take a rotary to this car.



Are you located in the Bronx steez? been a while since you came by Autopia, cool you got a PC!



Once you get the hang of the PC, and the surface is in really bad shape, try the lambswool polishing pad, followed by a foam polishing/cutting pad and lighter polish, then your choice of wax/sealant and the results will be breath taking.



For the dry pad, put a thin bead of polish around the pad (about an inch from the edge) and take your finger to rub ti around the pad. Put a little more polish on and place onto the car, move it around a little then turn on the polisher and work in the polish at a low speed (2-3) with moderate pressure. As the polish dries, speed up the polisher (5) and lighten the pressure. Then do a once over at 6 with just the weight of the polisher. Then buff off the residue and check the section you just did to ensure removal of defects.



Hope this helps,

Jason
 
Yeah its safe to get to 6, but this thing screams like a banche at 6, also hold tight, your forearms will be really sore after a good workout with the PC.



Be prepared to be amazed at the results with the PC on the bumper. It sure as heck amazed me, could of never done ti by hand in my life time.



Jason
 
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