rotary buffer and overlapping passes

C

chip douglas

New member
What happens if one doesn't overlap each pass by 50% using a rotary buffer ? Does it create holograms ? What would be the proper way to avoid holograms ?

Thank you
 
Overlapping allows you to really work the product and the surface. By not doing it you are not getting the results you could/should.

Holograms usually come from improper technique or from very aggressive pad/compound.
 
When you say technique, what would you consider a bad technique ? I ask this because I use Meg's finishing pad + 3M's 5937 PI III MG, which is a swirl marks remover and therefore very soft, and I get lots of holograms with that combo. I,ve treid pretty much everything but it doesnt work that much. My car is a metallic clear coated paint.

Any help would be appreciated, really :(
 
Chip,

Yes, you should overlap your strokes slightly to insure the product and area is worked properly. The overlapping shouldn't be causing the swirls unless you are overlapping when the product has been completely broken down (dry pad).

Usually, buffer swirls are caused by any one of several reason...........

Not priming/feeding the pad properly.
Incorrect buffer speed.
Working the product too far (dry pad).
Not working the product far enough (abrasives haven't had a chance to break all the way down).
With a foam pad, tilting the pad at an angle can cause swirls/holograms.

I would suspect that you are working the product too far, or you are tilting the pad.

Is the pad "hopping" on you?
 
Last edited:
Nope, I never get the buffer hops, luckily :)

Imagine I used Meg's polishing pad (6.5 inches) and 3M's MG 5937, and I get holograms. I always prime the pad prior to starting any buffing job. I keep the pad flat to the surface as humanly possible, and still I get holograms.

I'm starting to wonder if it is possible to get a swirls/hologram free finish using the rotary buffer alone ? By the way I spay the pad/prime with quick detailer beofre I start buffing, but then I seldom spray the pad, as it gets evenly covered with polish/compound.

I work the product, until the paint shines, then I stop, but even then I get holograms.
 
Chip,

Well, I don't know what to tell you? :( I think you may be working the product a bit too far? Try slowing down the buffer speed, and not working the product until it is completely gone/dry (leave a "wet edge").

I can tell you that it is possible to get a swirl free/hologram free finish using a rotary. There was a time when all we had were rotary buffers and various ply and types of wool pads to get the job done. (No PC's or foam pads :D )

I will also tell you that some products do tend to leave some hazing, and require a less abrasive product to be used afterwards to remove the hazing.

Hope this helps.
 
Thanks I'll leave a wet edge as you recommend :)

Also, would you say 3M PI III MG is one that shouldnt leave marks ? I guess it shouldn't as it is a swirl remover.

Thanks for your help.:)
 
Shouldn't leave marks Chip. Would you be willing to experiment with some other polishes? Menzerna is supposed to be marvelous with the rotary: quick and beautiful shine :bigups
 
I'd definately be willling to try some other polishes, but I'd have to order it online though, cause locally I can't find it anywhere......I also have lots of Meg's products ; 83,82 20, 26 etc..
 
It's definately possible to create a hologram-free finish with a rotary.
Make sure you clean the pad (preferrably with a brush of some sort) to remove any gunk that maybe accumulating while you buff.
 
:yeah

Rotary buffer will induce swirls, but they will also take them out.

It is not only possible to produce a swirl-free finish with a rotary, but for many pros it is the Modus Operandi. But it takes practice, skill, and patience (it ain't gonna happen in one-step)

Question: If one is correcting paint defects using a rotary, and after the first step, there are swirls present, how does one REMOVE the swirls without using the rotary?:dunno
 
Even some of the best in the business have spoken about following up with a dual action polisher
 
I think I may have found what I was doing wrong, although not still sure, as the sky was overcast this afternoon.

I think I was not moving the buffer fast enough over the paint surface, and that way it sorta *marked* the finish more. Hopefully, it is that.
 
Chip, when I practice I probably do the same too since it has been drilled into me not to move the rotary too fast, as a result I probably go the other way in extreme, too slow, luckily an error easily corrected
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top