Can you machine polish wax?

[jamiebennett81]

hi all

gave the car a really good clean today, and a nice coat of wax

I have a Meguiars machine polisher, and having applied a layer of wax on one side of the car, I thought I would get out the machine polisher, using a soft buffing pad, speed 3-4 and work in the wax

I did each panel for a few minutes, working from side to side, until it reached a fairly transparent look, and then buffed off with a polishing towel

I used a buffing pad, at a medium speed and from the finish, it worked in the wax really really well and looks awesome

I am still learning about machine polishing and thought I would take a short cut and polish by machine instead of hand, and just wondering if this is OK really? obviously only for occasional use if just buffing I presume is ok?

 

[UncleFester]

Machining a wax won't take off paint - but it does make the process more enjoyable in terms of time spent.

 

[jamiebennett81]

Machining a wax won't take off paint - but it does make the process more enjoyable in terms of time spent.

yeah thats what I thought, thanks, as in it has no cutting qualities at all, therefore wont damage the paint, but simply a motorised version of working the wax in by hand

I was very impressed with the results, the wax once finished by the machine came out very well indeed

I did one side of the car with the machine and the other by hand, and the machine side of the polished car looked much better

the passenger side of my rear bumper needs properly cutting and polishing though. There is a small section on the lower part where there is a lot of hazing. As the car is clean, I think I will have a go with machine polishing it properly, as I have the correct cutting pads and Meguiar products, just never had the balls to use them

it is also quite a small and inconspicuos place, so if I mess it up, it wont be too noticeable

 

[UncleFester]

If you have a random orbital machine and a light cut pad / polish it's unlikely you'll burn through the paint If you're unsure, just take your time and don't rush - always make sure the paint is completely clean and free of dust, dirt and road grime before you start.

 

[Mat]

personally I'd aways apply by hand! I can see why you want to machine it, it'd be quicker. But I actually find it a nice relaxing way to finish the job off

 

[jamiebennett81]

personally I'd aways apply by hand! I can see why you want to machine it, it'd be quicker. But I actually find it a nice relaxing way to finish the job off

good point, but personally I just found the job to be a better finish with the machine

 

[googies]

I use a soft finishing pad to remaove autoglym extra gloss sealant, works quite well, have found you do need to have the rotary on quite a high speed, medium pressure and move across a section quite quick. Do look better than by hand, plus quicker.

 

[UncleFester]

If it's just something like nattys paste wax i'd do it by hand, the wax i used is a combined wax / polymer and breaks down so much better when applied by machine

 

[jamiebennett81]

If it's just something like nattys paste wax i'd do it by hand, the wax i used is a combined wax / polymer and breaks down so much better when applied by machine

I use Victoria Concours wax, which is really to work on, but can be a little difficult to work off, so using the machine yesterday was great

what do you suggest to wash the pads with? just leave to soak in a bowl of soapy water?

 

[UncleFester]

I use Victoria Concours wax, which is really to work on, but can be a little difficult to work off, so using the machine yesterday was great

what do you suggest to wash the pads with? just leave to soak in a bowl of soapy water?

I soak mine in warm water for half an hour and then give them a good squeeze out, if you must use anything, don't use washing powder - stick to something liquid based as you dont want hard particles left in the pad

 

[googies]

I use hand wash, liquid stuff, just a drop on the wet pad and work it in, rinse well with hot water then let dry.