Orbital polisher advice please

[joonspoon]

Hi folks.
I've just been given an orbital polisher for the car.
Before I use it I'd like some advice please.

I understand about letting the machine do the work, not applying undue pressure and keeping it moving to avoid burning or stripping the lacquer and paint.

What I don't know is if a cetain type of polish is better suited to machine polishing.
Would using a clear polish mean not discolouring black plastic or rubber?

Also, is it best to apply and remove polish with the machine or remove only.
I'm only looking for a good shine not blemish removal.
The car is only 5 months old, not marked and I'd like to keep it that way!

Regards Guy.

 

[MarkE]

Before you go near the car with a polisher, I'd make sure that it's been clayed to remove any bonded surface contaminants (even on a 5 month-old car). For more detail on clay bars and their use, have a look at THIS THREAD.

Then it depends on what sort of polisher you have. If it's the Motormania / Halfords twin-handled type or anything cordless, then it won't have the power for any serious defect correction anyway.

In that case, something like AutoGlym Super Resin Polish, followed up by Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection, will mask any small swirls that do appear and give you a decent finish. If you apply the products correctly using the polisher then they will wipe off with a microfibre cloth, no need to use the polisher for removing them as well.

Once you've got the finish the way you want it, a wash every couple of weeks with a decent shampoo, following the two-bucket method as shown in THIS THREAD, will keep it looking the way you want it. This way, you should only need to go back and do the whole process twice a year.

Hope this helps.

 

[Rob66]

Hi Guy

What sort of polisher is it? Is it mains powered or rechargeable?

Sorry for questions but dependent on the type there are lots of different answers to your questions

I have what is called a Random Orbital Buffer or 'PC' after the company that make them 'Porter Cable'. This is mains powered and was imported from the US. Its a great machine and with the right polish and technique can remove a number of surface scratches. If you have one of these best bet is to check out www.meguiarsonline.com where you will find loads of info.

If you have the battery type, they are really good for applying and removing wax and polish but dont really have enough power to remove scratches.

Check out the link matey and have a look round, do a search for PC. Let us know how you get on.

cheers

Rob

 

[Rob66]

Hey Mark,

Great minds eh

 

[joonspoon]

Thanks for the replies Mark and Rob.
Can't remember what make it is (it's in the cold dark shed and I'm not!), but can tell you it's a 7" 240 volt random orbital type.
Fair bit of reading in the links so bear with me!

Regards Guy.

 

[Reg]

Go to www.detailingworld.co.uk register and have a good read through before you end up causing yourself some major heartache!

To pick up on just one of your questions - no such thing as 'clear' polish, and unless you want to be tearing your hair out, don't ever get polish on grained plastic trim. Its an utter b'stard to get back off again. Have a read of some of the threads by Iain (Finer Details) and you'll see in the pics how he tapes up trim and badges to help keep them polish free.

Be confident and well read in what you're doing before you start, and you'll be just fine.