da polishers

Z

zedonist

Guest
hi all as a few of us now have da polishers in our armoury :).
gaz has asked if we can pass on some of our knowledge as we learn B-)
so here goes ;)
the panel I picked for correction was the boot lid as it had quite q few swirls and light scratches.
first thing I did was to check the depth of the clear coat. I was lucky a friend has a paint depth gauge.
generally over the boot surface the depth was 30/40 microns ( but we checked over the car in random spots and it varied from 30/80 microns making it clear that some areas had been re sprayed.
as the car was clean the first treatment was quick detailer to remove any dust.
then a clay treatment to remove any surface contamination.
(I have have stuck with the meguires range of products after our visit this month :D)

the next move was to use a correction wax to remove the defects.so out with the da and a polishing pad.maguires recommend using the yellow pad and a speed setting between 3/5.

the black pad it for polishing only and applying wax.

the bottle I selected was swirl x.
meguires have three in the range scratch x for heavy scratch removal in local areas and also swirl x and ultimate compound light and heavy.
they suggest doing 50cmx50cm area at a time.
so a x of the swirl x on the yellow buffing pad to start.then dab the pad on the area to be treated (to spread the product about)
with the da now resting on the surface I hit the start button.
first making overlapping passes vertical and the same horizontal
making 5 repeat passes in all. then remove the excess swirl x with a microfibre cloth.
next move was to check the results and repeat if not happy :D ( I was very ;) :D )
right next up was the pre wax polish

loaded the next yellow pad with the pre wax and repeated the 50 x 50 area with the same technique as the swirl x.
when the residue was wiped off the finish was very pleasing :D :D

repeated the pre wax twice. ;)
finally the ultimate wax finish.

changed the da to the black soft buff pad same application as the other treatments but only two passes not to much pressure speed setting between 2/5 and let the da drive itself across the surface.
letting the wax dry to a haze about 10 mins then polishing off with a microfiber cloth to a high gloss finish
:D :D
in conclusion my first experience with the da was good and very pleased with the results
but still lots to learn and always up for any helpful pointers
cheers mick \m/
I would also like to turn mine from silver to blue, how did you achieve this? (Edited to remove auto correct)
 
Z

zedonist

Guest
I have corrected the auto text offerings, it reads a little better now!
 

Woody100

Zorg Legend
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Chelmsford
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I think I need to get one of these polishers, obviously there are lots of different makes so any suggestions on a decent one ? Being a carpenter I use a lot of power tools and I tend to buy Festool because i think its the best out there and just noticed Festool also do a polisher ! Has anyone got one and is it any good ?
 

micklaw

Zorg Legend
East Anglian Crew
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broughton astley
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hi woody quite a few guys on here got da's so you should get a varied view i have a meguires g220 v2 about £159 i find it works very well and with the right products you will get fantastic results.
you will find your own technique i am sure but have a look on youtube and you will find lots of demos from the main detailing companies and pro detailers .
but one thing i have found is that it is that is does not take much time before you get great results and it is not some dark secret :confused:
one more thing i would go for a da ( duel action ) first and not just a rotary polisher as they can burn the clear coat if not used correctly
 
B

badman gee

Guest
I wish I'd gone and brought a rotary instead of a da, going to try some out at waxstock and then get one!
 

Woody100

Zorg Legend
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Points
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Location
Chelmsford
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Why is that G man ? I was going down the DA route now you have just chucked a large spanner in the works !
 
B

badman gee

Guest
The da is fine to start with, but I want more cutting power that you get with a rotary.
 

Woody100

Zorg Legend
Joined
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Points
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Location
Chelmsford
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Well I took the plunge and went for the Festool rotary polisher so can't wait to get out there and polish away (I mean polish carefully so I don't burn through the paint !).

I also bought a bottle of Meguiars ultimate compound and want to know if that's the best stuff to use ?

Thanks.
 
B

badman gee

Guest
Well I took the plunge and went for the Festool rotary polisher so can't wait to get out there and polish away (I mean polish carefully so I don't burn through the paint !).

I also bought a bottle of Meguiars ultimate compound and want to know if that's the best stuff to use ?

Thanks.
Good choice, very good choice.

Pleased for you.
 
B

badman gee

Guest
Will be joining you soon. Hopefully.

Keep it moving and you should have no issues.
 

Woody100

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It's certainly a decent bit of kit but like all Festool machines not exactly cheap tho ! Just need some good weather know !
 
B

badman gee

Guest
Great, check out the scholl concepts stuff, I think it's excellent.

My choice over meguires.

Don't get me wrong, I like some of their products but not the polishes and waxes.

Scholl s17 is excellent for cutting, and s40 for finishing.

Mark
 

Woody100

Zorg Legend
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Points
79
Location
Chelmsford
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Thanks Mark I will have a look. I have used dodo juice that gives a good finish but I'm no expert ! Yet !
 
B

badman gee

Guest
Good stuff, keep me updated on how you get on with the festool.
Might get one after waxstock. Be good if you could make it?
 
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