buffing pads and polish types and what they do exactly... help ?

[ripper6]

just after abit of info on polishing i want to know what all the pads do and what kind of polish to use with it. i know a little bit about wet sanding/colour sanding but im having problems atm i have a rotary buffer and a wool pad i got from supercheap auto and just some liquid cut & polish, ive wet sanded my panel im expermenting on i used 1200grit. the polish i used removed the 1200grit scratches but it still seams a little dull ? so i thought maybe im using the wrong pad or polish or both ? any help would be great !!!!

[TinSnips]

A wool pad will always leave marring and trails - They're used mostly to knock out sand marks and severe defects. You will always need to finish down with finer polishes and compounds, even less powerful machines if the paint is really sticky. You won't finish down well with wool - or even foamed wool for that matter. Also, 2000 grit would be better to finish sanding with - pretty much negates the need to use wool at all (though foamed wool comes into it's own there and, if used right, will leave minimal marring).

What kind of polish are you using?

Where in Sydney are you? If you want to bring your test panel, buffer and gear over, I can run through the basics with you between jobs. But you will need to invest in some decent polishes and some foam pads (doesn't have to cost the earth though).

The other issue is the rotaries from Supercheap don't have electronic speed control, so they can bog down fairly easily, which will give inconsistent results. You might be better off going for something like a DAS6 Pro DA from CCP or similar while you get the hang of it. But you're welcome to call in to have a look at what I use to correct paint. Flick me a PM if you're interested.

[ripper6]

well that answered all my questions thanks heaps mate ! i have ordered some more pads in a kit with a wool, heavy cut foam and a fininishing polish foam. im getting my hands on a new rotary with speed control in 2 weeks along with some better polish. and the polish i was using is kitten liquid polish with a light cut i think but ive been wanting to give meguiers a go

[TinSnips]

No worries mate.

I'd definitely be leaving the kitten gear alone. You won't go wrong with Megs 105 and 205. They're very versatile.

A test panel is definitely wise when starting out with a rotary - just take your time and keep the buffer moving. Wipe down with IPA or prepsol after polishing and check it under good lighting or out in the sun to make sure there are no trails or missed areas.

If you finish sanding with 2000 grit, you'll generally be fine with a foam cutting pad and 105 followed by a finishing pad with 105 - might take a few passes though as 105 is pretty heavy cut. Depends on the hardness of the paint and the colour also.

[ripper6]

ok sweet as mate im doing all this on black so it makes it harder haha