Broken down polish

[mgerencs]

I've read alot about continuing to run the pc over the cars panel until the polish has completely broken down. How do you know when the polish ahs gotten to that state?

[killrwheels@autogeek]

moves from a paste to an almost talc powder type consistentcy. Its often called flashing cause it essentially changes in a flash.

[Jimmie]

Originally Posted by killrwheels@autogeek

moves from a paste to an almost talc powder type consistentcy. Its often called flashing cause it essentially changes in a flash.

and you can see how the paint looks through the talc.

[mgerencs]

Thanks Guys. I'll be busy this weekend using a machine polish and finish for the first time. I'll be practicing on my girlfriends black subaru.

[Bunky]

If you use too much polish per panel, it affects the change. You always use less than you think. By using a halogen light shining off the paint at the right angle, you can see that you are getting enough polish down and the visual change (goes clearer) is more obvious.

[mgerencs]

Thanks Bunky

[MadOzodi]

Some polishes with move to the talc powder type consistency. Others when worked will just turn clear and be barely noticeable on the paint and then move to that talc powder type consistency depending on the temp. humidity, etc.

What polish are you using?

[mgerencs]

Originally Posted by MadOzodi

Some polishes with move to the talc powder type consistency. Others when worked will just turn clear and be barely noticeable on the paint and then move to that talc powder type consistency depending on the temp. humidity, etc.

What polish are you using?

Not sure, what would you recommend? It's a first for me in about 15 years. I had a sears polisher that I trashed. I spent 2 weekends a year since doing the hand applied 3 part meguiar's deep crystal system. Seems I'll need to get some halogen lamp setup also. I want to do it right.

[blacknblu]

Originally Posted by mgerencs

Not sure, what would you recommend? It's a first for me in about 15 years. I had a sears polisher that I trashed. I spent 2 weekends a year since doing the hand applied 3 part meguiar's deep crystal system. Seems I'll need to get some halogen lamp setup also. I want to do it right.

I too was using Megs 3 step Deep Crystal System up to when I purchased the Flex 3401.

IMHO, step 2 (the polish) doesn't remove paint defects that well. I was polishing a 2 X 2 area with the Flex until the polish broke down. The resulting sheen was very nice (and deep), but I couldn't tell that any scratches/swirls/webs had been removed. I was beginning to think I had made a serious mistake purchasing the Flex until Rsurfer pointed me towards Menz 106ff. I took his advice, and have been VERY pleased with the results.

I still think Step 1 is good for an AIO, and Step 3 is a pretty decent OTC wax, but nix Step 2 and opt for a better polish. Megs 3 step Deep Crystal System is about as good I had found (OTC) when working by hand.

[Bence]

mgerencs, where are you from?