Swirl marks on 1992 mazda single stage black paint

[mensoc]

Thanks 98CayenneTA for that detailed reply!
That picture of the side panel is how the whole mazda looks like.
And your results are exactly what i'm looking for. Nice work.
Since it's the factory paint and i'm 99% sure it's never been buffed before, i'm just gonna try it.
There is a first time for everything as they say.

What compound and finishing polish did you use?

I have meguairs ultimate compound and ultimate polish, but also i can get mezerna 400, 2500 and 3500.

I also read that these older paints can get very dry, and before buffing to use a pure nonabrasive polish to get some oils in it, so the buffing polish doesn't get dry to fast, which could in itself create new swirls.
Could that be a factor as well?

The only concern left i have, is that the ultimate compound left a scratchy/haze on my test spot. (the pad was clean ofcourse).
So im not sure what the cause of that was, maybe to much cut, or removed paint went into the pad and left this scratchy haze.
I didnt use much pressure and used a soft foam pad and did it for maybe just 30 seconds.
Ot maybe thats the problem with using polish by hand instead of an DA?

I'm sorry for all the questions, but trying to get it right someday.

[98CayenneTA]

On that Grand National, for the majority of the car, I used....
- Menzerna 400 w/Lake Country microfiber pad
- Menzerna 3500 w/Buff & Shine white foam polishing pad

If you're looking to get into something for a reasonable price and local, the Harbor Freight 8mm throw da will do some work for ya.

[Mike Phillips]

Thanks for your answer.
Reading this forum i know you are very experienced and it would not be smart not to listen after asking advice,

I don't have a history of sending people down the wrong path.

Click the link below and watch the video in post #2. I walk you through the entire process of how to use a simple 8mm free spinning random orbital polisher. I'd recommend the Porter Cable because the Harbor Freight unit while cheap is exactly that - cheap.

[/QUOTE]


Here's what you need to get into machine polishing - Recommendations for a beginner by Mike Phillips

If you're looking to get into something for a reasonable price and local, the Harbor Freight 8mm throw da will do some work for ya.

It will work.

I've only used one of these one time and I was completely let down in the quality of the build and the lack of ability to maintain pad rotation.

The PC on the other hand is a TANK.


Now where is that Harbor Freight Car Detailing Discussion Forum?

[Mike Phillips]

Also....

Griot's discontinued their version of the Porter Cable but you can still find them on Amazon and eBay. A LOT more power than the Porter Cable and much nicer than the HF unit.






I like the short body style myself and hard to beat 8mm for a simple all-around capable and safe tool.

[mensoc]

Thanks Mike for all that info!
I think i will go for a Porter Cable, i like tools to be tough.
I will watch those videos for sure!
Next weekend i hope to find the time to get started, and be sure to start small.
I have another car (1992 Cadillac Seville) with just as much swirls.
Different paint so more testing and learning!

I think the meguairs polish is best suited for the Cadillac, and if i read different forums correctly the menzerna polish good be better suited for the Mazda.

The menzerna is a DAT i believe instead of a SMAT (meguairs), does that mean a different usage of the polish?