Cornstarch to remove buffer holograms?

[SR99]

According to the TV show American Restoration, you can use cornstarch or talcum powder to remove them.

They do some pretty nice work so I'm not doubting it, just had never heard it before.

Anyone ever tried this? Wonder if they have tried some of the modern chemicals and still prefer it.

[Mike Phillips]

According to the TV show American Restoration, you can use cornstarch or talcum powder to remove them.

They do some pretty nice work so I'm not doubting it, just had never heard it before.

Anyone ever tried this? Wonder if they have tried some of the modern chemicals and still prefer it.

This topic has been coming up as long as I've been posting to the Internet. I think they used this in the old days on "single stage" paints when they didn't have or know of anything better. (Words chosen very carefully)

Clear coats are very different than old school single stage paints.

Also keep in mind a LOT of new technology has been introduced in the last few years and for the most part, if people aren't on forums like this how they going to find out about all of it?

Good thread...

:)

[jgibson2980]

I seen that episode . They used this on a freshly painted car that had been buffed . I don't know what the effects would be on a new car Or factory paints . From what it looked like he buffed in the cornstarch afyer the initial buffing.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using AG Online

[Mike Phillips]

What I remember from threads in the past is its used to fill, not abrade. Again in the old days on single stage paints.

:)

[erichaley]

I saw it too and it made me wonder why, if someone can afford to own a buffer, can't they afford even a small bottle of compound? I guarantee you that no matter how badly I need to fix it, I'm not going to resort to something that could potentially make it worse. Heck, if I can't afford compound, I certainly can't afford to screw it up! Sure, you can do lots of things with cornstarch and talcum powder (well, at least not together), but why not just use the right product if you already have 99% of what you need to do the job right? To quote a different Mike... Holmes, that is: "If you're going to do it, do it right the first time."

[Setec Astronomy]

I'm pretty sure Joe at Superior Shine had a thread about this some years ago, where he actually did it. It was probably on MOL.

Oh wait, here it is: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/47309-old-school-rub-out-40-year-old-products.html

[SR99]

Thanks for the link Setec. It sort of reminds me of the French Polishing process used for fine finishes of wood projects, except there you use FFFF grade pumice instead of corn starch. French Polishing is extremely labor intensive, but the results are quite amazing if you ever see it done.

[WRXINXS]

I just saw that episode last night and it left me scratching my head as well.

[BillE]

Thanks for the link Setec. It sort of reminds me of the French Polishing process used for fine finishes of wood projects, except there you use FFFF grade pumice instead of corn starch. French Polishing is extremely labor intensive, but the results are quite amazing if you ever see it done.

You have nail it!

Back 'then' using cornstarch was a help to get the wax (think original Simonize) removed. You would wipe (actually RUB) the wax off, then sprinkle the cornstarch over an area and wipe (rub) again to completely remove the wax. Even though it doesn't feel like it, but it does have tiny bit of abrasive quality.

Yes, IT WAS A MESS. But it did look 'purrdy.'

Bill

[FUNX650]

I don't remember, if I'm old enough to remember, some of these: "old-school-detailing-tactics". :dunno:

Back in the ol' days:
-Cornstarch couldn't hardly be beat when it came to removing
all of the black residue when polishing aluminum wheels.
Still holds true today...Done this many times.

-We also used to use cornstarch for cleaning windows/auto-glass; and:
-Even to polish silver and chrome. (learned that from Grandma and Grandpa)


:)

Bob

EDIT:
Just saw this thread: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/65915-what-makes-old-leather-glossy.html

-We'd sprinkle some cornstarch on oily, glossy leathers (including leather jackets/"Colors") to remove the sheen.

[Kevin Cullen]

All i have ever used corn starch or flour for is, as Bob said, is to remove the black residue in pits and on the surface after buffing aluminium. Going to have to search out the Restoration episode.