Help with my technique -- side panels

[kevincwelch]

I feel like I am starting to become competent with applying the appropriate amount of product, pressure and speed on horizontal panels.

However, the vertical panels seem to be a different story. Half the time when I apply the same 4 pea-sized dots of polish on the pad and start on a door, it looks like I'm smearing all kinds of polish everywhere -- almost like I applied way too much polish on the pad. I have to wonder if I'm not truly parallel to the panel, if I'm applying too much pressure, or if I should be using much less polish.

Maybe working on horizontal surfaces is much easier because gravity does a lot of the work. On the sides, it seems to be working against me.

No pictures, but has anyone encountered this or have tips?

[erichaley]

I think we all have experienced or currently are experiencing this. What equipment, pad(s), and product are you using? What is your current technique?

[kevincwelch]

I think we all have experienced or currently are experiencing this. What equipment, pad(s), and product are you using? What is your current technique?

I've duplicated this with two polishers: GG6 and Rupes 15ES. When using the GG6, the pads have been LC CCS pads, and with the Rupes, the LC CCS pads as well.

I know the 6 inch CCS pads are a little big on the 15ES, but when I worked on the hood, it seemed to work out just fine.

Now, this isn't every time I start doing the vertical panels -- just some times. Can't seem to figure out what I'm doing wrong in these cases.

[erichaley]

Right off the bat I'd suggest smaller pads. The size of those pads on a vertical surface along with the amount of product required can be a nightmare!

Try a 4" pad, I believe you'll notice a difference.

[kevincwelch]

I downsized the GG6 to a GG with a 3 inch backing plate and picked up some 4 inch CCS pads; they've been sitting and collecting dust. Maybe I'll check those out on the vertical panels.

[Kacz]

Are you making sure your pad is flat? A common problem on vertical surfaces.

[wukin]

My suggestion is removing extra products with a mf cloth once your primed the pad. I don't know what pad you are using but kompressor pad often splashes to me.

[swanicyouth]

Unless you have some type of custom pad or know something I don't, CCS pads don't come in 6" - they are 6.5". If your using 6.5" pads on a 5" backing plate that's likely your problem. A backing plate that measures 5" (~ 4 & 7/8") is for 5.5" pads, maybe 6" pads - but 6.5 in pads are too big. Not enough area of the BP is in contact with the pad. You need to use 5.5" pads - or get a 6" backing plate.

You also mentioned a 3" BP with 4" CCS spot buff pads. Those pads are best used with a 3.5" BP on a DA. A 3" LC BP for a DA is more like 2 & 7/8" - its for 3" (or possibly 3.5" LC beveled) pads.

Like you mentioned, the set-up you are using works OK on horizontal panels, but not as well on vertical panels, likely because its harder to keep the machine parallel to the panel because the BP is too small.

[AutowerxDetailing]

I think you are on the right track switching to the smaller backing plate and pads. I have found that on the side of the Tesla's the only areas that a 5.5" pad will give trouble is on the concave lip near the bottom of the doors and on the concave arch behind the c-pillar. 4" pads should allow you to maintain pad rotation and correct those areas with better results.

Looking forward to the after pics!! :xyxthumbs:

[HateSwirls]

I find sitting on the ground helps me to keep the pad flat being I can add the correct pressure.
Not as comfi as my rolling stool but it gets the job down.
As said using smaller pads will also help.

Good luck.

[kevincwelch]

You're right -- they are 6.5 inch pads, and they worked fine with the GG 6 on horizontal surfaces. But, I had intermittent problems on the vertical panels using the same setup. Using the 6.5 inch pads on the 5 inch backing plate (15ES), I noticed no difference on the horizontal surfaces, and had about the same trouble on the vertical surfaces.

But, I see your point. I'm going to try using the smaller backing plate with the smaller pads on the vertical surfaces and see how that goes.

I think the main issue is that I'm not always parallel and my pressure is probably too variable.

HateSwirls - I have been sitting on a 5 gallon bucket, but perhaps sitting on the ground might work better at times.

Nicholas - Actually I was experiencing the problem along the middle portion of the doors, not the inferior curve before the trim -- that's another problem point! Right now I'm just experimenting with some sealants to get a handle on the 15ES, which is new for me.

Thanks for the advice, guys.