4 step process, what do I have wrong?

**MatloccAllison1** · 02-18-2023, 03:56 PM

Looking to get a great finish, not profesional of course.
The plan:
Wash
Clay
Car pro essence w/orbital
Or uno advance w/orbital
Then top with wolfgang uber sio2
What am I doing wrong, paint is in good shape, slight swirls only visible in very bright sunlight.
Thank you for any suggestions.

**vobro** · 02-18-2023, 04:08 PM

What is your orbital and pad?

**MatloccAllison1** · 02-18-2023, 05:03 PM

Short stroke was going to start with orange or black pad.

**PaulMys** · 02-18-2023, 05:13 PM

What type of car/truck are you working on?

**vobro** · 02-18-2023, 05:16 PM

In general pad colors are not uniform colors from brand to brand so it helps to list exactly what pads and machine your using, what was your process and what you’re working on etc. If your current combo isn’t removing all the defects and not inducing more than you’re probably not using a strong enough combo. I haven’t used the Uno but Essence on most paint is pretty mild and may not be strong enough especially if the paint is hard

**MatloccAllison1** · 02-18-2023, 05:55 PM

Cheaper avid power polisher, came with three pads, orange, yellow and black. I am trying to be as gentle as possible, first. 2018 dodge ram 1500
I have not started yet. Gonna practice on a 2008 ford edge that needs help.

**vobro** · 02-18-2023, 06:19 PM

In that case when you get to the Ram do a test spot and you’re going to need more pads.

**PaulMys** · 02-18-2023, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by MatloccAllison1

Cheaper avid power polisher, came with three pads, orange, yellow and black. I am trying to be as gentle as possible, first. 2018 dodge ram 1500
I have not started yet. Gonna practice on a 2008 ford edge that needs help.

All vehicles are different, but as a Ram owner myself, I can tell you that the clear is definitely not on the softer side. (Meaning that light polishes/soft pads will probably not touch your swirls.)

Always start with the least aggressive approach, but I'm sure you'll be stepping up to something with a little more 'bite" in short order on the Ram.

And vobro is 100% correct. You are going to need way more pads.

**MatloccAllison1** · 02-19-2023, 08:22 AM

Hmmm, I know I need more pads, not quite sure which ones though or how many.

**opie** · 02-19-2023, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by MatloccAllison1

Hmmm, I know I need more pads, not quite sure which ones though or how many.

General rule of thumb is 6 minimum. I dont run a free spinning da so wont comment on what brands of pads and such.

Also run that machine on speed 4...no higher opms needed. Ateast in my opinion

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