m105 & m205

[Z06Joe]

What pads do I apply these with? I have both a flex and PC. Also what speeds would be "best" for applying both. Thanks

[kb2ehj]

Really depends on what you are trying to accomplish? Different pads will produce different results.

General rule of thumb is least aggressive pad/product to accomplish

That's the nice thing about the twins, they are so versatile.

[Z06Joe]

Well I am using this on my 02 Corvette. The car is garaged kept and has never seen rain. Would Orange with m105 be OK?

Thanks

[bodavenport]

orange at the minimum, Corvette clear is so hard.

[Z06Joe]

Now would wool be better??? I have a purple wool pad. Thanks

[kb2ehj]

Start with the orange and work your way up.

If orange doesn't work, try yellow, then wool.

You can try orange with 205 and if that doesn't do it, try orange with 105.

As stated above work with the least aggressive product/pad to accomplish your goal.

[Z06Joe]

Thanks so much guys!!!!!!!!!!

[Mike Phillips]

I've removed swirls out of new Corvettes using much less aggressive products than a compound like M105.

I learned a long time ago to ALWAY do a test spot and to always,

"Use the least aggressive product to get the job done"

Note in the above I used the word aggressive, not abrasive. These two words have different meanings.

Do a test spot first, maybe try the M105 with a polishing pad and if it's not working fast enough or effectively enough then try a cutting pad. If you can remove the swirls using a polishing pad it will leave a nicer looking finish behind as compared to a more aggressive cutting pad just due to the aggressive nature of the foam.

It's easy enough to always get more aggressive but the idea behind using the least aggressive product to get the job done is to remove the defects while leaving the MOST amount of paint on your car.

Testing is how you find out what you can and cannot do.


Also, watch these before starting, especially the first one...

How to do a Section Pass using a Dual Action Polisher - Key to Removing Swirls

How to Remove Swirls and Scratches using the Porter Cable 7424XP


How to do a Test Spot using the Flex 3401

[Z06Joe]

Awesome thanks Mike

[Mike Phillips]

What pads do I apply these with? I have both a flex and PC. Also what speeds would be "best" for applying both. Thanks

With a DA style polisher, this includes Porter Cable, Meguiar's and Griot's you need to be on the 5.0 to 6.0 speed setting.

You need the pad rotating under pressure to remove a little paint which is how you remove swirls.

With the Flex 3401 you can use the 4.0 to 6.0 speed setting but realistically you want to be on the 5.0 to 6.0 speed setting. It seems almost easier to use on the higher speed settings. Remember to keep the pad flat against the paint or it will try to walk away from you or at you depending upon which side of the pad has the most pressure against it.


Have fun! How about some before and after pictures?