What speed for a finishing Polish and black pad?

**VickMacky** · 10-13-2017, 12:49 PM

Probably a simple yet dumb question but, what setting and arm speed do you use with a finishing Polish (M205 or Griot's perfecting cream) and a black pad? My paint is in good condition, considering it's age, and I was wanting to use the steps above just as a quick wax remover and gloss enhancer prior to applying a new coat of wax. Thanks.

**DaveT435** · 10-13-2017, 02:56 PM

What kik D of machine, and what kind of car?? I haven't used 205. With the little bit if information you gave I would usually run speed 3-4, since you're only doing the one step probably 4 or just under and a fairly slow arm speed so if there are any light scratches, swirling, etc. in the paint it should clean them up.

**VickMacky** · 10-13-2017, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by DaveT435

What kik D of machine, and what kind of car?? I haven't used 205. With the little bit if information you gave I would usually run speed 3-4, since you're only doing the one step probably 4 or just under and a fairly slow arm speed so if there are any light scratches, swirling, etc. in the paint it should clean them up.

I'm using a HF DA polisher with LC thinpro pads and an old, loved F150. I'm not really trying to remove defects as I've already done that, I'm just trying to remove previous sealant and maybe add a bit of gloss. I've watched a few YouTube videos and a lot of people mention they polished with [insert favorite Polish] and a black pad, but never mention anything else. I was assuming very light pressure and somewhat quick arm speed.

**DaveT435** · 10-13-2017, 03:15 PM

With a finishing pad and a mild polish you're not really going to remove any paint. If there are any kind of defects left, which it doesn't sound like there are, it would just smooth them out a little. I would go speed 4 on that machine, and what I would call a medium arm speed. about right in between speed you would use to remove defects and the speed you would use to spread wax.

If you use the 205 and it's a DAT product you'll want to slow your arm speed down to make sure the abrasives get broken down all the way.

**VickMacky** · 10-13-2017, 03:37 PM

By DAT do you mean diminishing abrasive? I think 205 is SMAT but in still learning all the lingo lol

**Crispy** · 10-13-2017, 05:15 PM

Black ThinPro has zero cut.

Finish polish only.

Speed doesn't really matter, but 4 is easy to control.

I use same arm speed for most applications and number of passes to get job done.

As always do a couple of test spots to get the results you want.

**Paul A.** · 10-13-2017, 06:10 PM

I generally use speed 5 if I am finishing with my PC and a DAT...Maybe dialed down to 4-5 if a SMAT. I use the same arm movement I use with every product...slow and precise.