Your top tip for a machine polishing noob

[zmcnulty]

Hey, guys. Before the end of the summer, I plan on polishing my car for the first time with an AIO.

I’m wondering: What’s your top tip for a noobie machine polisher?

I’ve got the polisher in hand and I’ll be ordering a backing plate, pads and other supplies soon. I’ve watched/read several of Mike’s videos and articles, so I know what I’m getting into generally, but what did you Personally learn from your first time machine polishing a car?

[Mike Phillips]

Watch this

Save paint correction time - count your section passes OUT LOUD! by Mike Phillips

[PaulMys]

Hey, guys. Before the end of the summer, I plan on polishing my car for the first time with an AIO.

I’m wondering: What’s your top tip for a noobie machine polisher?

I’ve got the polisher in hand and I’ll be ordering a backing plate, pads and other supplies soon. I’ve watched/read several of Mike’s videos and articles, so I know what I’m getting into generally, but what did you Personally learn from your first time machine polishing a car?

That all my worries were completely unfounded.

About 2 minutes into your first machine session, you'll be laughing at yourself for overthinking it.

[zmcnulty]

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[Rsurfer]

The biggest mistake I see noobies make is moving the machine too fast and doing to big of an area. 2'X2' area and move the polisher one inch per second.

Mike's idea about counting your passes out loud is a good idea. I too find myself losing count because your mind starts to wonder. All those unnecessary passes do amount to a lot of loss time.

[DMiglio]

So far you’ve gotten some great top tips!

Count out loud every pass
Your worries will be unfounded
Slow your hand speed, about 1 inch per section and keep in a 2x2 foot area

What polisher do you have? What supplies are you picking up?

I’ll add

Be sure to have about 6 pads ready to go
Don’t be afraid to use full power on the polisher
Don’t squeeze the polisher in your hands
Make a mark on your backing plate with a marker so you can see it’s rotating

-David

[Eldorado2k]

My tip would be to always start a fresh pad off with a healthy circle worth of polish... Not no measly 3-4 pea size drops, and don’t worry about patting down half the car with those 3 drops worth before turning the polisher on either. Lol.




Start things off like you mean it. From then on forwards you’ll only need 3-4 drops.

Tip #2: Make sure to get yourself one of these pad brushes and use it immediately everytime you take the polisher off your paint. Make a habit of it being the 1st thing you do before setting the polisher down and before reaching for your towel to wipe off the polish...

By doing so you’ll always work as clean as possible and you’ll also have your pads stretch farther as opposed to them loading up prematurely which means you’ll have to change pads more frequently and also see your results diminish at a faster pace, which makes for a double wammy of bad news.




Working clean makes for a much better experience. Waiting even a minute or 2 to clean your pad makes a big difference. Clean them immediately!

[zmcnulty]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I’m really looking forward to this project.

As far as products, I was looking at Blackfire Onestep, a pack of 6 polishing pads, and a pad brush. I can tell that pads get expensive quickly, so I figured the AIO approach would keep costs down and not be overly daunting as a beginner. I’ll be using a Porter Cable polisher.

I’d have to say, one of my biggest concerns is what to do in areas where a 5.5 inch pad won’t fit, like the details on the front bumper. How do you guys handle those areas?

[PaulMys]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I’m really looking forward to this project.

As far as products, I was looking at Blackfire Onestep, a pack of 6 polishing pads, and a pad brush. I can tell that pads get expensive quickly, so I figured the AIO approach would keep costs down and not be overly daunting as a beginner. I’ll be using a Porter Cable polisher.

I’d have to say, one of my biggest concerns is what to do in areas where a 5.5 inch pad won’t fit, like the details on the front bumper. How do you guys handle those areas?

The PC polisher is a little beast. Great first choice, and that was my first machine as well.

Do you have any pics of the smaller areas you are concerned about?

[VISITOR]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I’m really looking forward to this project.

As far as products, I was looking at Blackfire Onestep, a pack of 6 polishing pads, and a pad brush. I can tell that pads get expensive quickly, so I figured the AIO approach would keep costs down and not be overly daunting as a beginner. I’ll be using a Porter Cable polisher.

I’d have to say, one of my biggest concerns is what to do in areas where a 5.5 inch pad won’t fit, like the details on the front bumper. How do you guys handle those areas?

if you haven't already, pick up this backing plate. very solid, not to mention it will most likely be discontinued (if it hasn't been already) since the G9 has replaced the GG6..

Griots Garage 3 inch HD Backing Plate



here are some pads to choose from too...

Griot's Garage 3 Inch BOSS Foam & Microfiber Pads

Lake Country ThinPro Foam Pad System 3.5 Inch

Lake Country 3 Inch Flat Foam Pads