Apply with bottle - hand - buffer...?

[Ohio Detailing]

I've seen this all done by so-called shop-pro's at various detail shops and on-line - each technique seems to differ by technician...

Is it better for swirl removal and all methods of buffing/polishing, to apply the product:

1) To the car with applicator first - then go over entire behicle OR section at a time with buffer
2) To apply product directly to the paint with a bottle (like ketchup on a hotdog) and then go over vehicle with buffer pad spreading product
3) Direct application of product to foam pad, and work the paint?

THANKS!

[budman3]

With a rotary I and a fresh pad I apply a bead of product to the panel and spread it around with the machine off to prime it. After that I usually apply a bead to the panel and spread it with the machine on it's lowest setting.

With a PC or UDM I apply the product directly to the pad and then stamp the pad across the panel a few times and begin to work the product.

With an AIO type product that doesn't need to be removed after each panel I go around the whole vehicle and put a bead of product on every panel. This way I can go around the whole vehicle without shutting off the machine too much, which saves a lot of time.

[ScottB]

personal preferences IMO ...

[Ohio Detailing]

personal preferences IMO ...

I guess. But every time I apply TO the pad and then rub on paint before turning on - I sling.

[Jimmie]

I guess. But every time I apply TO the pad and then rub on paint before turning on - I sling.

What speed are you at when you turn it on?

If you spread with it off, and then continue to spread at 2-3 setting, then up your speed it would be hard to sling unless you're using way too much polish.
My preference is to stamp/blot first like Budman.

[ASPHALT ROCKET]

With a foam pad I apply to the pad itself whether it is the PC or rotary. When using wool I will pick the polish up off the vehicle. Never had any sling problems. You may need to start out a little slower than move the speed up to stop from slinging polish.

[blk45]

PC - Apply to the pad
Rotary - Apply to the panel and pick it up

[Ohio Detailing]

Thanks guys - I'll reduce my speed and pick it up slowly until I can work it at higher rpm's

[Mike T]

What I've found to work best is to apply the product to the pad. Press the pad against the finish to transfer product. I then turn on the buffer(slow speed) and spread the product around the area to be worked. I then crank up the speed and work the product. Depending on what your applying, speed will vary. Work your polishes on higher speeds, and your waxes, sealants, glazes at slower speeds.

[budman3]

Thanks guys - I'll reduce my speed and pick it up slowly until I can work it at higher rpm's

Slightly left the pad and move it over the polish at about 9 or 10 o'clock (on the pad) from the right to left.