Finishing down?

[irvsmith]

First off thank you all for your advice and dedication to the forums. I have learned soooo much in reviewing the posts.

One term which I have heard a number of times and while I did a rudimentary search I have not found a definition of the term "finishing down." I think it relates to how a product breaks down but not sure what it means pragmatically.

If you are willing to help it would be much appreciated.

David

[Setec Astronomy]

How a product "finishes down" means what kind of finish is left at the end of the buffing cycle/breakdown of diminishing abrasives.

For example, a modern compound may "finish down" well and leave the paint almost ready for LSP ("wax"), while an old-school rocks-in-a-bottle compound would leave hazing that would have to be removed by more polishing steps. So the modern compound would "finish down" well, while the old-school one would not "finish down" well.

[irvsmith]

Perfectly clear! Thank you!

[Paul A.]

Good question though and an expression used quite a bit round here. As usual, Setec nails it! How to best "finish down" some products can be tricky i.e. extracting the full potential of that product.

Just to progress the concept a bit, i have refined my evaluation after "finishing down" a product and have learned to scrutinize the condition of the effort with good, discerning light on the paint after wipedown. Over the years recently i have refined what i see and have gotten better at deciding how to get even more by "finishing down" one more step!

And all thanks to this place.

[irvsmith]

Thank you!