Tiger Stripes After Polishing?

[backlash2032]

So, I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing wrong. I have a craftsman buffer, I believe it has a 1400/1700 rpm variable speed. I've tried buffing on both speeds. I have a carquest foam pad and I believe it's 3m ultimate finish (or something like that.. if it's important I can get exactly what it is).

So basically I started buffing on the trunk lid and it was perfect. (As perfect as I care for it to be haha) But I ran out of time and had to come back a different day to finish the rest of the car. From this point on I haven't been getting as good of results. It either leaves the swirl marks, or it will leave tiger stripes of swirl marks.

It got really bad on the drivers door so I called the guy I bought the pad and compound from and he told me to try to wash the pad out.. so I did and let it dry completely. It helped a little bit, but it was never as good as that first cut.

So if anybody has any pointers to a first time buffer / detailer trying to give his girlfriend the best Christmas present he can afford, I'm all ears!

Thanks!

[swanicyouth]

You need a quality dual action polisher and pads. You also need some enthusiast friendly polishes.


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[backlash2032]

I'm just trying to figure out how I got good results once.. what changed from the first time to the second lol

[EliteDetailing]

Some cheaper pads clog up & the dried up polish/compound can cause swirls if you don't keep your pad clean enough. You may want to use multiple new pads and switch them as you go around the vehicle.

[allenk4]

Here is a great place to start:

Circular / Rotary Polishing Guide: remove swirls, scratches, & oxidation with a rotary polisher. foam pads, backing plate, lake country, professional,

[backlash2032]

What's the best way to clean out pads? Washing worked well.. maybe there's better?

[backlash2032]

Bump

[Niblick]

dish soap and warm water.

[dlc95]

What's the best way to clean out pads? Washing worked well.. maybe there's better?

I got some Zep all purpose citrus cleaner from Wal Mart that does a pretty good job. I prefer a dedicated pad cleaner though.

[allenk4]

What's the best way to clean out pads? Washing worked well.. maybe there's better?

Cleaning on the fly is covered in the video above

After the work is done, it depends on the type of pad:

Foam- hand wash with pad cleaner or dish soap
There are also pad washers available if you are going to be washing a lot if pads

Microfiber Pads- hand wash with lad cleaner or dish soap. I throw mine right in the washing machine with my MF towels

Wool- some shops machine wash them