POLL - What's the number one most important factor when it comes to polishing paint?

[tedj101]

My vote goes for technique. I think it encompasses all of the other things on the list. Pad, product, machine, paint, abrasives, all of these things are chosen by the detailer for each particular job they are doing and to me that is "technique."

I think this states it perfectly! Choice of products is part of technique - indeed, technique is the one thing that the detailer actually controls!

<TED>

[BillE]

My vote goes for technique. I think it encompasses all of the other things on the list. Pad, product, machine, paint, abrasives, all of these things are chosen by the detailer for each particular job they are doing and to me that is "technique."

Totally agree with one more thought. Technique can equate to education. As we do, use or evaluate we then apply it to our technique.

Does that make sense? I've rewritten that a few times and can't quit get it to read right.

Bill

[whavens]

How about clean pads? One speck of debris could wreck everything else.

[CarolinasFinestDetailing]

Customer expected outcome. They are the reason you re polishing in the first place.

[Mike Phillips]

I think something has been lost in translation?

I think, and this is just a guess, that some think the question is about the process. That is doing the work.

It's not.

It's about the 5 items or factors listed in the poll.

Out of just these 5 things - which do you think would be the most important factor when it comes to polishing paint?

No need to read into it or make it more complicated than it has to be.

[Valky]

I vote for paint. I can adjust tool, technique, pad, and abrasive but I can do nothing with a problematic paint. I once met a paint that will deny anything in my arsenal and believe me, that one real hell to work with.

[Mike Phillips]

I just boarded my flight to Kansas City. When I get to my hotel I'll post my opinion and why later after I check into my hotel.

[Alturki]

Tools ( polisher + pads + compound ) if you have bad o or damage tools you can't get a perfect paint correction, so you need tools + techniques

[cardaddy]

I still say technique.... (even though I've heard Mike say for YEARS it's abrasive technology).

Experience...... equals Technique!

Technique - tells you how to work your tool(s).

Technique - tells you what paint is hard, what paint is soft, what is in-between.

Technique - tells you what pads work on hard, soft, difficult paint.

Technique - tells you what abrasive technology you want for WHAT paint or WHAT pad.

Technique - Is what gets you to the finish line!

[kwwhite1]

I went with abrasive technology since it's where the rubber meets the road and is what is actually doing the physical work to the paint. Wish I could have picked two because I think technique is equally important.