Jason, thanks for submitting this great question as I’m sure a lot of the blog readers will be interested as well.
Hi,
How do you avoid creating holograms when applying your finish polish with a rotary? I read a few articles that states applying a final polish with DA is the best method to get a hologram free finish. But isn’t it true that applying a final polish like PO85RD with a rotary yields better results than applying with a DA? I read some of your articles that you finish with a rotary and yield amazing results. So how did you achieve a hologram-free finish with a rotary?
Thanks,
Jason
Jason-
Creating the best finish possible all starts with the proper pad/polish/speed combination. Also knowing the paint you are working with is a big bonus. While one manufacturers paint may finish down perfectly with one process, another may be completely different. To best explain, I’ll do a walk through of what I do when finishing down on the Makita rotary after doing more aggressive steps before hand.
My most used finishing polish on the rotary for me would be Menzerna 106FA. It has a light cut with a nice work time and is very clean to use. Now depending on the type of vehicle I am working on will determine if I use a white pad (harder paints) or black pad (softer paints) to finish down with. I will apply two drops on the pad and make a pass or two at 900 RPM’s, then bumping up to 1200, then 1500 for a few passes then eventually making the same path back down. All of this takes place while keeping very light and even pressure across the face of the polishing pad, using slow and controlled arm movement, and keeping the pad as flat as possible to the paint. When you see others “tilting” the pad that is primarily used for a cutting action especially in those hard to reach areas where keeping the pad flat will not reach. When you come to those areas when finishing, slow the speed down and use less pressure to finish out with. Another key is to make sure your pad is clean and completely dry.
This all comes with time and practice and knowing what works for you. I wish you the best of luck. If you or anyone else has any questions or comments, please submit in the comment box below.
Thanks,
DJ Mayo
thk you.
Not a problem, glad I could help. Any further questions, submit.
DJ Mayo
Great article DJ,
I would appreciate your opinion on what polishes and the steps on correcting BMW jet black. Lets say its extreme damage involving wet sanding with 1500 or 1200 grit. Could you list the steps you would take.
I value your thoughts
Thank you,
Lou
Lou-
What year is your JB BMW?
DJ Mayo-
Is using some kind of ‘quick’ detailer to mist the ‘finishing’ pad is bad thing to do? I started to do that (mist the ‘finishing’ pad) recently, and i notice some light hologram.
Since i haven’t got any hologram using the pad & product combo before on the very same paint, is misting the pad is the cause?
PS: i’m using M205 & W9207
Thanks
DJ Mayo-
I’d like to ask something silly, but here it’s: what my consenquences if i don’t do IPA wipedown nor misting a quick detailer after doing some finishing polish? Currently i got something like very light hazing (uniform horizontal straight line pattern) that only can be noticed using xenon torch (in low lighting environment or dark) pointed at angles (if pointed directly to the panel, the paint looked crystal clear), but not direct under the sun (no hologram) or garage neon lighting. Just curious is it because of the absence IPA wipedown, or because of my poor technique? or because something else (the polish + pad, or the wax is sweating, etc)?
FYI:
working on light swirled car using M205 + W8207 followed with M205 + W9207 then LSP is 1 coat Meguiars NXT (1st version) + 2 coat Collinite Marque D’Elegance.
Thanks.
BTW, forgot to mention the car’s colour that i’ve worked above is Night (Dark) Blue. And previously i don’t notice if it’s there.
In prepping my new car for delivery, the dealer used a buffing machine that left holograms across the entire hood and front fenders (car is black and had a clear coat finish). Dealer said they’ll fix the problem but I’m concerned. How and can it be fixed and will the fix last? Will there be any dimished value to the car?