da polishers

hi all as a few of us now have da polishers in our armoury :).
gaz has asked if we can pass on some of our knowledge as we learn B-)
so here goes ;)
the panel I picked for correction was the boot lid as it had quite q few swirls and light scratches.
first thing I did was to check the depth of the clear coat. I was lucky a friend has a paint depth gauge.
generally over the boot surface the depth was 30/40 microns ( but we checked over the car in random spots and it varied from 30/80 microns making it clear that some areas had been re sprayed.
as the car was clean the first treatment was quick detailer to remove any dust.
then a clay treatment to remove any surface contamination.
(I have have stuck with the meguires range of products after our visit this month :D)
da7_zpsd5acdffd.jpg

the next move was to use a correction wax to remove the defects.so out with the da and a polishing pad.maguires recommend using the yellow pad and a speed setting between 3/5.
da1_zps8d8f373d.jpg

the black pad it for polishing only and applying wax.
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the bottle I selected was swirl x.
meguires have three in the range scratch x for heavy scratch removal in local areas and also swirl x and ultimate compound light and heavy.
they suggest doing 50cmx50cm area at a time.
so a x of the swirl x on the yellow buffing pad to start.then dab the pad on the area to be treated (to spread the product about)
with the da now resting on the surface I hit the start button.
first making overlapping passes vertical and the same horizontal
making 5 repeat passes in all. then remove the excess swirl x with a microfibre cloth.
next move was to check the results and repeat if not happy :D ( I was very ;) :D )
right next up was the pre wax polish
da8_zps402d5117.jpg

loaded the next yellow pad with the pre wax and repeated the 50 x 50 area with the same technique as the swirl x.
when the residue was wiped off the finish was very pleasing :D :D
boot2_zpsd324c6c5.jpg

repeated the pre wax twice. ;)
finally the ultimate wax finish.
da3_zpse0ad4f33.jpg

changed the da to the black soft buff pad same application as the other treatments but only two passes not to much pressure speed setting between 2/5 and let the da drive itself across the surface.
letting the wax dry to a haze about 10 mins then polishing off with a microfiber cloth to a high gloss finish
boot1_zpsdb25dda2.jpg
:D :D
in conclusion my first experience with the da was good and very pleased with the results
but still lots to learn and always up for any helpful pointers
cheers mick \m/

I would also like to turn mine from silver to blue, how did you achieve this? (Edited to remove auto correct)
 
I have corrected the auto text offerings, it reads a little better now!
 
I think I need to get one of these polishers, obviously there are lots of different makes so any suggestions on a decent one ? Being a carpenter I use a lot of power tools and I tend to buy Festool because i think its the best out there and just noticed Festool also do a polisher ! Has anyone got one and is it any good ?
 
hi woody quite a few guys on here got da's so you should get a varied view i have a meguires g220 v2 about £159 i find it works very well and with the right products you will get fantastic results.
you will find your own technique i am sure but have a look on youtube and you will find lots of demos from the main detailing companies and pro detailers .
but one thing i have found is that it is that is does not take much time before you get great results and it is not some dark secret :confused:
one more thing i would go for a da ( duel action ) first and not just a rotary polisher as they can burn the clear coat if not used correctly
 
I wish I'd gone and brought a rotary instead of a da, going to try some out at waxstock and then get one!
 
Why is that G man ? I was going down the DA route now you have just chucked a large spanner in the works !
 
The da is fine to start with, but I want more cutting power that you get with a rotary.
 
Well I took the plunge and went for the Festool rotary polisher so can't wait to get out there and polish away (I mean polish carefully so I don't burn through the paint !).

I also bought a bottle of Meguiars ultimate compound and want to know if that's the best stuff to use ?

Thanks.
 
Well I took the plunge and went for the Festool rotary polisher so can't wait to get out there and polish away (I mean polish carefully so I don't burn through the paint !).

I also bought a bottle of Meguiars ultimate compound and want to know if that's the best stuff to use ?

Thanks.

Good choice, very good choice.

Pleased for you.
 
Will be joining you soon. Hopefully.

Keep it moving and you should have no issues.
 
It's certainly a decent bit of kit but like all Festool machines not exactly cheap tho ! Just need some good weather know !
 
Great, check out the scholl concepts stuff, I think it's excellent.

My choice over meguires.

Don't get me wrong, I like some of their products but not the polishes and waxes.

Scholl s17 is excellent for cutting, and s40 for finishing.

Mark
 
Thanks Mark I will have a look. I have used dodo juice that gives a good finish but I'm no expert ! Yet !
 
Good stuff, keep me updated on how you get on with the festool.
Might get one after waxstock. Be good if you could make it?
 
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