How much paint am I removing?

[Jose Torres]

Originally posted by manueljlg
Also, what´s the standar thickness of clear coat in most cars?

Single Stage Paint Systems (aka standard finish)

Total Film Build is about 3.5 to 5.0 mils.
(primer, pigmented color)

About 2.0 to 2.5 mils of the TFB is the pigmented color (on top of the primer) .




Clear Coat Paint Systems

Total Film Build is about 4.5 to 6.0 mils
(primer, basecoat, clearcoat)

About 1.5 to 2.0 mils is the clear coat alone, with only .5 mils available for defect removal.

*a standard sheet of paper is about 2.5 mils*

[Jimmy Buffit]

Mike Pennington, nice to hear from you!
My reference to removing .3 was with a rotary and wool pad...
Seems I could be more precise in my posts.

Setec, the ETG only allows us to monitor the amount removed. So, we must take initial/baseline readings, and monitor the changes.

It is not a cure all. For example, if we don't know the history of the vehicle, can we safely assume that it has not been aggressively buffed in the past? Probably, but we just don't know.

Just one more tool.

Jim

[manueljlg]

From what I´m reading, I can safely use # 83 twice a year for the next 10 years ???

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by manueljlg
From what I´m reading, I can safely use # 83 twice a year for the next 10 years ???

Yes. #83 is not a very aggressive product, especially applied with using PC and a foam pad.

Mike

[DSG Man]

So am I reading this right that MPPC will, over time, affect the thickness of a clearcoat in good condition? Oops. Wrong thread.

[gbackus]

Originally posted by Jimmy Buffit
ValuGard offers a product (which I THINK is similar to DACP) and their directions clearly state that one pass (buff to dust) will remove .3 mil.

If you're talking about Liquid paint correction cream then I don't think there is need for worry. From what I learned talking to Ron, LPCC is a controlled mechanical abbrasive that's on par with 3M rubbing compound(not the fine cut, but one step up), and is closer to Meg's Compound Power Cleaner or Dimaond Cut on a wool pad. Though being that it's mechanical rather than a diminishing abrassive I would think it might even be stronger than either of those as well. Their machine polish is closer to DACP, though I'm not sure if that's a mechanical or diminishing abrassive, they call it an SMR, but it's more agressive than some like #9 or even 3M's SMR.

[karma]

what about DACP and a rotary does this take off .3 or .5 mil in one swipe?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by gbackus
If you're talking about Liquid paint correction cream then I don't think there is need for worry. From what I learned talking to Ron, LPCC is a controlled mechanical abrasive that's on par with 3M rubbing compound(not the fine cut, but one step up), and is closer to Meg's Compound Power Cleaner or Diamond Cut on a wool pad.

Though being that it's mechanical rather than a diminishing abrasive I would think it might even be stronger than either of those as well.

In most cases, if the abrasive doesn't break down, or diminish, then it will cut longer than an abrasive that does break down. Technically, if the abrasive doesn't break down, then it's removing paint the entire time it is being worked against the finish. This type of abrading action removes a lot of paint, and tends to leave the finish scoured and swirled.

It's possible that two types of abrasives can start out at the same aggressiveness level, but if one breaks down and the other doesn't, the aggressiveness level of the one that breaks down will diminish.

Mike

[Mike Pennington]

It is almost impossible to state what amount of material will be removed in 1 pass with any product. What you must remember are all the variables.

1) What type of paint (is it a hard low VOC, or a soft lacquer)
2) RPM's of the machine (1000 or 3000)
3) Pressure applied by the operator (hard or soft)
4) Arm speed of the operator (fast or slow)

These are just to name a few.

Two people can take the same product and buff, and have totally different results as far as how much material gets removed.

It is not a good idea to place numbers on products as far as removal goes. There are just too many variables.

When you do place a number, next thing you know, you will burn through because you thought...you wern't taking that much off...oops...

Always play it safe and use the least aggressive method possible and use a digital paint thickness gauge. This way, there is no guessing involved.

Mike

[manueljlg]

Lots of interesting reading and priceless replys from Meguiars top detailers.
I posted this thread seeking an answer as an enthusiast detailer that wants to keep both of his cars in showroom condition, and is worried about removing too much clearcoat with a PC and # 83, and avoid having CC failure down the road.
After reading all the replys I conclude (correct me if I´m wrong) that I can safely and often use Meguiars most aggressive polishes designed to be used with a PC, and not worry about damaging my paint.