Using the PC in awkward areas?

[FlaresideLariat]

Today I was observing some cars, and thought, how does one go about PCing the vertical slits on a front valence? Does it matter that not all of the pad is touching the surface to be polished?


EDIT: Also, can you PC the shiny sideboards like in this pic? Or is that a no-no?

[gb387]

I have a few awkward areas on my truck. Some places the pad is not flat on the paint, I have never ran into a problem. Not sure if its a big deal but I am sure to be careful when the pad isn't flat on the surface.

[FlaresideLariat]

Thanks.

Is there ANY place in which a PC must not be utilized? Such as the shiny side boards? (See above pic)

[Rockpick]

Utilizing a PC is really a skill that you get better with over time. Ultimately, it's always better to have the pad flat against the surface that you're working on however; we all know that vehicles aren't perfect squares and have numerous body lines and contours.

With that in mind, you're never going to be able to keep the pad totally flat on every vehicle that you detail. It *IS* okay to have the pad on 'non-flat' surfaces but, you must remember that you're utilizing a machine that can damage your paint if and when you're utilizing the edge of a pad or using it in an ackward position. The best solution is to be ultra-careful and continue to work. Don't get in a hurry as this always leads to a goof (or it certainly does with me). It's much easier to do it right the first time than to try to fix an 'oops'.

Also, as far as the shiny side boards....

I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking at there. Are they on the lower portion of your doors? Rocker panels? Also, what exactly are they constructed out of?

I have a feeling that they should be okay but, I want to stress that an agressive product along with an agressive pad might not be a good idea. I'd certainly recommend testing a small area by hand with a foam applicator to ensure that you don't cause a rampage across the surface.

RP

[FlaresideLariat]

Yes, they are the lower portion of the doors which kind of, wrap around, if you will, the vehicle.



As far as what they are made out of... You know what; I don't know.