How much of the pad needs to be in contact?

[Detalnewb]

I don't think it's too hard to do flat areas like hoods or fenders... The areas I have most questions about are the the "odd" areas like door posts/frames, hood scoops, etc.

Some people say it's ok to tilt a little, some say it's death to pads and/or paint.

[Edit] This is for a PC...

[Mike Phillips]

Here's a good general rule of thumb...

When you can hold the pad flat... do hold the pad flat...

If you have to tilt on an edge... do tilt on an edge as long as you don't endanger the paint by concentrating too much pressure on a high point, edge or body seem. This applies more to using a rotary buffer than a dual action polisher, but it does apply to a dual action polisher specifically if you are unsure of how thick or thin the paint is in the above areas.

It's a judgment call situation. Sometimes you have to work some areas by hand to be safe.

[roaringlion]

Could that be the same as using an applicator pad also