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With the DA polisher, question about application.

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  • #1

    With the DA polisher, question about application.

    My car has a lot of corners and curves. If the entire pad cannot fit on the area do you just do it by hand.

    For example there is a spot on my hatchback where half the pad would fit due to the angle would it be best to avoid this area and do it by hand? There are a lot of spots like this on my car on the front and back.

    I could still keep the pad flat just part of it would overhang. I'm new at the machine so I wanted to get some advice from someone with more experience before I screw something up :p
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  • #2
    Re: With the DA polisher, question about application.

    There used to be a clip of a video on the Meguiar's On Line home page showing a buffer going over the curve of a car and the pad was not completely in contact with the finish. So judging by that video clip, it's safe to say going over curves and corners is fine if you can keep the pad rotating. If the pad stops rotating, then you have problems.

    Another thing to be wary of, is going over edges or seams. The paint may be thinner on edges and you will see many photographs of edges and seams being taped up to protect the edge. Also tape keeps compound, polishes, wax and even dust from collecting in the seams making clean-up easier.

    "fishing for swirls in a sea of black"
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    David

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    • #3
      Re: With the DA polisher, question about application.

      The animated image David is referring to is found in this article: D/A Buffing 101 - An Introduction to the G110v2 and similar tools

      A common situation for any vehicle is the A pillars. Ranging from just a couple of inches to perhaps 4 inches wide, they're all smaller than the diameter of a "standard" pad. Still, you can buff them out with a full sized pad, just pay attention to the overlaps so you don't get product onto or into areas where you don't want it. If that means taping off some areas, then do so.

      Other vehicles just have curves that won't let a pad sit flat for full contact, such as the curved fender in the animated image referenced above, or it's such a narrow area that you just can't get all of the pad onto it. This is common on bumper covers, but it's not a problem to run just part of the pad onto the bumper cover while the majority of it is sort of cantilevered off the edge. Just keep the pad spinning and don't load a bunch of fresh product onto it just before starting these areas - you'll sling product all over the place!

      Anyone can buff a big ol' flat panel, but sometimes you need to get a bit creative when the panel curves and bends a lot. Of course, part of that creativity might include getting some 4" pads to buff the tightest spots.
      Michael Stoops
      Senior Global Product & Training Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.

      Remember, this hobby is supposed to be your therapy, not the reason you need therapy.

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      • #4
        Re: With the DA polisher, question about application.

        Will 4" pads fit on the Meguiars g110v2 or do you have to buy a different buffer?

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        • #5
          Re: With the DA polisher, question about application.

          Originally posted by Ryansworld View Post
          Will 4" pads fit on the Meguiars g110v2 or do you have to buy a different buffer?
          Yes they will fit - you'll just need a 4" backing plate.
          Originally posted by Blueline
          I own a silver vehicle and a black vehicle owns me. The black one demands attention, washing, detailing, waxing and an occasional dinner out at a nice restaurant. The silver one demands nothing and it looks just fine. I think the black vehicle is taking advantage of me, and the silver car is more my style. We can go out for a drive without her makeup and she looks fine. If I want to take the black one out, it is three or four hours in the "bathroom" to get ready.

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          • #6
            Re: With the DA polisher, question about application.

            Awesome, I'll be sure to grab one of them. And BTW Michael, that thread was nothing short of amazing! Makes a beginner like myself feel like I can go out there and start using a DA polisher!

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            • #7
              Re: With the DA polisher, question about application.

              Originally posted by Ryansworld View Post
              ...Makes a beginner like myself feel like I can go out there and start using a DA polisher!
              YOU CAN!

              Just take your time and enjoy your work. At first, using a DA can be a bit intimidating (the noise etc), just watch the vids and READ the various instructions. Each time you use the machine and products, your results will keep getting better and better.

              Remember...ENJOY!

              Bill

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              • #8
                Re: With the DA polisher, question about application.

                As someone just starting out, I didn't find it necessary to invest in 4" pads and a backing plate, I either tape off the areas and just use the larger pad if possible, or I just do that area by hand. Usually I don't find the pillars to be in need of any correction that I can't do reasonably efficiently by hand.

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