Excessive Dusting, Why?

[russell336]

Ok, in using my PC, whether I am using DACP or #80, #9 or whatever, I experience dusting when I don't think I should be.
I start with a clean pad (washed or new, doesn't matter) every time.
My initial application (meaning I apply my product and work it in as instructed) I generally have no problems but when I apply more product and start on my next section, I generally start seeing dust right away.
I initially thought that the dried product on the velcro backing plate may be coming off during use but I cleaned it up and I am still experiencing the same problem.
I am assuming I am doing something wrong but I can't seem to figure it out. The first few times I used my PC, I didn't experience this but now, it happens every time.
Does anyone else have this problem?
Anyone have any ideas why this is happening?
The only thing I can think off is my product is drying on the pads which in turns causes the dusting but when I check, it doesn't feel dry.
Having two black vehicles, this is becoming very frustrating. I have gone from a swirl free finish to minor swirls and I can't get rid of them.

HELP!!!!!

Thanks,

[KTruck]

Hi:

Since it is occurring with all products it would seem to be a problem with the backing plate and/or pad.

What backing plate and pads do you have?

Is the diameter of the backing plate smaller than that of the velcro on the pad? The edge of the backing plate can cut into the foam if it contacts it.

Do you have a dedicated pad for each product?

How old are your pads?

How old are the products you are using?

What speed are you running the PC at?

Have the products been frozen?

Regards,

KTruck

[russell336]

I use the 6" pads form meguiar's.
It happens whether the pads are new or previously used.
All of my products are no older than 6 months and as far as I know have never been frozen.
For swirl removal I run the PC at 5, for the other tasks, the speed is set at 3 or 4.
The backing plate is slightly smaller than the velcro on the back of the pads. I have one pad that it appears to have cut into and I no longer use it.
Could the dusting be caused by overloading or perhaps not enough prodcut on the pads?
I may go ahead and order new pads and backing plate if I can't get the dusting to stop but I really don't want to do this.

Thanks,

[Tim Lingor]

Hey Gary,

Dusting can happen from a few things:

1. New pads can sometimes give off tiny particles of foam, left over from the production process. Once used, usually after the first panel, they do not do that any longer. Since you are still getting dust, the pads are not the problem.

2. If too much product is being used over a given area, this could also cause dusting. Reduce to one thin swirl of product around the pad.

3. Another problem could be that the product is being worked too long. Meguiar's cleaners/compounds need to be broken down until only a light residue remains, but not a dry buff.

4. Sometimes static from the buffing process, especially during the winter months, can cause the attraction of particles to the paint's surface. If that is the case, I would wipe the car down with #34 Final Inspection after each buffing step. Once the weather/humidity changes, static reduces dramatically.

Give the above a try!

Tim

[russell336]

Thanks for the replies.
I think numbers two or four are the most likely culprits as the dusting occurs on both new and old pads. Also, I don't think it is from working the product too long as it usually starts during the first 20 to 30 seconds.
I am going to try to find some time to work on my truck this weekend so I will see if using less product will be of any help. Typically, I start with a generous amount (thin lines covering entire pad) then add more (two to three thin lines around pad)between applications.

Thanks,

[KTruck]

Hi:

If it were me I would do some experimenting with #80 before I made a purchase. To me, this is the most forgiving product to use. I think it is the wettes product, so dusting should not be a problem. Practice your technique with this product and see what happens.

2hotford has a lot more experience with this, so maybe he will chime in with some details on how best to use #80.

Also, 2hotford had some good points to consider in his earlier post.

Regards,

KTruck

[Tim Lingor]

Hey russell336 ,

From your reply, I would say that you are using too much product. One thin line of product around teh pad should be ample for a 2'x2' area. If you use more, the excess will build up on the pad. You then may start experiencing gum-up of product on the paint etc....

As for #80, I agree with KTruck, it is a veru forgiving product to use. Apply the product to an area and really work it in with the PC set to speed 5. When the product turns into a light residue (after several minutes the diminishing abrasives will break down), remove with a MF towel.

Tim