Rotary Buffer on Plastic Composite Fenders?

[sherwin]

Hey guys,
I would like to ask is it safe to use a rotary buffer on plastic composite fenders? My concern is that using a rotary buffer on plastic panels will generate too much heat and cause the paint to shrink.

I intend do detail a Nissan X-Trail and the fenders on this SUV are of plastic. Plan to use M83 with a W8006 foam pad, followed up with M80.

[Phil's Automotive]

I have tried a rotary on flexible plastic bumpers and burned through the paint in about 2 seconds. The hard plastic fenders may be stronger but i would be very carefull

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Here is a link where I discuss that very issue...

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3838

Composite material does not dissipate heat as well as painted metal. So with the rotary, you need to be really careful. I would suggest slowing the speeds down to the 1000 rpm range and keep an eye on the temperatures. I would avoid using foam cutting pads as they tend to heat-up the finish pretty fast.

Please keep us posted!

Tim

[Mike Phillips]

The trick is to simply be more careful. Less pressure, less time in one area.

• Buff a little, move to a different area or simply stop and allow the panel to cool.

This is the same technique you use when removing RIDS, Random, Isolated, Deeper Scratches. You can't just continue to buff in a small area for a long period of time when all you're doing is buffing on an isolated small area for example a scratch, or when you're buffing out your sanding marks where a scratch used to be.

You buff a little, place your hand on the area and let your sense of touch be your guide.

That's how I did removed some of the RIDS on this half of this hood for a demo car for the Bimmerfest.


















Composite materials just require a little modification to your technique.

[sherwin]

Thanks for the info,

I suppose I will take it easy and go with M83,8006 at 600rpms to be safe then.


I will be working on this, this weekend:
It will be quite tricky working on the fender due to the arch and trailing edge.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by sherwin
Thanks for the info,

I suppose I will take it easy and go with M83,8006 at 600rpms to be safe then.

600 rpms will be too slow, try around 1200 to 1300 and just buff a for a few moments and then check the surface temp with your hand.

[scottabir]

This is why you dont do it unless you are very skilled.....



2 passes with a very light (non megs) polish and a black LC finishing pad 1400 rpms. moving about 3 inches a second. 2004 wrx sti side skirt.