This is tough, I really need help...

[Gerald]

I've read and read and read, I've found a couple threads that I thought would help but I didn't see results..

I've got a black 2005 Viper SRT-10 and had a couple trouble spots.. I've never used a rotary buffer (Nakita) and especially on black. Place that sold me the unit sold me 3M wool polishing pad, 3M white cutting foam pad, and 3M foam black polishing pad.... Also have the 3M liquid rubbing compound and 3M Finish Restorer.......

I barely put any pressure when using the unit and overlap 50% left to right the up and down ( they recom. using white foam pad followed up with black foam pad).

Problem is no matter what I do I have "buffiing trails". You know, tons and tons of minute swirl marks in the pattern of the pad/buffer".

Am I supposed to follow this up with an orbital buffer using lets say Zaino swirl remover,or comparable product etc? How does one use the buffer and not make paing worse than what it was to begin with.. LOL!!!

I've also got on the shelf, Meguiars fine cut, polishing and glaze products.


Thanks

Gerald

[the other pc]

First off, Hi Gerald, to MOL.

Second, sorry your first thread here had to be a problem.

The guys that sold you the buffing supplies did you a severe disservice. The products and tools may be fine (The Makita's a great buffer but I haven't used the other products so I can't say anything about using them), unfortunately they take a great deal of practice to use properly. It was irresponsible (or at least clueless) of them to simply dump products and some generic instructions on you and send you on your way.

It's more than a little ironic that whenever Mike's teaching his classes and the subject of rotary buffing comes up he always says to practice a lot on cars that you don't care about making mistakes on and never let your first rotary buffing experience be on something like say, a black Viper.

With proper technique you can remove or at least minimize them. Many detailers also like to follow up rotary buffing with a dual action polisher (a type of orbital) to remove any residual swirling. It really depends on your paint and the severity of the swirling whether you'll need more rotary buffing (with the right techniques) to remove them or if you can get them out directly with a DA buffer.

Here are threads on rotary buffing: Mastering the Rotary Buffer
Here are threads on DA buffing: The G-100 Dual Action Polisher

Meguiars has an excellent video that includes buffing instruction. I think they also have segments of it on the main website.

You may also wish to consider having an experienced detailer do the job. I'm not trying to talk you out of DIY, but everybody has their own comfort level about jobs they're willing to tackle. It's a personal choice.

Good Luck and keep us in the loop. We'll help all we can.


PC.

[Gerald]

Thanks!

it really doesn't scare me at all to do it. I know I'm not pressing hard enough to cause damage etc. Ive tried the area time after time and I keep getting the same results..

It looks OUTSTANDING from all angles, except one angle. grrrrrr....I whipped out the orbital buffer with some swirl remover and it looks great now. But I think using the Orbital to hide the swirls is just defeating the purpose IMO of the buffer. That's the reason I'm trying to use the Buffer, to get rid of the swirls..

I'll try your recommendations.. and... thanks again..

Gerald

[Aurora40]

An orbital can often remove holograms, so you aren't necessarily hiding them. It depends on what kind of product and pad you are using on the orbital.

It might be your paint is just tough to get perfect without more practice.

I'm a rotary newb too, but I'd just add that more than just pressure can ruin the paint. You can build up heat by keeping the buffer stationary or moving it too slowly or using too much speed.

[Tim Lingor]

Hi Gerald,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

I know and have the 3M pads that you used. The 3M White Cutting pad is fairly aggressive and even with light pressure can do some damage. I tend to stick mostly to Meguiar's pads as have had consistent results over the years.

Holograms are both product and technique causing. Here are a couple of threads that discuss holograms:

Need Help! - How to Avoid Holograms?

Need Help! - How to Avoid Holograms?

How to Avoid Swirls and Holograms?

How to Avoid Swirls and Holograms?


I hope this helps!

Tim

[Dragpakmach]

I would back away slowly and practice on many cars junkyard hoods before you touch Black especially on a viper.I give you credit for trying to jump in feet first,just watch the sharp rocks.

[Newport Viper]

Rent something black for $25 a day. You will see all kinds of paint defects. Great practice cars and no matter what you do, it will be better looking when they get it back!!


Good to see other Vipers here!