All abrasive
polishes are ‘foam
pad and applied pressure dependant’ as far as
their paint correction abilities are concerned. Any abrasive / pad combination
is reliant upon its most abrasive component.
If we consider the Lake
County (LC) White foam (50 PPI) polishing pad as the baseline; any polish used
will derive help from the abrasive abilities of the foam. Then consider the LC
Blue (70 PPI) finishing pad has no abrasive ability and will contribute nothing
to the cutting capability of a polish.
What is derived from this is that a polishes abrasive ability
can be ‘fine-tuned’ by using different combinations (abrasiveness) of polish
and foam (the same thing is true of wool pads) and of course differing the
amount of downward pressure (10-15 Lbs is the usual range) applied will also
have an effect on the abrasives capability
Different pad / product combinations
(least abrasive pad / polish first) This is why a ‘test’ spot is so
important.
a)
Base pad / product (least abrasive pad / product)
if this combination does not provide the desired results, increase the
aggressiveness of the technique or product selection.
b)
Step-up 1 - using the same pad with a more
abrasive product
c) Step-up II – use a less
abrasive pad and the same product as used in step-up I
d) Step-up III- using the same pad with a more abrasive product
As can been ascertained from the above the total abrasive ability of a
polish / foam pad combination is subject to many variables, the polishes
abrasive ability is just the starting point
Rupes Random Orbital Polishers
Factors that increase abrasion ability
·
Increased speed (Velocity)
·
Increased pressure (Compression)
·
Use smaller pad(Reduced surface Area)
·
Using a slower panel transition speed (Increased surface contact
time)
·
Reduce the working area
The key to the polishing process is to know how the paint will
react with each pad / polish combination you consider using. You must know your
product and what its capabilities are before using it. This is why a ‘test’
spot is so important.
The factors that affect the outcome -speed, friction (kinetic
energy) applied pressure, foam pad actual surface contact area, pad grit number
(abrasive ability) amount of surface lubrication available, the surface area
and heat conductivity of material
All pads have a performance cycle, meaning you will get the
desired results only to a certain point on that curve. The point of declining
performance is typically reached by polish / compound pad being overloaded with
product; you should always be able to see the individual cells or texture of
the pad, with proper, regular cleaning pad overload can be avoided.
Clean (or replace) you
pads frequently: pads are easy to clean; the slotted pad face actually makes it
easy to clean. Do not use the same pad to apply differing products as cross
contamination will reduce the effectiveness or completely negate their purpose.
A new or freshly cleaned pad must be used with each type of car care product.
Other articles from this
series - TOGWT Detailing Wiki
Articles – Polishing Index
.
1. Base Coat Clear Coat (BC / CC)
Paint System
2. The Physics of Polishing
3. Basics of abrasive polishing
4. How to determine the least aggressive polishing
method? -
5.
The
Wipedown Process (prior to polishing)
6. Paint (Solvent / Alcohol) Swelling
7. Test Panel (polishes and pad
selection)
8.
Hard and
Soft Paint
9. Menzerna Rage of Abrasive Polishes
10. Abrasive Polishes and Pad Performance
11. Clear Coat and UV Protection Removal
12. PPG CeramiClear™ ®
13. Removal of Oxidized Paint
14. Backing Plates
15. Foam Pad Selection and Use
16. Wool Pads I
17. Wool Pad Cleaning & Care
18. Micro fibre Pads
19. Polish and Compound’s
20. Paint Surface Scratches (Cause & Effect) Repair -
Factors that affect Shine / Gloss
21. Paint Surface Problems and Corrections
22.
Rupes
vs, Flex Wet-sanding (Colour sanding)
Always be willing to learn; because the
more you learn, the more you’ll realize what you don’t know. It is said that knowledge is power, with the caveat that it includes access
to a reliable information sources. I would like to think that these
articles become an asset to anyone who is new to detailing and to
professional’s alike, as well as industry experts who seek to advance their
knowledge.
I hope these articles are informative. They are based on the current status of technical development as well as my experience with the products.
By having some understanding of the
‘What’ and ‘Why’ as well as the ‘How’ along with a little science to help you
understand how the chemicals we use react, you can achieve the results you
desire.
I would appreciate it if you would share these articles as it
helps other detailers further their knowledge.
As always if you have questions, I’ll do my best to answer; bear
in mind the only stupid questions is the one that was unasked. Questions
and/ or constructive comments are always appreciated
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(Established 1980) all rights reserved
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