[: Polishing is the process of creating a
smooth and shiny surface by rubbing it or using a chemical action, leaving a
surface with significant specular reflection and minimal diffuse reflection.
When the surface is magnified thousands of times, it usually looks like
mountains and valleys. By repeated abrasion, those "mountains" are
worn down until they are flat or just small "hills." The process of
polishing with abrasives starts with coarse ones and graduates to fine ones.]
[Although there is no such thing as
perfection; if we work towards perfection hopefully we can achieve excellence] Vince Lombardi
Menzerna GMBH
Founded in 1888 in
Pforzheim, Germany by Friedrich Menzerna to meet the polishing needs of the
region's jewellery industry, Menzerna stands today as the leading producer of
high quality polishing materials with worldwide presence Building on over a
century of application experience and technological innovation, their
dedication to quality manufacturing and customer service has earned us the
reputation for world-class polishing solutions.
For three decades, Menzerna
GMBH has been the factory source for the full line of Menzerna compounds in
addition to providing technical product and application information.
Working with PPG, BASF and Mercedes Benz, Menzerna 2003 developed special polishes for use on PPG
CeramiClear™ Clear Coat for removing scratches,
swirls and paint defects Beyond superior abrasives, Menzerna has pioneered the
development of polishes designed specifically for the hard clear coats, like
those used by General Motors on the Corvette and PPG CeramiClear™ Clear Coat
being used by Mercedes Benz. Super Intensive and Nanotechnology Polish are
currently used by Mercedes - Benz in Germany on their production line to remove
swirls and over-spray incurred during the painting process.
A unique family of abrasives developed by
Menzerna allows these polishes to remove defects, even on brand new paint
finishes, with no loss of surface gloss and no micro-marring. The abrasives are
just one factor in the equation; lubricants, solvents, emulsion and their
carrier system will determine the actual functional ability of the polish
Process over Product
A wax or sealant can only
reflect what is underneath it, so a clean, level well-prepared surface is the
most important consideration (85% of a surfaces reflectivity is its
preparation) along with applied product clarity. If you apply a product over a
surface that is dirty or one that has surface imperfections a wax or sealant will
not disguise it, only highlight them.
Always
start with the least aggressive / invasive abrasive - pad combination first
Diminishing abrasives
require kinetic friction; not heat (that is just a by-product of kinetic
friction) to activate and progressively reduce their size until they become a
finite milled dust; they are buffered or cushioned in a lubricating water-based
oil film emulsion, usually in a semi-liquid paste.
Wet polishes eliminate the
friction induced heat caused by buffing; heat causes gloss loss. Some very
abrasive compound polishes don’t feel abrasive to the touch because the
particles are formulated in a solvent or polymer oils in a water-based emulsion
and are not released without friction.
The abrasive starts off as
large particles, which removes the most paint, they are then reduced in size
into finer and finer particles (hence ‘diminishing’) removing progressively
less of the paint surface, by the friction caused by the foam pads contact with
the paint surface. By varying the size of the abrasive a differing cut is
obtained, so the more the abrasives are reduced in size the finer the resultant
finish until the particles are reduced to a very fine powder, which in turn
produces a burnished surface shine.
The amount of size reduction
(diminishing) can be adjusted by the type of abrasive material used (silica and
/or aluminium oxide) allowing some polishes to use for the removal of surface
scratches only, but if required can then followed up with a finishing type
polish that contains smaller abrasives. Were as some polishes will remove
surface scratches and by changing the abrasive ability of the foam pad will
then go on to buff the surface to a shine ready for the application of a last
step product (LSP)
Polishes are a very essential product
for the overall appearance and condition of the paint finish. There are
abrasive polishes formulated to remove paint finish issues such as oxidation or
other paint surface imperfections such as surface scratches.
Light polishes contain either mild
abrasives and / or a chemical cleaner (solvent) most mild abrasive polishes
will remove medium scratches or surface imperfections, whereas a strong
abrasive compound polish rely both on a chemical
cleaner (solvent) l and mechanical abrasives to rectify more serious paintwork
issues.
Wet polishes eliminate the
friction induced heat caused by buffing; heat causes gloss loss. Some very
abrasive compound polishes don’t feel abrasive to the touch because the
particles are formulated in a solvent or polymer oils in a water-based emulsion
and are not released without friction.
The abrasive starts off as
large particles, which removes the most paint, they are then reduced in size
into finer and finer particles (hence ‘diminishing’) removing progressively
less of the paint surface, by the friction caused by the foam pads contact with
the paint surface. By varying the size of the abrasive a differing cut is
obtained, so the more the abrasives are reduced in size the finer the resultant
finish until the particles are reduced to a very fine powder, which in turn
produces a burnished surface shine.
The amount of size reduction
(diminishing) can be adjusted by the type of abrasive material used (silica and
/or aluminium oxide) allowing some polishes to use for the removal of surface
scratches only, but if required can then followed up with a finishing type
polish that contains smaller abrasives.
Were as some polishes will remove
surface scratches and by changing the abrasive ability of the foam pad will
then go on to buff the surface to a shine ready for the application of a last
step product (LSP)
Polishes are a very essential product
for the overall appearance and condition of the paint finish. There are
abrasive polishes formulated to remove paint finish issues such as oxidation or
other paint surface imperfections such as surface scratches.
Light polishes contain either mild
abrasives and / or a chemical cleaner (solvent) most mild abrasive polishes
will remove medium scratches or surface imperfections, whereas a strong
abrasive compound polish rely both on a chemical
cleaner (solvent) l and mechanical abrasives to rectify more serious paintwork
issues.
Menzerna Abrasive Polishes
Super Heavy Cut 300 the heaviest
cutting and correction compound from Menzerna, bcause it's packed with even
more extremely refined aluminium oxide Menzerna Super Heavy Cut is able to
remove scuffs, scratches and swirl marks from even the toughest paints.
As with all Menzerna polish it is
manufactured using the most uniform shaped abrasive particles, which not only
results in a high level of cut, but also a level of shine that shouldn't be
achievable from a product with this level of cut. It is so effective at not
inducing hazing that it possible on harder paints to go directly from
compounding to a finishing product.
It also produces very little in the way of
dust and offers longer working times making this polish pleasant to work with.
Menzerna Heavy Cut Compound 400 contains even more ultra-fine abrasive so can now remove sanding
marks up to 1200 grit whilst at the same time producing exceptional levels of
gloss. We have found this to be a truly exceptional product when used by either
Dual Action or Rotary polisher, quickly removing swirls and scratches even on
tough paints leaving a truly exceptional level of gloss for such a correction
compound.
Cut: 8/10 Gloss: 8/10
Menzerna Medium Cut & Polish 2200 offers an excellent performance in terms of abrasion, but
also the level of gloss produced. This product works faster in the medium
polish segment than comparative products due to the increased levels of
abrasiveness.
Manufactured from precision milled
abrasives, this polish from Menzerna makes it the perfect polish for tackling
swirls and scratches on intermediate to harder paints by both Dual Action or
Rotary polishing machines. The harder abrasives utilised allow removal of
swirls on typical difficult to correct paints, whilst creating unparalled levels of gloss which just shouldn't be achievable with a polish with this
level of cut.
Cut: 6/10 Gloss: 7/10
Menzerna Medium Cut Polish PF2500 (PO203) this is a highly effective light/medium cut
polish for all paint types. Particularly effective on intermediate to softer
paints. It contains diminishing abrasives and is also well lubricated so it can
work for longer ensuring the abrasives can fully break down fully to remove
paintwork blemishes, sanding marks and micro marring even on delicate paints.
Often used as a one-step correctional
polish due to its ability to remove surface imperfections, whilst at the same
time leaving industry leading levels of shine and gloss.
Cut: 5/10 Gloss: 7/10
Menzerna Super Finish (PO106FA
) is a high gloss swirl remover brings about a new era in polish perfection.
By using a powder fine abrasive, the
polish will see off fine swirls and defects and leave you with the most
reflective and glossy surface imaginable. Menzerna claim that the abrasives are
the smallest and most uniform in the world, these particles have a sharp edge
that can cut ceramic clear coats as well as the more conventional clear coats.
This means that you get the most stunning shine and gloss imaginable, whilst
still being able to remove light imperfections.
Menzerna Super Finish was developed to
tackle fine surface scratches in the Maybach and Rolls Royce Phantom and other
CeramiCoat finishes. It is however becoming widely adopted as the new standard
in finishing polishes, super finish will leave your paint with a mirror shine!
Cut: 3/10 Gloss:10/10
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
1.
Eye Protection: I would strongly advise the wearing of safety
glasses or visor (prescription eyeglasses are not a substitute) when operating
any machine polisher. OSHA requires employers to ensure the safety of all
employees in the work environment. Eye and face protection must be provided
whenever necessary to protect against chemical, environmental, radiological or
mechanical irritants and hazards.
2.
Hearing Protection; the constant pitch of a
polishing machine could affect your hearing so wearing ear plugs would be wise
to protect you from hearing loss.
3.
Hand Protection; Gloves- with the verity of chemicals a detailer uses on a daily
basis wearing chemical-resistant gloves resist penetration and permeation, and
will provide protection against dermatitis and chemical burns. Gloves can
provide protection, but they must be chosen with care, the proper selection
matched to the hazard is critical as they offer a much needed protective
barrier when handling cleaning chemicals such as wheel cleaners and
multipurpose cleaners.
Nitrile gloves are made of
synthetic latex. They contain no latex proteins and offer excellent resistance
to punctures and tears. Nitrile gloves are three times more puncture resistant
than rubber and can be used to offer superior resistance to many types of
chemicals.
Chemical-resistant gloves resist
penetration and permeation, and cam protect against dermatitis, chemical burns
and corrosion. Nitrile gloves are three times more puncture resistant than
latex rubber and can be used to offer superior resistance to many types of
chemicals. Unlike other latex gloves, Nitrile gloves have low resistance to
friction and are very easy to slide on –
4.
Respiratory Protection (N95): Materials such as
aluminium oxide (Aluminium oxide is on EPA's TRI list if it is a fibrous form)
or silicon carbide (Nuisance particulate-Accumulation in lungs) used in
polishes and compounds, and powdered fillers
Crystalline silica (polishes and
compounds) poses a serious inhalation hazard because it can cause silicosis and
Isocyanate clear coat residue represent a hazard to your lungs and may cause
respiratory distress. Use a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with a
combination filter cartridge should be worn while using them
Consult the current 3M
Respiratory Selection Guide for additional information or call 1-800-243-4630
for 3M technical assistance.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
1.
Eye Protection: I would strongly advise the wearing of safety
glasses or visor (prescription eyeglasses are not a substitute) when operating
any machine polisher. OSHA requires employers to ensure the safety of all
employees in the work environment. Eye and face protection must be provided
whenever necessary to protect against chemical, environmental, radiological or
mechanical irritants and hazards.
2.
Hearing Protection; the constant pitch of a
polishing machine could affect your hearing so wearing ear plugs would be wise
to protect you from hearing loss.
3.
Hand Protection; Gloves- with the verity of chemicals a detailer uses on a daily
basis wearing chemical-resistant gloves resist penetration and permeation, and
will provide protection against dermatitis and chemical burns. Gloves can
provide protection, but they must be chosen with care, the proper selection
matched to the hazard is critical as they offer a much needed protective
barrier when handling cleaning chemicals such as wheel cleaners and
multipurpose cleaners.
Nitrile gloves are made of
synthetic latex. They contain no latex proteins and offer excellent resistance
to punctures and tears. Nitrile gloves are three times more puncture resistant
than rubber and can be used to offer superior resistance to many types of
chemicals.
Chemical-resistant gloves resist
penetration and permeation, and cam protect against dermatitis, chemical burns
and corrosion. Nitrile gloves are three times more puncture resistant than
latex rubber and can be used to offer superior resistance to many types of
chemicals. Unlike other latex gloves, Nitrile gloves have low resistance to
friction and are very easy to slide on –
4.
Respiratory Protection (N95): Materials such as
aluminium oxide (Aluminium oxide is on EPA's TRI list if it is a fibrous form)
or silicon carbide (Nuisance particulate-Accumulation in lungs) used in
polishes and compounds, and powdered fillers
Crystalline silica (polishes and
compounds) poses a serious inhalation hazard because it can cause silicosis and
Isocyanate clear coat residue represent a hazard to your lungs and may cause
respiratory distress. Use a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with a
combination filter cartridge should be worn while using them
Consult the current 3M
Respiratory Selection Guide for additional information or call 1-800-243-4630
for 3M technical assistance.
References
1. Correlation between vibration emission and vibration during real
use - Polishers and sanders. Prepared by the Health and Safety Laboratory
Health and Safety Executive 2007
Related Articles
1. Menzerna Diminishing Abrasives - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/menzerna-diminishing-abrasive-polishes.html
2. Paint Thickness Gauge (PTG) Primer - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/paint-thickness-gauge-ptg-primer.html
3. Foam Pads, Selection and Use
- http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/foam-pads-selection-and-use.html
4. The Health Hazards of Detailing - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/health-hazards-of-detailing.html
5. The Physics of Polishing
- http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/the-physics-of-polishing.html
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 the above article was
informative. 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 this article as it helps other detailers further their knowledge.
Questions and/ or constructive
comments are always appreciated.
Copyright © 2002 - 2012 TOGWT® (Established
1980) all rights reserve
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