Hey guys, So as the title says, I've been having problems with hazing. I'm new to using a machine and have been using the griots. I seem to be able to get all of the defects out with a orange pad and power finish, between speeds 4-5.5, but when I hit it with a led, I'm left with some hazing and I can't seem to get a crystal clear finish. Its a black wrx hood that I'm working on. Just wondering if there's common reasons for this, or any tips that might help. Thanks!
First off - Subarus tend to have very finicky paint. Not to mention, black is traditionally the most difficult color to maintain and correct. An orange pad falls in the middle of the polishing range as far as cut (not a heavy compounding pad, but not a finishing pad either). With the combo of Power Finish, which is on the stronger side of cut for a finishing polish, I can see why you are having problems. I would step it down to a lighter cutting pad; something that is meant for finishing. You could also use a lighter cut finishing polish like PO85RD. See chart: What brand pads do you own? Again, this is just a start; there are tons of things that could be recommended that would help you. The more info you share, the more we can assist.
Dry buffing will cause hazing. Make sure to prime your pad and when you are working the polish it shouldn't be worked until its gone. There should be a film to remove. What products are you using? Sometimes the pad and polish combo can be changed to get a nice finish. If the paint is picky you may need to change the pad you are using. I haven't worked on a Subaru so I don't know if they are soft but I think they have soft paint
I have the uber pads that the griot kit came with, I have a 2 orange 2 blue and a black. I also have shine and seal and hard body by Wolf's, and m105. I got one practice spot to come out well, but I can't seem go replicate the results. I'm using the hood for practice, and eventually will do my own 06 mini, and my girlfriends 12 Honda fit. I'd like to try to start do some work for money as well, once I get good. I live in the Boston area and there is a lot of potential customers! Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Shine and Seal probably won't reduce the haze as there is a very, very small amount of cut in it. But it's worth a shot on a blue pad. Black will be reserved for LSP.
You'll want to get a lot of experience polishing before you start on customers cars. Start with family, friends, and then friends of friends. Keep in mind that every paint has a different level of hardness to it, and those products will not cut the hard paint on a Corvette or finish down on the soft paint of a Jaguar or GT-R. Also, keep in mind there is more hazing than you can see, as the polishing oils are filling up some of the haze and have to be removed by CarPro Eraser or an IPA wipe. Also, apply Hard Body very thin or else it will haze up. Shine & Seal cuts at about 106FA's level, so it does have a decent amount of cut and will easily knock back marring. I've actually found it too aggressive for some very soft paints such a GT-R, Infiniti, and Jaguar as it leaves hazing on it's own.
Thanks for the info guys, I didn't mention it but I did use carpro eraser after the polish. I'll try some different things and see what works best and possibly purchase a finishing polish. Is it possible the hazing is caused by using too little/too much product? Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Good to hear. And Power Finish/Orange is simply too aggressive for the soft paint. It is very common to use too much polish, you should be using 3 small dabs and have it broken down in about ~1.5 minutes. I would finish up with Blue/Finishing polish. Wolf's Shine&Seal may work for this paint. I would recommend Sonax 3/6 for a finishing polish, Phil said he should have it around late september but Todd at Esoteric has it in stock right now. I believe he's the only one who currently sells it. Also, I'm liking HD polish from 3D for finishing as well but I've only tested it on a couple cars so far.
Thank you for taking the time to help me out, I'll try using the shine and seal as a finisher with the blue pad. What speed do you normally use for finishing on a da? Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
I thought I would post an update with pictures, (sorry cell phone only) on my trial with the shine and seal on a blue uber pad, after menz power finish on an orange uber. I finished it with hard body, using yellow hand foam pad, just to get some practice with the product. I couldn't get the deep swirls out with just the shine and seal, that's why I used the power finish. I feel like there is still something I could do to make it look better. Any input is appreciated. Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
It's hard to tell you what to do to get the results you are looking for. This is an art that you develop over time. We can offer tips but in the end you have to work on your technique and realize that car will react a little different and you have to recognize and adjust as you work. Keep practicing and try adjusting your technique. Sometimes all it takes is something small to affect your results. Also realize that there will be times when you won't be able to get "perfect" results. Some defects are too deep to remove.
Looks pretty good. Lately I've been using HD polish for a finishing one on soft paint until I get 3/6. The HD works very well for finishing. Easiest way is to tape off two spots next to each other, then try different techniques or polishes and see what's working the best for you.
