Finessing (Burnishing or Jewelling) The final step in the polishing process, in which any holograms are removed, how far we take this step will determine the final gloss. It can sometimes take up to four hours or more jewelling the paint if it is felt that a higher gloss is obtainable. If the surface is polished ’flat’ it will reflect light evenly (as opposed to refracting it at high and low spots) which will increase the overall optics of the paint The term ’jewelling’ is a painters term used when they polished single stage paints, they would buff the paint and return the vehicle to the owner. After a curing process they would have the customer bring the car back and finely burnish the surface with a finish polish that had almost no abrasive abilities and a soft wool pad, this step was referred to as ’jewelling’ to bring out a deep lustre in the paint surface. Most of us associate machine polishing with removing swirls, scratches and water spots but show car owners, Concours d’élégance participants, detailers and paint renovation paint technicians have long known that all paint finishes, even brand new finishes, can be improved by paint burnishing or jewelling by machine polishing. As an optional step after finishing, done with a non-abrasive ultra soft pad (although you will want to use a little pressure at the beginning of the pass to help fracture the abrasives since the pad isn't providing abrasion) and an ultra fine finishing polish, for the removal of any microscopic pad abrasion, which also reduces the chance of holograms and will increase the gloss of the paint by a final polishing step, taking the finish from 95% to 99% + Typically the final step in surface polishing; using a finishing polish (Final Finish Polish / Super Finish 106FA) in tandem with a pad that has no abrasive abilities (CCS Black (80 PPI) Finishing foam) Most finishing polishes are formulated with lubricating oils, which enable a longer working time. By working the abrasives, so that only the finest particulates remain, these micro-fine abrasives will provide the highest obtainable gloss, without leaving any micro-marring of the paint surface. Spread a finishing polish using a non-abrasive, soft foam pad at 900-1000RPM and then increase to 1200-1500RPM reducing pressure, until the diminishing abrasive goes clear (somewhat similar to Vaseline®) and then make few passes at 1000 / 900RPM using little to no pressure. (Flex 3401 using speed setting 3) Another technique when using a rotary by having your pads off- centre for an orbital style spin does work well at stopping holograms and should only be used with the jewelling process once the polish has broken down. An extract from one of a series of unbiased Detailing Technical Papers, a library of educational materials that has become the #1 reference for car care on the Internet Chances are you'll learn something about detailing if you read any of these; although these articles will not improve your detailing skills, lead to a successful business or change your life. Applying what you learn from it, however, will. That's where your commitment comes in - you need to make a commitment to yourself right now that you will take action on what you learn. © TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2010, all rights reserved
Never knew about off centering the pads after polish breakdown to stop holograms. Nice tip! Great article as well.
ya just have to watch the speed when off centering the pads or you can make more bad than good but it works:thumb:
I am always looking for ways to get that little bit extra out of my finishing steps and this really helps me to tweak my technique to get the most out of my rotary and po85rd.
