Electric polisher -- to use or not to use?

[kblehman]

What's the concensus of all the Zaino and Klasse fanatics (and I use that term affectionately) in the forum?

Polish, wax and buff by hand, or use an electric polisher?

My thought is to go ahead and use the random orbit polisher to apply the compounds, but use MF towels to buff it out by hand.

Received my Zaino (for Pilot) and Klasse (for minivan) yesterday and I'm not looking forward to doing it all by hand.

Thoughts?

[N_Jay]

The more you polish the less paint (or clearcoat) is left.

All that protecting stuff is bunk. As long as nothing corrosive sits on the paint you can leave it as un-polished as you like.

[jay]

Originally posted by N_Jay
The more you polish the less paint (or clearcoat) is left.

All that protecting stuff is bunk. As long as nothing corrosive sits on the paint you can leave it as un-polished as you like.

I here someone mending that tear in the fabric of the universe.

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by jay
I here someone mending that tear in the fabric of the universe.

OK, go try it out.

Polish a part of your car 20 times (equal to twice a year for 10 years) tell me what is left of the paint.

Its extra fun if the part has any sharp edges or details, as these take the brunt of the polishing damage.

Now go look at a well cared for but unpolished 10 year old Honda.
Paint will be just fine!

[jay]

Originally posted by N_Jay


OK, go try it out.

Polish a part of your car 20 times (equal to twice a year for 10 years) tell me what is left of the paint.

Its extra fun if the part has any sharp edges or details, as these take the brunt of the polishing damage.

Now go look at a well cared for but unpolished 10 year old Honda.
Paint will be just fine!

A buddy of mine subscribes to your theory of exterior care, and his Red '88 Prelude looks great, except for that white calcium/hard water stain in the middle of the hood.

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by jay
A buddy of mine subscribes to your theory of exterior care, and his Red '88 Prelude looks great, except for that white calcium/hard water stain in the middle of the hood.

Which will clean up with the first polishing. (The one you do right before selling the car)

[jay]

Originally posted by N_Jay


Which will clean up with the first polishing. (The one you do right before selling the car)

Maybe a professional could get it out, but with all my assortment of car care paraphernalia, I couldn't.

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by jay
Maybe a professional could get it out, but with all my assortment of car care paraphernalia, I couldn't.

You sure its calcium, and not the clear coat going bad?

Was the hood ever repainted? Even if not 16 years is a long time, especially for a color like red (High IR and UV absorption)

[jay]

Originally posted by N_Jay


You sure its calcium, and not the clear coat going bad?

Was the hood ever repainted? Even if not 16 years is a long time, especially for a color like red (High IR and UV absorption)

The hood was never repainted, and I'm not exactly sure what the stain is. My buddy parked in a hotel parking garage under a dripping pipe, and noticed the stain sometime later. He's very careful now not to park in the drip line.

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by jay
The hood was never repainted, and I'm not exactly sure what the stain is. My buddy parked in a hotel parking garage under a dripping pipe, and noticed the stain sometime later. He's very careful now not to park in the drip line.

Have you used rubbing compound on it?

Does the stain fade some with a good waxing, and then come back?

It could be that the clear coat was etched by somethinbg in the water. If it is not eched through then a good polishing should fix it.

But with 16 year old paint I would be carefull as there might not be much clearcoat left.

[sblvro]

Originally posted by N_Jay
The more you polish the less paint (or clearcoat) is left.

All that protecting stuff is bunk. As long as nothing corrosive sits on the paint you can leave it as un-polished as you like.

my 1988 mitsubishi galant sigma is proof positive that exterior care is a must if you want to preserve the paint/color of your car. I have used several brands but have stayed with zymol wax and polish.

[jay]

Originally posted by N_Jay


Have you used rubbing compound on it?

Does the stain fade some with a good waxing, and then come back?

It could be that the clear coat was etched by somethinbg in the water. If it is not eched through then a good polishing should fix it.

But with 16 year old paint I would be carefull as there might not be much clearcoat left.

The stain never budged. I even used clearcoat safe (allegedly) Kit Scratch-Out, and nada, as in nada darn thing. I was afraid to try anything "stronger."

[sfhondapilot]

Originally posted by jay
The stain never budged. I even used clearcoat safe (allegedly) Kit Scratch-Out, and nada, as in nada darn thing. I was afraid to try anything "stronger."

How about a clay bar. If the white glaze is hardened mineral deposits, the clay bar may be able to remove the minerals from the clear coat.

BTW, I always use an orbital polisher to apply wax (NXT). Reapply every month and you can put down a nice protective coat over the clearcoat.

[mixxmstrmike]

I was polishing/waxing multiple cars using the same polish and wax. If you're using an electric polisher to apply the polish PLEASE use a dual-action oribital polisher. The dual action will prevent almost all if not all swirl marks. The cutting action of a dual action orbital is not as severe as that of a non-orbital (straight drive) polisher. (I use a Porter Cable Random Orbital)

Swirl marks = bad bad bad

Also, try not to use the same applicator, usually a foam pad, for the polish and wax. Use separate foam pad applicators for EACH polishing agent AND wax. Mixing dedicated polishing compounds and wax is a big no no (it really depends on how anal you are when you're detailing).

Good luck and keep us posted on the results!

-Mike

[a2Pilot]

I use an orbital polisher once a year with a non-abrasive cleaning compound. I've used it on many cars over the years, and have never damaged or worn through any paint. The key is don't push down on it. Let it ride with just the wieght of the polisher.

IMO you don't need to use a polisher with Zaino. The stuff is so easy to apply and remove, a polisher is just overkill.