I've been reading all of the posts on this subject and have a further question.

I have a lot of realy fine swirl marks (the kind you can only see in bright sun light when looking at just the right angle) that I want to get rid of. Now I've read in some posts that darker color cars are always going to have some of these (my car is red), however though my car is not a show car I only put about 3000 miles on it a year and would like to get it looking as good as possible.

I have tried several coats of Zaino (and even up to ten coats on the spoiler) with no luck. I did the burn test on my towels and also had our local Zaino distributor look at my towels, wash mit and application method to make sure I wasn't just adding more swirls as I went.

So now I think that I am going to give the 3M Swirl Mark Remover a try. What I want to know is outside of the additional work required to do this by hand, will a random orbital buffer do a better job (because of the pattern and consistancy being better than you could probably do by hand).

This is probably a job that I won't have to do often (maybe never again) so I don't want to spend the money on the buffer, but I am willing to if it will give the best results.

Next if I do get a buffer what one should I get. I do have an air compressor if a pneumatic one makes sense.

thanks

 

You can get some good air powered buffers, if doing the entire car you will need to use a buffer with a foam pad, you can not get an even finish by hand on the entire car. I use a WEN electric 10 inch myself.

3M Foam Polishing Pad Glaze use By orbital:

Use a foam bonnet and apply the polish in a thin lined growing circle starting from the center and spacing the growing line about an inch from the last round all the way to the edge. Place the bonnet flat on a panel and
activate the polisher and begin working the entire panel using light to medium
pressure. When you have worked the panel thoroughly then take a clean towel and
wipe the residue off in a back and forth motion using light pressure. Then simply
move to the next section. When the entire car is done do a Dawn wash and Zaino.





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96 Black Impala SS
Authorized Zaino Showcar Polish Distributor
www.zainobros.com
Remember #3

 

KevinSS

Thanks, what's the modle number of your buffer.

 

I don't know the model number but it looks just like this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1850003395

Mine is old, the new WEN model is this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1850373689



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96 Black Impala SS
Authorized Zaino Showcar Polish Distributor
www.zainobros.com
Remember #3

 

I agree with Kevin! Although swirl removal can certainly be done by hand, which is the way I've done it for years, the job is MUCH quicker and easier with a good buffer and the right pads. For buffer use, I'd recommend 3M #39009 SMR or 3M Finesse-It II Machine Polish. By hand, you can still use the 3M SMR, but I prefer Meguiar's #9 SMR for easier work by hand. Depending on your car's condition, multiple coats of the SMR may be needed before you get your desired results. The biggest thing I can stress when doing prep work is to not rush things and be patient. Prep work usually takes the most time and work, but is essential to creating a perfect finish ready for waxing. Take your time to do it right and you'll be much happier in the end with your efforts. After your finish is as perfect as possible, Zaino is icing on the cake. The Z5 will help hide any micro marring that occurs naturally on daily drivers.




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*Mike's 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniv.*
Dark Red Metallic (ext.) / Flame Red (int.)
Flowmaster Crossflow, K&N, 20% 3M Panther Black Tint
JL Audio 3 10", PPI PC2100, Kenwood eXcelon KRC-953H/U, Kenwood / Pioneer speakers
Show Car Shine by ZAINO! - Special Thanks to Sal Z!

 

A couple of more questions. I went and checked all the autoparts stores and discount stores and Lowes was the only place I could find any buffers. Lowe's had one that looked similar to the Wen but I can't remember what the brand was.

Anyhow, does the Wen unit use a hook & loop mechanism to fasten the pads. And is there anything special to look for in a foam pad and where to get them?