Hazy with machine - shines by hand!!

liquidlounge · 08-03-2009, 10:04 PM

I just spent $300 for a top of the line Flex orbital polisher/buffer and its not looking like a great purchase so far. When machine buffing with Finness-it II my results have a hazey look. When I do the same area by hand the shine is quite a bit better! Is this compound wrong for my machine? The area that I buffed is SLIGHTLY oxidized compared to the rest of the boat. I machined another area (a red gel hull band) and the results were very nice. I am using an orange Lake products foam pad. Any advice? Thanks, Dave

Brandon · 08-04-2009, 04:00 PM

I've never had any luck with an orbital buffer other than using it to put on wax. If your oxidized I suggest a rotary buffer with a wool pad. I'm in Tonganoxie, KS (20 minutes straight west of Cabelas) and do glass/gel repair and buffing. If you need anything let me know. bhensley1980@sbcglobal.net

Stinger390X · 08-05-2009, 09:36 AM

Sounds like your speed is high on those foam pads. That is what is causing the glazing effect.
I use a sheepskin or wool pad first to cut the oxidation off with a medium compound. These pads are usually white, or if you want to go finer then yellow is the way to go. These can be found a 3M and I use a velcro style centre for holding the pad to the machine for quick changes.
I use the foam pads, but that is only with the finer compunds and finishing coats. There are two types.
Serated pads create lots of heat so be careful these have little bumps on the pad and have slits on it for flexing. The solid pad is usually a small one so it spins faster and I only use it on smaller areas or on black, and usually with an air powered polisher-not electric!
Yes you should apply wax by hand...............no doublt. This might also take away the haze you are referring to from the compound. I use Leverage and it works fabulous!

One other thing is that most good quality buffers have two speeds. They are around 1200 and 2400rpm or so...Use the slow speed mostly until you get familiar with the machine. I have been detailing for over thirty years and I rarely ever use the fast speed.

Hope I answered some of your concerns.

Brandon · 08-05-2009, 10:25 AM

Stinger, he has an orbital buffer, not a rotary like me and you are talking about.

liquidlounge · 08-05-2009, 04:32 PM

Thanks for the responses - maybe I'll try less rpm's. This orbital spins very fast...I'll experiment with some different compounds and maybe a wool pad if I can find one for this machine. Brandon, what kind of business are you in? Take care, Dave

mmccoy555 · 08-05-2009, 10:17 PM

Finesse It II is not meant for removing oxidation. It is a light polishing compound which basically means your supposed to use it after a hard compound, and then a medium compound. It is one of the final steps you should be taking in the polishing process right before waxing. You also need a buffer with low rpm, which has already been said. You also need to know how to use the buffer. I'm not trying to be a jerk and say that you don't know but the buffer doesn't do all the work. You need to know how to work the buffer. The hazy finish could be the fact that you're not removing all of the oxidation first.

Jassman · 08-08-2009, 09:07 AM

Liquid, try reading this thread, it will help explain the proper process on buffing. What you need is some of the Leverage Oxidation Remover folowed up by our Polish. Call or email me if you have questions. Thanks Jeff

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/f...n-remover.html

ROTAX454 · 08-08-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmccoy555

Finesse It II is not meant for removing oxidation. It is a light polishing compound which basically means your supposed to use it after a hard compound, and then a medium compound. It is one of the final steps you should be taking in the polishing process right before waxing. You also need a buffer with low rpm, which has already been said. You also need to know how to use the buffer. I'm not trying to be a jerk and say that you don't know but the buffer doesn't do all the work. You need to know how to work the buffer. The hazy finish could be the fact that you're not removing all of the oxidation first.

Disclaimer: I am in no way a detail professional.
Having to deal with minor scratches on new car finishes, we use and really like the 3M finesse II compound. I agree with mmcoy, great stuff. But, in some cases it left a light hazing on the surface. What we use to take the finish to a "polish ready" condition is the 3M product called Perfect It ultrafine machine polish #06068.
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...glPQWPX379G7bl

liquidlounge · 08-10-2009, 09:58 PM

I tried a coarser 3M microfinishing compound, followed up with the Finessit II .... again the same results - a light haze. I then used the Finessit by hand and again great results. I don't get it........I also tried a slower speed and it did seem to help a little bit. I'm thinking the Finessit is'nt the best choice for my buffer. This hand rubbing is killing me

Thanks for the responses, Dave

Jassman · 08-11-2009, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liquidlounge

I tried a coarser 3M microfinishing compound, followed up with the Finessit II .... again the same results - a light haze. I then used the Finessit by hand and again great results. I don't get it........I also tried a slower speed and it did seem to help a little bit. I'm thinking the Finessit is'nt the best choice for my buffer. This hand rubbing is killing me

Thanks for the responses, Dave

read the thread, buff at 2000rpms use the right product, and you will obtain professional results..Jeff