compound/wax, when?

[glassdave]

you use all of these with a buffer, no applicator pad. I just squirt a bit on and buff away using a white 3M foam waffle pad and electric buffer. None of these will have any real affect if used only by hand. They are not applied like wax if thats what you meant by applicator pad. They are "buffed off" a surface not "applied to".

[boomer35]

i just ment which waffle pad (again over anaylaizing), but i know there are 3-4 different pads, based on color, i assume each is a different texture or hardness...

when applying the 6085, will i use just one pad and just apply until it rubs in, or use a few pads and apply more like a typical compound where you apply, haze, remove

[glassdave]

sorry, just clarifying. It was the word applicator that threw me

I tend to like the white 05737 pad from 3M because it has a little raised collar to protect paint from the edge of the backing pad. Use the compound sparsely and let the buffer do the work. Medium speed to start and as it clears itself turn up the R's a bit. It should buff its self dry and if the pad gets clogged up its a good sign you are using to to much. The pads can be cleaned with a blow gun if necessary.


generally the white ones are for compound and the gray ones are for glaze (in 3m anyway)

[boomer35]

this one with the ruffles? or the one shaped more like a frisbee?

http://www.autogeek.net/3m-compounding-foam-pad.html

[glassdave]

this one with the ruffles? or the one shaped more like a frisbee?

http://www.autogeek.net/3m-compounding-foam-pad.html

yea i tend to like that one(05737) because it's flat. The radiused one i find is better for cars.

[boomer35]

alright, well im going with the full fledged schooling now (to which i owe you a beer if we ever meet).... but what would be the best wax to follow up with, my plan is to use
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...6&classNum=166

and would i apply the wax with the same buffer and pad? or by hand??

[glassdave]

no actually the wax is done by hand, I sometimes use a large orbital polisher with a terry cloth bonnet to put wax on as well though. That 3M cleaner wax is for gel surfaces, just use a good automotive wax. McGuires Gold Class is pretty good.

[boomer35]

Dave- one last question, when i apply the 6085, so i just rub it in until its gone like you would finess it, or is it an apply then remove deal?