Final gloss - struggling

[sargentrs]

I've painted my doors and wet sanded with 600g then 1500g. Now I've got a decent color surface but how do you get that final gloss. Single stage urethane. I've tried two different polishing compounds, both an orbital buffer and a rotary buffer. The rotary is not working for me at all, maybe its technique but I do more harm than good. Got any tips?

[chad67]

I've never used an orbital buffer, just an angle grinder type. How long ago did you paint?

[sargentrs]

Monday. Wet sanded yesterday pm and tried to polish but its just not glossy. Compared to my door jambs and steering column which came out great and didn't even need sanding. Beautiful smooth finish. Cab interior came out really nice too.

[Randle]

You didn't say what pad's you are using, I keep 3 different pads wool for rough, cut yellow foam for most new paint buffing, and black for final polishing and rubbing in wax. Wool will cut faster but will not give the shine of a foam pad, can leave kind of a dull gloss.

[sargentrs]

I'm using wool. I bought a 7" Harbor Freight variable speed right angle rotary buffer. What kind of foam pad do you use?

[Randle]

A couple years ago I Painted my 92 and run in to the same problem. I called Meguiar's sense I was using there compounds and they told me to switch to the yellow pads, and they made a big difference. By the way Harbor Freight has some good pads for their buffers.

[chad67]

I've always waited at least a week for the paint to cure before I cut and buff. I think you may be working it too soon.

[HIO Silver]

NEVER use the same pad for different compounds.

2X... wool for fast cutting, yellow, then black for glaze, then yes, another black pad for wax.

I wait for at least a month to let all the solvents to dissipate or catalyze, then wet-sand with 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit before using a mechanical buffer. Slow and easy lest ya burn the paint.

[sargentrs]

Thanks for all the input guys! I'll try to get some pads. I was concerned about my time frame. You know how HF is. Takes forever to get anything from them. A friend had told me I needed to work it on a shorter span.

[jimmy828]

I have been doing my truck also. A friend told me the cutting for sheen, glazing for shine. Oh, and a hell of a lot of work.

[HIO Silver]

I have been doing my truck also. A friend told me the cutting for sheen, glazing for shine. Oh, and a hell of a lot of work.

Correctamundo.... cutting removes the large/deep imperfections. Polishing makes the fine scratches finer, finer, and finder. Glaze moisturizes the paint and blends the microscratches. Wax is for protection.

[sargentrs]

Thanks guys. I've been using this http://3mcollision.com/products/buffing ... 05928.html, recommended by a friend of mine, and I also got this http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product_d ... =MEG+M0216 I've been using the HF wool bonnets that came with my buffer but they come apart pretty quickly. I just ordered these http://www.eastwood.com/convex-variable ... -2-in.html and this http://www.eastwood.com/backing-pad-cushioned-7.html So, if I understand everybody, I should use the yellow pad to start and the black pad to finish, right? And how about the compound? The 3M smooths it out pretty good. Should I be topping it off with some kind of "glazing" compound for the final shine? Any recommendations on which compounds? Sorry for all the questions but I'm new to this game.

[Randle]

What Meguirs told me was to start with their Ultra Cut 105 buffing compound and finish up with the Fine Cut like you have. I have not used the 3M buffing compound but I'm sure they make some good compounds.

[PetesPonies]

I have helped several people with buffing. Some in person, some online. In every case it has been about the pressure applied with the buff. I have a close friend who painted his Mustang. He wet sanded and buffed and looked good in pics. But he said up close there was fogginess. He told me he spent an hour doing the roof. What?? I went over and in 30 seconds had a 2 x 2 spot looking like glass. I did half the roof in 2 or 3 minutes. He uses a buffer I suggested and the compound I suggested. But without the proper pressure, the work does not get down. Pressure, a woof buff, followed by foam and SureFinish is all you need. And I mean all, no swirl remover junk, nothing. If you still need some help or advice, speak up.

[sargentrs]

Speaking up! Mine is "foggy" like your friend's. Which compound do you recommend? Thanks to all for the tips and suggestions!