Going to try out my new polisher tomorrow. Dawn washed and clay bar'd this afternoon.

Paint is in good shape, no swirls, very light surface scratches, so I plan to use a green buffer pad with Wolfgangs polish (not swirl remover) and then apply Zaino AIO.

Is it necessary to tape off the body seams, just stay away from them, or go across them lightly?

2010 GS convertible.

 

It's best if you tape the body seems. You can say it's not necessary, but it helps.

 

What I do

 

What, exactly, does "tape the body seems" mean? Do you use painters tape where the hood meets the fender, for example? Why do you do this? Just curious, thanks in advance!

 

Yes, the painters tape spans the gap between body panels. It prevents the soft buffer pad from deforming into the gap which could cause a more aggressive cut at the panel edge.

I have seen older cars were the primer layer was showing through at the body panel edges.

 

Wolfgang offers two polishes under the 3.0 nameplate and a paint cleansing lotion. I would suggest using the lighter Finishing Glaze which is a very light abrasive which also brings additional gloss and reflection out.

No real need for Zaino AIO (which has cleaners and polishing agents in it also) just use their sealant Z5 or Z2 if you have some.

I like to tape when possible to avoid getting polish residue in cracks and around glass.

 

How do you seat the tape? In a 'u' shape with the sticky side out?

Somehow I think I'm over complicating this idea?

 

First question, what type of polisher? The appropriate techniques vary greatly depending upon this! I've been detailing my Vetts and other cars for 30+ years using various machines. So, that would help for starters!

 

I picked up a Groits 6" polisher along with a pad kit from Autogeeks. I have green, blue, black, red and white pads. Did not think I needed an orange pad because the paint does not have swirls or deep scratches. Also purchased Wolfgangs 3.0 swirl remover and finishing glaze. Going to start light with the finishing glaze with the green pad.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

use painters masking tape or Megs Professional Detailers Tape only ... most will even offer on label no residue. I wanna say mine is Frog Tape ?? Basically you tape along edges prior to buffing.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...time-ugly.html

 

That polisher is completely safe, you will not do any damage to your paint using it. On the downside, it takes longer to get the results you may wish to achieve. It's similar to a Porter Cable (which I have used extensively). Taping in not really required using this unit. Maybe just tape around rubber/plastic trim so you don't get any polish on it (although easily removable).

So have at it and enjoy! BTW, there are some excellent videos out there (search for PC Polisher as there are lots more of them in use). You will enjoy using it as compared to doing the job by hand!!

Post some pic before and after