i used my porter cable to apply the zaino to my car, as i posted here before.
for the first app i used the white pads- but since they have "slight" cutting, i am wondering if i should switch to the grey pads (no cut) for future coats.
my understanding is that the white pads are traditionally used for removal of old materials while applying new ones... and i was told to use the white one for the z1 and z2 first coat. but i forgot to ask what to use for future coats-
anyone have anymore info on the pads to use for applying zaino with the porter cable? do i use grey pads only for future applications?
thanks!

 

I use my power buffer on for removing oxidation on my 8 year old, non clearcoated land rover.

Zaino is so easy to apply and remove (at least after the first cycle), why would you use a power tool to apply? Seems like you are asking for swirl marks.

 

Not only that but you are wasting too much zaino by appliying it with a buffer.

 

used it because:
1. i had the machine and could (use it)

2. it is very easy to use- i have used the hand method too and prefer the machine

3. the machine actually removed small hair line scratches and the few swirls that i had - dont know if the hand method would have also done this- swirl marks with a machine are usually caused by either excess pressure on the surface or by using the wrong type of machine (the "right" type is a random orbital- the "wrong" type is a non-random orbital).

4. i know that i use more zaino than by hand, but thats not a big deal to me- the ease of use of the machine (and by the way i actually enjoy using the machine) more than makes up for that to me... i know, its a personal choice.

i guess i am the only one who uses the porter cable to apply zaino???

 

you are the only person I know of using one to apply the product - i have heard of a few folks who use them to remove . . .

ill be honest - i use a random orbital also . . .. BUt only after everything is done, including my last spray with Z6 gloss spray -

then i grab the machine, put on a nice clean soft wool polishing pad and go over it once . . . my own opinion is that it does make a difference on my black car - with lotza coats of product - in that maybe it warms the material up and redistributes it - or something like that

i have no proof whatsoever it works - i just like to believe it does, and i always wanted one of those machines - so i use it once in a while now.

 

I don't use Zaino, but I do use the Porter Cable to apply Meguiar's waxes and polishes on my S2000 and my boat and I used to use it on my Porsche. I've never had any problems with small scratches, but I'm very careful about inspecting the pad and using one pad for each type of wax/polish. IOW, I followed the manufacturer's instructions.

Actually, the reason I didn't use it to remove waxes was that I was more afraid of leaving scratches at that stage then during application. From what has been said on this thread maybe I should use it to remove wax, too.

 

i have the wool pads too... have never used them.

maybe i will try applying with the grey pads and removing with wool. will post results here-
thanks for the idea!

 

wanabe - really - there ar ereasons sal Zaino suggests not to use a machine - its entirely up to you BUT - here are some things to think about . .

he says to apply the product in a straight line motion - for optical and finish reasons

he says to remove with a towel(s) to reduce the clogging and continual wiping of removed material over the finish

while I wish you were my customer - cause im guessin you use a lot of polish, the removal of zaino with a machine is really not agreat idea - if you insist on using it - stick with the apply process . . .

the results will be slightly better with a good removal system, like he suggests - a noce soft towel and then the gloss spray...

again though - it is your car and your machine - but imagine being even more pleased with your results . . .

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Homer2
[B]wanabe

 

just found this excellent article on machines vs. hand buffing:

Baffled Over Buffers?
by Prentice St. Clair


The buffer is undoubtedly one of the most important tools for the professional detailer. If you are already a professional detailer, you probably have at least one type of machine in your equipment locker. If not, you are fooling yourself and your customers into thinking that you can get the job done by hand. In the days when detailing was an avocation, I swore I would never use a machine and preached such logic to customers--until I bought and became familiar with my first machine. Now I cringe when a customer requests hand wax application because of the extra labor and inferior results involved.

(rest of the article is at:
http://www.automotivedetailing.com/articles/buffer.htm