[bmw325]

I've read tons of posts here and on .org about how great this machine is- and how it can polish out swirl marks and micro-scratches. Given that I have a jet black car with tons of tiny scratches (that show up if you look really close), this sounds good.

I'm wondering though-- is there a limit to how much you can polish with this machine and not damage your paint? I've read articles that say you can press on it as hard as you want and it won't burn through paint like a regular orbital buffer. Is it ok to use something like this every 2 weeks?

Also, despite using freshly washed made in USA terry towels to dry the car, I still get scratches and swirls. When you guys say that you meticulously detail your car and don't get these marks- what towels/cloths/mitts do you use? I'm also very careful to not use a circular motion.

 

[TD330ci]

OK thats it, I give up!! Were is the best price for this thing and what products to use?

You win Rip. Hope I don't burn through my paint!!

 

[FL330CiC]

Question on Porter Cable

I am a fanatic about my cars and maintaining a perfect finish as I frequently enter my British cars in shows. So I will share my experiences.
I bought my an air powered Porter Cable polisher from Griots Garage and swear by it, (but you could probably find it cheaper elsewhere). I buy all my car care products from them including rags and towels. I won't use anything else as their products have never let me down.

The thing about most 100% terry cloth towels is that the towel itself may be 100% cotton, but the hems are usually sewn with polyester thread which is brutal on car finishes. Griots uses 100% cotton thread on the hems. I'm sure there are other vendors out there that are as good as Griots, I just haven't found them yet.

If you use high quality washes and good clean rags to wash your car, and truly 100% cotton towels to dry, you shouldn't have the swirl marks to deal with., so using the polisher too often won't be an issue.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Lillian H

 

[Nat Brown]

Cotton isn't good enough anymore

I've done away with cotton towels and gone to synthetic microfiber towels, guaranteed not to scratch.

My big question is whether there's an application for the Porter Cable when using the Zaino system. I'm thinking not.

So: Dawn Wash, Clay Bar, Zaino Wash, Dry with California Water Blade and Microfiber towel, Hand apply Zaino polish lock (w/3M disposable microfiber applicators), followed by Zaino polish, followed by polish lock and polish again. Done. I should have ZERO swirls on my new Jet Black baby....

--gary

 

[TD330ci]

Re: Cotton isn't good enough anymore

I've done away with cotton towels and gone to synthetic microfiber towels, guaranteed not to scratch.

My big question is whether there's an application for the Porter Cable when using the Zaino system. I'm thinking not.

So: Dawn Wash, Clay Bar, Zaino Wash, Dry with California Water Blade and Microfiber towel, Hand apply Zaino polish lock (w/3M disposable microfiber applicators), followed by Zaino polish, followed by polish lock and polish again. Done. I should have ZERO swirls on my new Jet Black baby....

--gary

UGGGG!!! ANOTHER ZANIO HEAD!!

Alee stop recruting!!

 

[Mr. The Edge]

I'm sure this will be moved to the detailing forum soon enough, but I know Ripsnort has posted more on the Porter over there. Do a search for Porter Cable and you should get some good infor. I think he bouaght his for $119 somewhere.

(So, basically, Search the Archives!):lmao:

 

[The HACK]

I'm sure this will be moved to the detailing forum soon enough, but I know Ripsnort has posted more on the Porter over there. Do a search for Porter Cable and you should get some good infor. I think he bouaght his for $119 somewhere.

(So, basically, Search the Archives!):lmao:

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

 

[ALEX325i]

Re: Re: Question on the Porter Cable...

OK thats it, I give up!! Were is the best price for this thing and what products to use?

You win Rip. Hope I don't burn through my paint!!

Here you go... Coastaltools

I was going to buy it from Griot's earlier this week, but after speaking to Rip, he brought that one to my attention and I saved $84.00! :thumb: I'm still getting the pads from Griot's though...

 

[ALEX325i]

Re: Cotton isn't good enough anymore

I've done away with cotton towels and gone to synthetic microfiber towels, guaranteed not to scratch.

My big question is whether there's an application for the Porter Cable when using the Zaino system. I'm thinking not.

So: Dawn Wash, Clay Bar, Zaino Wash, Dry with California Water Blade and Microfiber towel, Hand apply Zaino polish lock (w/3M disposable microfiber applicators), followed by Zaino polish, followed by polish lock and polish again. Done. I should have ZERO swirls on my new Jet Black baby....

--gary

I just got one and Zaino is what I'll use. I don't see why there wouldn't be an application for the PC when using Zaino... :dunno:

Also, here's what I do: Dawn, clay, wash (any high quality car wash works here), CWB & 100% cotton towels, Z1 (polish lock), Z5 (more than one coat if necessary to get rid of swirl marks), Z2 (always finish with Z2), and then Z6. Basically, you don't need Z1 in between Z5 or Z2 coats...

 

[johnlew]

Re: Re: Re: Question on the Porter Cable...

Here you go... Coastaltools

I was going to buy it from Griot's earlier this week, but after speaking to Rip, he brought that one to my attention and I saved $84.00! :thumb: I'm still getting the pads from Griot's though...

Don't forget the hook and loop pad holder (velcro) from Coastal. I believe it's under accessories when you see the polisher. Also, don't forget the additional counterweight needed.

 

[bmw325]

Thanks guys. In a moment of temporary brain dysfunction i forgot about our very own bimmerfest detailing forum. Woops.

 

[Nat Brown]

Zaino and PC

Just found this:

ZAINO FAQ:

Q: Can I use an orbital polisher to apply/remove Zaino polish?

A: Yes, you can use an orbital to apply Zaino Z-2, Z-3, or Z-5. I don't recommend it because you waste too much polish that way. The pad on an eleven inch polisher can absorb almost enough polish to coat your entire vehicle. Each time you use an orbital to apply Zaino polish, you are probably wasting as much polish, if not more than you actually applied to the car.

Zaino polish applies easily by hand, especially if you dampen the aplicator pad with water and spritz it with Z-6 before applying it.

If you use an orbital to remove the residue, you should place a white, 100% cotton towel between the pad and the paint, and keep it turned and refolded often so that you are removing the residue with a clean section of towel all the time.

Note: A single orbital pad WILL NOT remove the polish residue from an entire vehicle. You will have smears if you don't use a towel and turn and refold it frequently.