Hey guys,

I've been very interested in paint correction since my Z is getting old, and has a fair amount of chips, and a ton of swirls all over. As of right now I'm more interested in removing the swirls from the clear coat.

I've been watching a lot of videos on polishing the car and I have a couple of questions that I can't seem to find any answers to.

One video I watched told me that paint transfer from the car to the pad is not good, because that means you're cutting through the clear coat, to the paint. But every video I watch, including professional videos, all have paint transfer on the pads.

So my question is; Is paint transfer something that's always going to happen, and should it be expected?

 

Depends on the polisher, pad and compound and of course... paint!
I've used a Rupes 21 wtih a 15 head, Rupes yellow pad and megs 105 + 205 = great job.

 

So is it not terrible if I do see paint transfer? Or should I be worried? I guess I'm just wanting to know how delicate is this, and should I be as concerned as I am about doing this...

 

Well a paint gauge would give you an approximate idea of how thick the paint is.
You want to remove the minimal possible, using the least abrasive techniques and products.
But you aren't saying what products you are using or will use, it's not just black and white as I'm sure you understand.

 

Hah yeah sadly I wish it were black and white. I haven't picked up anything yet because I don't know if I'm going to commit to it. I saw a rotory at my hardware store for cheap and looks like a good beginner one. I'll get the brands and pics today and post them.

 

Nope, don't use a rotory for a beginner - you've no experience from what I can gather, and it's the most risky one to use, heat builds up quickly and you'll either burn through of take off too much.
I think you should probably watch some more videos.
If you are going to do it, I'd say do it properly unless you are very patient and willing to slow down and spend several days on it.
Cheap doesn't = good for a beginner.

He's got TONS of videos here - listen to him
https://www.youtube.com/user/AMMONYCdotcom/featured

 

It's an Autoright orbital 7" if that helps.

 

$28 for a polisher isn't good for a beginner.
No offence to you but people always fall into this trap, myself included at times.
People use quality kit for a reason, if you can't afford it see if you can borrow a DA polisher, rent it or watch some in-person demonstrations.
Save up.
Or you'll pay more in the end.




This was a 5 min test with what I said above, you can still see chips of course:

 

The issue isn't money, I just don't know what I'm doing. The videos I watch all contradict each other lol.

​​​​Can you recommend a decent beginner polisher to start me off in the right direction?

 

If money isn't a concern, why not take it to a good detailer?

 

I followed this video to a T and have been very happy with my identical set up on several cars.... a black Z, a silver Z, a white older Z, a white SUV, a sorta-silver Benz. I mention the colors because this is important and will help you determine what types of finish polishes and waxes you should use.

 

I'm not intending to be rude to the OP but I gave a link to a great channel, that has TONS of videos and said what I've used, or borrowed.

 

Thanks for all the help today I'm going to sit down and watch those videos.

 

Get an 5-6" orbital polisher or sander.(i have one from Harbor freight that was like $50 and works really well, but a cheap hand orbital sander will also work) Add a sponge pad(any pad whatever), hit with meguiars(spelling?) ultimate compound. You can do the whole car in about 2 hours. don't do it in the sun or high heat and helps if you have someone wiping it down after you polish rather then going from polish to wipe and back and forth.

 

I duno, I don't mind wax and buff, but when it's real bad i let the pro's fix er up. Specifically those damn pylon marks haha