Just a quick query about pc-ing

[james1988]

Right ok can some one clear this up for me.

when using a pc (which ive never done b4) do u apply the polish or whatever ur using with the pc, then buff off by hand or what???

how does it all work. and can some point me in the direction of a "starter kit".

 

[Rich]

The PC can be used to apply and remove products if you wish. I don't bother using it to remove stuff, most polishes when worked correctly have hardly anything to remove so you may as well use a cloth by hand.

Main idea of the machine is to remove swirl marks and defects from your paint, though some use it to apply sealants and waxes as well.

Do a quick search of posts in this section regarding what you need.

In brief:

Porter Cable
Plug
Extension Lead
110V Transformer
6 Inch Backing Plate
6 Inch Pads - Polishing, Finishing and cutting
Same as above but in 4 inch Spot size are a must on Clios IMO
Polish/Swirl Removers - search on/look into Menzerna, Poorboys Super Swirl Removers (SSR) or Meguiars 83 and 80 for opinions on these

 

[Batman]

if you wait mate im sprting shizz out but i know someone thats doing whole kits with sfx pads for £200 on the dot no bad really

 

[Rich]

With a transformer, polish etc? - if so thats a good price, if not sounds expensive.

 

[Batman]

yup mate i got transformer,plug and ext lead aswell as pc with sfx all in for £200 just waiting for it to be delivered and i'll give my verdict thats if they send me a free lambs wool wash mitt i asked for so id big them up on here

 

[Rich]

Decentish price then.

 

[james1988]

cheers for all your help guys but rich, can u just give me a brief step by step guide on pc-ing, like, step 1: apply polish etc etc. An idiots guide if you will lol
cheers boys

 

[Brand86]

cheers for all your help guys but rich, can u just give me a brief step by step guide on pc-ing, like, step 1: apply polish etc etc. An idiots guide if you will lol
cheers boys

There are loads of threads on this already, but a few hints:

1. Ensure the car is thoroughly cleaned (shampoo/ clay as necessary). The better you prepare the paint before PCing the better the results, from my experience.
2. Mask off plastics/ gaps between panels with 3M tape. Not strictly necessary but saves a lot of time after cleaning up.
3. Start of by using the lightest pad/polish combo and seeing how it comes up. Move more aggressive depending how you get on.
4. It is better to use too much rather than too little polish.
5. Do not PC in direct or bright sunlight.
6. Check your work regularly to ensure you are not causing any damage.
7. Spread the polish with the PC on a low speed setting. Turn up the speed once it is evenly spread, up to about 4 or 5 (Any faster and the vibration gets too bad anyway)
8. It is better to do a few passes over a panel then try pressing too hard on your first attempt.
9. Remember it is better to leave a few swirls that can be removed later than to remove paint or clearcoat that will need to be repaired. You probably won't get 100% of swirls out on your first attempt. My car was in good shape before PCing, but still a few minor ones on bonnet and roof I will go back to over the summer at some point.

Hope that helps. As said though, try searching through posts and come back if you have any more specific questions.

 

[roders990]

cheers for all your help guys but rich, can u just give me a brief step by step guide on pc-ing, like, step 1: apply polish etc etc. An idiots guide if you will lol
cheers boys

hahahahahahaha

 

[james1988]

cheers for all your help guys but rich, can u just give me a brief step by step guide on pc-ing, like, step 1: apply polish etc etc. An idiots guide if you will lol
cheers boys

hahahahahahaha

rod just shut ur mouth for ONCE will u

U havent got a f*cking clue about detailing, for christ sake u cleaned ur engine bay with CIF.
says it all really.

 

[james1988]

Brand 86 cheers for that mate, really appreciate it. Nice one.