bonesbr549 said:
Zed said:
I saw this cool video on U-tube of a guy polishing a Bugatti Veyron using a Rotex. I could tell if it what size it was. Does anyone have any input on which would be better suited to polishing my car and my sailboat?
Thanks,
Zed
Not to change topic on you, but depending on the car, I'd reccomend something different. If you like all the buffing that
's cool, but it's not necessary. I'd reccomend Zaino Bro's polimer finish. It's unreal. I put a link to my Vette. You first need to strip that wax off, claybar it, and apply this finish. IT's a two part deal. You mix a couple drops of the hardner to an two ounces of product and apply sparingly. To give you an idea a dime size amount would cover my hood. wipe it off in a couple minutes and move to the next area. You can apply as many coats as you want, but I did six coats and it was unreal. You keep it in shape with a detail mist and a gentle wipe of a cotton diaper. Beats the heck out of buffing. The stuff ain't cheap but just go ask any Vette guy and he will have heard of Zaino. Looks great on the Harley as well! I'd reccomend the starter kit and don't skip the claybar!
http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc
2007 C6 Corvette DSOM (6 coats Zaino) Beautifull and is nasty fast!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hokiebones/sets/72157600279727426/show/
Zed,
Hi. I agree about Zaino products. Great stuff! And you'll want to use a clay bar when washing your car. (Once the car has been sealed with Zaino, use the claybar very lightly every few washes to remove contamination.) That said...
A buffer (PC, Rotex, whatever) is normally used to remove oxidation and paint defects using compounds and polishes. While you
can use a buffer to apply sealants (like Zaino Z2 and Z5), I'm not sure if it's worth the effort.
Just make sure that you remove the paint defects before sealing with Zaino. Sealing defective paint gives you... sealed defective paint. You can still see the defects. It's the polishing that gives you the shine. Once polished and sealed, and with routine washings, you probably don't have to polish again for a long time - maybe once ever year or two.
Regarding using the Rotex for polishing, it's a great tool but a bit of overkill if that's all you're going to do with it. I agree with Alex - define your sanding needs first. If you decide to go for a Rotex based on your sanding needs, then go for the 150 because you'll find more third-party pads ("sponges" in Festool terms) that will fit the 150. (I use Lake Country pads.)
Regarding other polishers, do NOT start off with a rotary polisher. In the hands of a pro, a rotary polisher can do a great job because it generates heat. BUT...
In the hands of an amateur (that includes me and most people here), rotary polishers are dangerous! A rotary polisher will burn through your paint faster than you can say, "Day-am, I din't know that my black paint had a gray, primer colored spot in it!!!" [eek]
The Rotex 150 is middle-ground tool. In RO mode, it works like any other random orbital polisher. In Rotex mode, you can generate some heat to take out tougher blemishes. But it's not a rotary polisher so your chances of damaging your paint are lower. Rotex mode should be used sparingly and only on more severe paint defects.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Dan.