The Edge 2000 Dual Action Polishing Guide

That's a loaded question! The Edge 200 System offers a lot of options. Here's a rundown of the features and the pads.

Beyond just size and wavy or flat, you now have to choose what type of foam will work on the vehicle at hand. Here are your choices:

	Yellow Cutting DuraFoam 6 Inch Pad This pad is aggressive, and will cut through deep surface marks and swirls. They work well on heavy oxidation and pitted finishes, and will remove wet sand scratches without causing burning.
	Green Medium Cutting 6 Inch Pad This pad is useful for light oxidation and moderate swirls and imperfections. This pad will yield amazing results on aging vehicles, and should be used on vehicles with moderate swirls and imperfections. Add a compound or pre-wax cleaner for a flawless finish on base coats.
	Orange Light Cutting DuraFoam 6 Inch Pad This pad is highly versatile, as it can be used on cars with light to moderate swirls and imperfections. We recommend you begin with this pad if you are unsure how deep swirls are, moving up to a Green Medium Cut Pad if necessary. Safe on clear coats.
	Blue Finishing DuraFoam 6 Inch Pad This pad is great for everyday use. It will leave surface areas scratch-free and smooth while still removing light swirls and imperfections. Use with wax and polish to apply a fine gloss. Safe on clear coats.
	White Ultrafine Polishing DuraFoam 6 Inch Pad This ultra-smooth polishing pad contains 80 pores per inch, allowing for fine polishing which creates a bold, crystalline gloss Use this pad to apply waxes, polishes and sealants. Safe on clear coats.
	Red LSP DuraFoam 6 Inch Pad The red pad is softer than the white pad, which makes it perfect for new car finishes. Apply last step products, like waxes, sealants and glazes without fear of abrasion. The red pad also makes layering products easier. Apply multiple coats of your favorite wax or sealant with the red lsp foam pad, only from Autogeek.
	Edge 2K Drive DA Adapter Precision machined brass quick connect adapter  has a 5/16 inch thread.

The following is a general guide to polishing. It will take you from compounding to polishing to finishing. If your paint problems do not require compounding, skip to polishing. If you’re not sure, start with polishing. Always take the least aggressive approach first! If you don’t get the desired results from polishing, then use a swirl remover and light cutting pad.

The pads pictured at the beginning of each section indicate what pads can be used to perform the job described. The flat pads and the wave pads are interchangeable.

Please note: Deep scratches and swirls, and severe oxidation will require compounding with a circular polisher. If you are inexperienced with this type of polisher, consult a professional. If your fingernail catches the scratch or swirl, it will require painting and must be repaired by a professional.
 

I. Compounding & Swirl Removal

Compounding involves using the most aggressive type of swirl remover, called a compound. Swirl removers can range from light to heavy. The application is the same.

1. In the picture to the right, this is a serious case of swirls. Choose a green medium cutting pad and a swirl remover such as  XMT Intermediate Swirl Remover #3.

2. Apply a circle of swirl remover around the edge of  the pad. Some will say apply a quarter size amount. You can even apply it directly to the paint.

Spread the swirl remover over a small section  (about 2 x 2 sq. ft.) with the polisher turned off to prevent sling.

3. Set the maximum speed on the polisher at 5. Turn the polisher on and work the swirl remover in a side to side, overlapping motion. Move slowly to give the abrasives time to work.

NOTE: The Porter Cable tells you if you're applying too much pressure. The pad will stop rotating. Lighten up on the machine and let it do the work for you.

4. When the swirl remover turns to a transparent film, the abrasives have broken down. Turn off the machine and lift it off the paint. Buff away the residue with a soft, Cobra Microfiber Towel and inspect your results. If you are not satisfied, repeat the process with the same product or a more aggressive compound (like XMT Heavy Duty Swirl Remover #4). If you still see no results, upgrade to the cutting pad. 

* If you used a compound, a light haze or dullness is normal. The next step will restore the gloss.

II. Polishing

Polishing improves the smoothness and gloss of the paint. Use a finishing polish if you’ve just compounded or if the paint just needs a boost. Examples are Pinnacle Advanced Finishing Polish or XMT Ultra Fine Swirl Remover #1.

1. Use the blue polishing pad on your polisher. Apply the polish of your choice to the pad or to the paint and spread it around with the machine turned off.

2. Set the maximum speed to about 4.5. You're not trying to cut. You're just trying to burnish the paint to a high gloss. Work in a side to side, overlapping motion until the polish turns clear.

3. Buff with a Cobra Microfiber Towel and check your results. If you can still see some haze, repeat the process. This time, be sure that the abrasives are fully broken down before you buff.

III. Finishing

You're nearing the finish line. Just a couple more steps will make your vehicle glow. Once you've achieved the desired shine, follow up with a wax or sealant to lock in the gloss.  Application of any of these products will be as follows:

2. Set the maximum speed to 3 or 4. You do not need speed to apply nonabrasive products. Spread the product over the paint until its sufficiently covered. There are no abrasives to break down. You are just trying to get even coverage.

3. Buff off the product with a Cobra Microfiber Towel or slip a Microfiber Bonnet over an unused pad. The bonnet is like having a microfiber towel on your polisher. Just be sure to put the bonnet over a clean pad so no products will seep through the bonnet.

Detailing Tips:

• The polisher will do the work for you. There's no need to apply pressure.
• Pad and product selection is not an exact science. The severity of the imperfections, the cut of the pad, and the aggressiveness of the product all factor into the final results. Don't be afraid to experiment.
• Start with the least aggressive method first. Go to a more aggressive pad or polish only if necessary.