This guide explains how to detail by machine with the Porter Cable 7424 or the FLEX XC3401 VRG Orbital Polisher and the Edge 2000 Foam Pads. You'll read what pads to use for specific paint problems and get some suggestions on swirl removers and polishes. You can also download a printer-friendly version of this information as a quick reference guide. There's no more guessing what pads to use - its all outlined right here.
What accessories do I need?
Learn how to remove swirls, scratches, and oxidation using your circular polisher, also known as a rotary polisher. This guide will explain what Edge pads should be used for each step of the detailing process and we'll give you our top recommendations of swirl removers, polishes, and last step products.
The Edge 2000 System offers a lot of
options. Here's a rundown of the features and the pads.
The Edge 2000 Pads Key Features:
No
backing plate!
The Edge pads attach to your polisher using a Quick
Connect Adapter that pops into the center of the pad. The connection is
very secure and, because the adapter is in the center of the pad, the
pad is always balanced.
Double-sided.
Since the pads do not require
a backing plate, both sides are usable. Instead of buying two
single-sided white pads, you buy one Edge white pad.
Versatile.
All The Edge pads work with any
polisher. You can use 6 inch pads on your rotary polisher; just be sure
you have the Edge Rotary Drive Adapter. You can use the same pads on
your dual action polisher with the Edge DA Drive Adapter. One set of
pads works with both types of polisher. All you have to change is the
adapter.
Many varieties to choose from:
The Edge
pads are available in Flat and Wave foam, as well as 6 inch and 8 inch. The popular
choice for circular polishers is the 8 inch pads.
The Edge Flat Foam:Provides constant contact with
the paint. The 6 inch pads have a rounded edge. The 8 inch pads have a
beveled edge that polishes easily between and around the vehicle's
exterior features.
The Edge Wave Foam:The convoluted design allows a constant flow of air through the pad's
valleys. This reduces heat and minimizes the risk of burning the
paint. This safety feature comes in handy when using a rotary because
the high speed, centralized motion of rotary polishers is more likely
to burn the paint than a dual action.
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 - 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 - This pad is
useful for light oxidation and moderate to severe swirls and
imperfections. This pad will yield amazing results on older 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.
Blue Finishing - 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 - 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.
Edge 2K Drive Adapter - Precision machined brass quick connect adapter has a 5/16 inch thread.
The Edge gives you lots of choices!
We'll break it
down to the necessities:
For most polishing applications, this is the most popular line-up: The Edge2K Drive DA (E-210), an orange or green pad for swirl removal, a blue pad for a finishing polish, and a white pad for wax application. Now you're ready to get started.
How do I polish out swirls and scratches?
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:If your fingernail catches
the scratch or swirl, it will require painting and must be repaired by a
professional. Attempting to remove deep blemishes like this could result in
cutting down to the primer, which would be an expensive repair.
I. Compounding & Swirl Removal
Compounding involves using the most aggressive type of swirl remover, called a compound. XMT Heavy Duty Swirl Remover 4 is a compound.
Choose medium green cutting pad and a swirl remover.
Apply a bead 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. Ultimately you're going to spread it around so how
the swirl remover gets on the paint is up to you. Spread the swirl remover
over a small section (about 2 x 2 sq. ft.) with the polisher turned off to prevent sling.
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.
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, upgrade to the yellow cutting pad.
If your vehicle did not require swirl removal and has no significant imperfections, you may opt to use Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion or XMT Finishing Glaze instead of a true polish. This prewax cleaner will clean the paint and improve its luster.
Polishing Procedure:
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.
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.
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.
II. Finishing
Once you've achieved the optimum shine, follow up
with a wax or sealant to lock it in. A wax or sealant is only as good as the
finish underneath it. Pinnacle Liquid Souverän or XMT 360 are great choices for machine application, but the paste waxes can also be used.
Note: Because of the speed and potential heat
generated by a rotary polisher, you may elect to do the finishing work by
hand or with a dual action polisher. If you are comfortable using a
rotary, use it at a slow speed with zero pressure. Keep the machine moving
at all times.
Use a white pad on your
polisher. Apply the wax of your choice to the pad or to the paint and spread
it around with the machine turned off.
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.
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.
Foam & Wool Pad Cleaning
The easiest way to clean your foam and wool pads is to drop them in pad cleaner while they are still wet with polish or wax. Dried products are more difficult to remove from the pads. To do this, mix up a bucket of water and Cobra Quik Clenz Pad Cleaner or Snappy Clean at the start of your detailing session. As you finish using each pad, drop it in the cleaning solution to soak. When you are finished with your detail, use the Foam Pad Conditioning Brush to agitate the pads. Then rinse the pads and lay out to dry.
When your clean pads are dry, put them in a sealable plastic bag or container to keep them free of dust until their next use.
The easiest way to clean your foam and wool pads is to drop them in pad cleaner while they are still wet with polish or wax. Dried products are more difficult to remove from the pads. To do this, mix up a bucket of water and 
