Preparation, preparation, preparation…this is the key to achieving a perfect final finish. No matter how long is spent on a repair, if there are any imperfections, flatting marks or dirt inclusions this will be the first thing a customer will see when collecting their car. This is why polishing is a vital step in any repair process.
Completely removing dirt within the Bodyshop, even in the best conditions, is impossible. However, try to ensure that your work areas are maintained to the highest possible standard to minimize any dirt on the car repair.
The best way to remove dirt inclusions is to keep the repair area as localised as possible, the more scratches that are put in removing the dirt the more time spent getting them out. Denib blocks are a perfect way to achieve a localised repair whilst also giving a consistent scratch pattern. By keeping the repair area to a minimum, along with the correct use of abrasive, it makes matching the original finish as easy as possible.
For larger repair areas such as bonnets, we advise the use of an orbital DA sander with a 3mm orbit, as an orbital scratch is easier to remove than a linear scratch. For large repairs you need a tool that will cover a larger area quickly, tools with planetary motion will ensure the best possible results. It is possible to polish straight from this process but undoubtedly this is a longer less effective process. If you add in an extra step where you remove the scratches that the Film Disc left and replace them with scratches that are easier to remove this will help with the final finish.
To achieve the ultimate final finish, always use a high quality polishing system. We recommended the use of a variable speed polishing machine, with a liquid polisher. Ensure the polishing foam head is clean before you start. This will help remove any scratches and provides a lasting finish. To check that all flatting marks are removed you can apply a solvent de greaser to the polished area. Any remaining marks can be re polished to ensure they don’t reappear once the compound is washed off.
To remove polish residue, always ensure the use of a high quality cloth. A poor quality cloth can lead to fine scratching which will ultimately ruin the final finish. Use specially designed microfiber cloths that ensure the cloth fibres do not break, therefore, ensuring no scratches are left in your final finish.