Question on applying sealant with a DA

[fordf150]

Hi, New to using a DA.

Ok, I have my DA (Griots) and will be using my finishing pad to apply M21 sealant. Vehicle has been clayed and polished.

Some questions:

1. What is the best speed setting for applying Sealants?

2. Using an "X" pattern on the face of the pad, how big an area can I expect to cover using this much product and how long should I work the product (passes, vertical/horizontal) to get a nice even thin coverage or what should I be looking for? Using very light to no pressure of course.

3. Follow up to #3. Can you actually work it too long (Dissipates) ?

4. Do I need to clean the pads on the fly every section or so as you would do with compounding or just keep adding sealant as needed?

Thanks.

[Ravi_1992]

Re: Question on applying sealant with a DA

I apply wax at speed 3 with no pressure, I would say that the X pattern should be able to do a whole hood. I really don't work the wax or sealant in, just spread it. The only one that I work a little bit is cleaner wax. I just keep applying more wax to the pad as needed, don't really bother cleaning it.
Hope I could help

[fordf150]

Re: Question on applying sealant with a DA

So you would be spreading it out over the entire hood all in one shot? What should I be looking for to indicate that the sealant is spread on even and thin enough?

Should I be working the DA until I start to see it dissipate a little or should I still be able to easily see the coating?

I guess I know what it looks like when I apply by hand and was wondering if the same holds true wnen using the DA.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Question on applying sealant with a DA

It looks the same. Just remember to get a nice, even, thin coat on the entire vehicle. There will be some areas that the buffer can not reach, so just do those areas by hand.

[tcope1]

Re: Question on applying sealant with a DA

Not the answer you are looking for but personally I apply it by hand. As mentioned you are just spreading it across the surface of the paint. If the paint is prepped correctly, and it should be, this is _very_ easy and quick. You almost always need to go back anyway and touch up areas by hand. Since I'm not working on many vehicles all of the time, applying by hand means one less pad to wash. I like doing it by hand as I can also limit the amount of LSP I'm using out of the bottle/can.

I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with applying a LSP with a DA... many/most professionals do it this way but I find doing my own vehicle... just one vehicle... it's easier for me to just do it by hand.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Question on applying sealant with a DA

1. What is the best speed setting for applying Sealants?

No more than 3.

2. Using an "X" pattern on the face of the pad, how big an area can I expect to cover

As Ravi mentioned. This amount should cover a hood. After the pad is impregnated with sealant, you only need to apply a few quarter sized amounts per panel.

using this much product and how long should I work the product (passes, vertical/horizontal) to get a nice even thin coverage or what should I be looking for? Using very light to no pressure of course.

Just spread it with the polisher. You don't need to work it. A thin even coat is barely visible. It shouldn't appear white, just a tad of white. It should appear translucent. White = too much. No pressure needed on the polisher. The 5 lbs from the machine itself is adequate.

3. Follow up to #3. Can you actually work it too long (Dissipates) ?

Yes, you just want to spread it. You don't need to work it.

4. Do I need to clean the pads on the fly every section or so as you would do with compounding or just keep adding sealant as needed?

No don't clean your pad on the fly. This only applies to compounds.

[Ravi_1992]

Re: Question on applying sealant with a DA

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39350

This thread shows what a thick layer looks like compared to a thin layer .

[Tuck91]

Re: Question on applying sealant with a DA

When applying waxes and sealants with a D.A I like to kiss the paint with the pad on the area I plan on spreading the product.

I should also note that when using a cleaner wax I tend to work the product in a little bit.

Here is a thin coat well worked coat of M20 Polymer Sealant spread out on an F-450.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Question on applying sealant with a DA

Thanks Tuck, that's a perfect example of how much wax/sealant should be applied.

[fordf150]

Re: Question on applying sealant with a DA

Yeah, applying this sealant by hand is not a difficult task. I have a pickup with a topper so there is a fair amount of surface to wax. The reason for using the DA is to get it done not only quicker, but be able to spread it out to a very even thin coverage. Probably easier to accomplish this with a DA vs by hand, but not a huge issue either way.

Thanks for all the comments guys.

[fordf150]

Re: Question on applying sealant with a DA

When applying waxes and sealants with a D.A I like to kiss the paint with the pad on the area I plan on spreading the product.

I should also note that when using a cleaner wax I tend to work the product in a little bit.

Here is a thin coat well worked coat of M20 Polymer Sealant spread out on an F-450.

I used the sealant today and that's about what I had going after I put it down.

Hey any of you guys use or familiar with the Lake country Kompressor pads?

I like the theory behind these pads for curved or uneven surfaces. Thinking about buying some, but not sure how durable they are.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Question on applying sealant with a DA

I wholeheartedly agree with Nick. Use the "kiss" method . IMHO it helps insure a thin coat of wax is applied.