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Fixing Bumper Scratch with Flex 3401 - Newb Requesting Your Expert Advice
Hi everyone. I am a complete newb, so please let me know if I say something particularly stupid :-)
I recently ordered a Flex 3401 DA, and it arrives next week. I am working on my 2004 Acura TL in Anthracite (gray with metallic flake), and I am hoping to get some advice on what Meguiar's pads and products to use to best address some specific paint correction objectives.
Objectives:
1) Swirls: What pad and other products to use with my Flex 3401 to best level paint and reduce swirl marks? I did forum searches on this, but I am wondering if the answer is paint specific so hopefully I don't earn the ire of forum veterans (i.e. "Do a search newb!", LOL).
2) Deeper Scratch: Given my lack of experience with use of power buffers, I want to get some advice on whether a specific scratch on my car is too deep or otherwise too complex for a novice like myself to correct. If you the experts think it's safe for me to tackle the deeper scratch, I am looking for your expert opinions on which Meguiar's pads to use on my Flex 3041, and which products to use (compounds, polishes, etc).
Quick Background on the Flex 3401: The Flex 3401 is a Dual Action Polisher that has gotten a lot of notice online the last couple of years, but I can't assume everyone has specific knowledge of the tool. The Flex 3401 is a DA with forced rotation, so unlike a Porter Cable, the tool's motor drives rotation, not just random orbital movement. The consensus is that the tool cuts better than a PC, but not as well as a rotary, and that it is safer for novice use than a rotary. From what I've read, a novice like myself could definitely burn the paint if I do something stupid, which I am prepared to live with, but I'd like to avoid with your help and smart planning if at all possible!
PAINT CORRECTION OBJECTIVES:
1) SWIRLS
- A picture is worth 1,000 words, but I feel like swirl marks are pretty generic. That's my way of saying I am a idiot and I forgot to take pictures of the swirl marks. Is this something the experts on the Meguiar's forum can give advice on without pictures, or should I set up the Halogen light and take some snapshots tonight after work?
2) DEEPER SCRATCH
- Please see attached picture of the front bumper. The white horizontal transfer on the bumper came (I think) from me driving the car over one of those concrete slabs that they put in the end of some parking spaces. I want to eliminate or reduce the appearance of this scratch as much as possible.
Questions:
A) I initially did all my research on LC pads, but I am told Meguiar's pads are much better quality, so I am looking to find out what pads will address the swirls and the scratches. What pads should I get to correct the swirls? What pads should I get to correct the scratches?
B) I have some Zaino ZPC ("diminishing abrasive paint cleaner"), but the more I read online the more I am learning that Meguiar's is the best product to get for compounds, polishes, etc. What product should I get to correct the swirls? What product should I get to correct the scratches?
C) Any specific tips for operating my machine successful to address the deeper scratch? I ask because I know the scratch is on the bumper which is plastic (right?), and the scratches are deep, which may require a specific approach with the Flex, in addition to the selection of the correct Meguiar's pad(s) and product(s).
Acknowledgments:
> Newb with a power buffer = dangerous. I realize this, and I plan to get a scrap panel from the junkyard to use as my first "victim". I am soliciting advice now for the issues on my car in hopes that I have a clear idea of what to do by the time I am done practicing on the scrap panel.
> I am asking for advice without giving anything in return. I don't know what I have to offer to contribute to the forum before asking for something, and I'm self conscious of that. If there's something I need to do to earn the right to ask for advice without getting flamed, please let me know.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to read this post, and thanks in advance for any responses.
-Kris
I recently ordered a Flex 3401 DA, and it arrives next week. I am working on my 2004 Acura TL in Anthracite (gray with metallic flake), and I am hoping to get some advice on what Meguiar's pads and products to use to best address some specific paint correction objectives.
Objectives:
1) Swirls: What pad and other products to use with my Flex 3401 to best level paint and reduce swirl marks? I did forum searches on this, but I am wondering if the answer is paint specific so hopefully I don't earn the ire of forum veterans (i.e. "Do a search newb!", LOL).
2) Deeper Scratch: Given my lack of experience with use of power buffers, I want to get some advice on whether a specific scratch on my car is too deep or otherwise too complex for a novice like myself to correct. If you the experts think it's safe for me to tackle the deeper scratch, I am looking for your expert opinions on which Meguiar's pads to use on my Flex 3041, and which products to use (compounds, polishes, etc).
Quick Background on the Flex 3401: The Flex 3401 is a Dual Action Polisher that has gotten a lot of notice online the last couple of years, but I can't assume everyone has specific knowledge of the tool. The Flex 3401 is a DA with forced rotation, so unlike a Porter Cable, the tool's motor drives rotation, not just random orbital movement. The consensus is that the tool cuts better than a PC, but not as well as a rotary, and that it is safer for novice use than a rotary. From what I've read, a novice like myself could definitely burn the paint if I do something stupid, which I am prepared to live with, but I'd like to avoid with your help and smart planning if at all possible!
PAINT CORRECTION OBJECTIVES:
1) SWIRLS
- A picture is worth 1,000 words, but I feel like swirl marks are pretty generic. That's my way of saying I am a idiot and I forgot to take pictures of the swirl marks. Is this something the experts on the Meguiar's forum can give advice on without pictures, or should I set up the Halogen light and take some snapshots tonight after work?
2) DEEPER SCRATCH
- Please see attached picture of the front bumper. The white horizontal transfer on the bumper came (I think) from me driving the car over one of those concrete slabs that they put in the end of some parking spaces. I want to eliminate or reduce the appearance of this scratch as much as possible.
Questions:
A) I initially did all my research on LC pads, but I am told Meguiar's pads are much better quality, so I am looking to find out what pads will address the swirls and the scratches. What pads should I get to correct the swirls? What pads should I get to correct the scratches?
B) I have some Zaino ZPC ("diminishing abrasive paint cleaner"), but the more I read online the more I am learning that Meguiar's is the best product to get for compounds, polishes, etc. What product should I get to correct the swirls? What product should I get to correct the scratches?
C) Any specific tips for operating my machine successful to address the deeper scratch? I ask because I know the scratch is on the bumper which is plastic (right?), and the scratches are deep, which may require a specific approach with the Flex, in addition to the selection of the correct Meguiar's pad(s) and product(s).
Acknowledgments:
> Newb with a power buffer = dangerous. I realize this, and I plan to get a scrap panel from the junkyard to use as my first "victim". I am soliciting advice now for the issues on my car in hopes that I have a clear idea of what to do by the time I am done practicing on the scrap panel.
> I am asking for advice without giving anything in return. I don't know what I have to offer to contribute to the forum before asking for something, and I'm self conscious of that. If there's something I need to do to earn the right to ask for advice without getting flamed, please let me know.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to read this post, and thanks in advance for any responses.
-Kris
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