Polishing Compounds for glossy/mirror finish on clear coats?

[Dissolve]

Hello,

I'm trying to get a glossy/mirror finish on my latest two projects, one finished with Plastic Coating, one with Nitrocellulose Lacquer. I've only really done satin finishes before and T-Cut has done the job on removing the visible sanding scratches left by 1500/2000 grit wet and dry before.

What polishing/buffing compounds do people use on their clear coats? I have access to a cheap electric polisher but I might invest in one if it proves useful.

Can anyone reccomend polishing/buffing compound to use to get the finish from 1500/2000 grit scratches to a glossy mirror finish?

 

[AndyT]

I can't claim any experience of it but Rustins sell a buffing compound to use with their plastic coating, so that could be a good place to start.

 

[Green]

I've used metal polish before.

 

[Cottonwood]

I've used metal polish before.

I have used it as well, solvol autosol, on english elm (knife handle) to get a fairly decent gloss after several coats of danish oil (after cabinet scraping, fine sanding, burnishing with an oak rod). I only used one application of solvol, maybe further use would of given a more intense gloss? I think it would work well on a plastic finish
It worked well on antelope horn too as it happens, after using a cabinet scraper, very fine wet and dry and burnishing with another piece of horn. Almost a grand piano effect...

 

[mbartlett99]

3M Finesse It is good for clear coat over paint on yachts or on varnish with Perfect It for really high gloss. Both are best machine applied.

 

[nev]

http://www.hutproducts.com/prodinfo.asp?number=0106

or similar stuff from Micro Mesh

 

[mailee]

Farecla G3 for initial rubbing and then Presta Glaze to get rid of the swirl marks and give a high gloss. HTH. :wink: (If the project is large then I would recommend a machine polisher)

 

[Dissolve]

Farecla G3 for initial rubbing and then Presta Glaze to get rid of the swirl marks and give a high gloss. HTH. :wink: (If the project is large then I would recommend a machine polisher)

Thanks, I've see the Farecla G3 is available in liquid and in paste form (in a bottle and tube respectively) which have you used and found good results with?

What type of applicator/pads would you recommend for initial rubbing then fine polishing?

Thanks

 

[Dissolve]

I've gone for a tube of farecla regular g3 paste and I purchased their foam pad that mounts onto an m14 thread for compounding.

Does anyone have recommendations on finer abrasive polishes that will remove the swirl marks/scratches left by the g3 compound?

 

[mailee]

This stuff is great for that: http://www.autopaintdoncaster.com/produ ... -1LTR.html :wink:

 

[bugbear]

I've gone for a tube of farecla regular g3 paste and I purchased their foam pad that mounts onto an m14 thread for compounding.

Does anyone have recommendations on finer abrasive polishes that will remove the swirl marks/scratches left by the g3 compound?

I'd try a guitar makers forum - those boys do love shiny finishes.

BugBear

 

[Dissolve]

This stuff is great for that: http://www.autopaintdoncaster.com/produ ... -1LTR.html :wink:

\What sort of cloth/applicator would you use with this? I have a foam polishing head for a drill on the way for the G3 compound but I think it might be a bit course for the fine compound?

 

[mailee]

I use a lambswool bonnet for both the compound and the polish on a dedicated polishing machine. (just a cheapy silverline one) HTH.

 

[Dissolve]

I use a lambswool bonnet for both the compound and the polish on a dedicated polishing machine. (just a cheapy silverline one) HTH.

Thanks, were they cheap lambswool bonnets or specific branded ones? This is a can on worms with far too many choices! haha but hopefully I'll get good results with what I've purchased!

 

[mailee]

Not sure as I didn't buy it. It was a gift of sorts. :lol: I think any lambswool bonnet will do to be honest. When it starts to clog up just run it over a piece of wood using the wood as a scraper and the 'dust' will fling off. (use eye protection when doing this though.)