Menzerna Polishing Instructions

Don't know what happened there? maybe changes with the new management, i don't know. HERE it is again, but failing that, do an ADVANCED search using TOGWT that starts a thread and put "priming pad" in the left hand search box...that should pull his article for ya.

 

Many of the hyperlinks no longer work, but like many of the articles this one has been updated (something I do on a regular basis)

With constant advances in products and procedures, a standard published book would be out of date very quickly. To be of real practical use, a subject like automotive detailing requires a great deal of research, and updating as new products become available. The advent of materials like detailing clay, microfiber technologies and finely milled micro diminishing abrasives, suitable for ceramic nano-technology paints are examples of why it’s so important to monitor the industries new products, chemical technologies and ideas that are constantly being introduced (i.e. ONR improvements or the introduction of a polymer sealent by Menzerna US), as are the techniques for applying them. Unbiased information written by a detailer with extensive experience allied with a chemical technical background, without the need to meet corporate goals or sales quotas, requires a dynamic learning tool like a website that can be revised and updated as and when needed, there is also a facility to seek clarification or ask questions in 'real time'.


Priming / Seasoning Pads

Don’t use a quick detailer or a pad conditioner as they are usually formulated with silicones, oils, waxes, polymers, gloss enhancers, which will negatively affect the polish lubrication (exception Meguiar’s Final Inspection Spray, diluted 1:1 distilled water) spraying water while polishing can cause the foam pads abrasives to aquaplane, as water for all intents and purposes is incompressible, so that the pad and the abrasive don’t have actual surface contact, thereby negatively impacting the polishing process. Spread the polish / compound over the pad evenly and ensure it is absorbed into the foam, then spread that polish onto the pad by hand until it becomes 80% saturated.

To apply to the paint surface; lightly raise the back of the machine so you are working with the top 1/3 of the pad. After polishing for a minute or two the pad will become more evenly saturated with product and actually become softer from friction induced heat build-up (seasoned). At this point, you can safely transition from a tilted up to a flat polishing position. Every time you put a fresh pad on your machine (and this should be done often) you should prime and then season it for a minute or two before "flat" polishing.

Once the pad has been seasoned (pad should be 80% saturated with product being used to compound / polish) you can reduce the amount of polish / compound applied to the pad for subsequent passes; dependent upon what you're trying to accomplish. If you use too much polish or compound the oils will cause the surface to become over lubricated, which will negatively impact the abrasive abilities

Some advantages to pad priming:
• Increased cutting ability
• Better surface finish
• Eliminates carrier system (solvent) flashing problems
• Surface is more evenly polished and polisher is easier to control

When you prime entire pad, by spreading the abrasives uniformly and by keeping the pad flat thus ensuring constant paint / polish contact it becomes similar to a piece of wet-sanding finishing paper, the oils in the polish provide the lubrication (like the water does in wet-sanding)

Polish Lubrication

Gloss It EVP Pad Prime is high-grade lubricating oil that greatly extends machine polishing times and enables polishes to break down properly, even on the softest of paints. It helps to extend pad life and reduce the amount of polish used, and therefore pays for itself in the long run. Works exceptionally well in hot and humid conditions, where it prevents polishes from flashing off too quickly, and is also useful in cold and damp conditions, where it prevents temperature-sensitive polishes like Menzerna RD3.02 from clumping up and becoming unusable.

Designed to be used sparingly; only a single drop is required per panel to be polished; for best results, add the drop to the centre of the pad and then place the pad on to the panel to be polished and run your machine for a few seconds at low speed to spread the oil evenly over the face of the pad.

 

You can use straight 91% isopropyl alcohol on a clear coat finish with no problem.

To the OP, if you haven't done an IPA wipe down after polishing, you definitely should! Menzerna polishes have a lot of oils which will cover up(fill) possible marring from polishing. So, the next time you polish, do an IPA wipe down after each step so you can see your true results! :thumb: You might be very surprised how much polishing oils can cover up!