Author Topic: machine polishing old vw paint  (Read 1755 times)

Offline clancy

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machine polishing old vw paint
« on: 22 December 2014, 18:55 »
after Christmas when the weathers ok i will be doing a full correction polish on my mk3

will be getting a full decontamination, probably 2 stage polish with DA, then glazed and sealed

question is, having not machined a car this old what should i expect? is the paint single stage or clear coated ? and is it generally hard or soft ?

if anyone has any info it would be greatly appreciated, thanks
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Offline OakeyDoak16v

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Re: machine polishing old vw paint
« Reply #1 on: 23 December 2014, 23:08 »
Completely depends on the condition of the paint. If its OK condition then after a good wash and tar removal i would clay it first and wash it again, dry it completely and just try some lime prime with a medium density pad and see how it goes from there.
Put some pics up so we can see how bad or not bad it is.  :smiley:

Offline Booth11

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Re: machine polishing old vw paint
« Reply #2 on: 23 December 2014, 23:24 »
Might be worth testing the depth of the paint before polishing, especially if you're not sure what's been done to it prior to your ownership.  Should give you an idea of how agressive you can/can't be with the correction work.  :smiley:
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Offline OakeyDoak16v

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Re: machine polishing old vw paint
« Reply #3 on: 23 December 2014, 23:50 »
Cant really go wrong with a dual action though. If using a powerful rotary then take care!!  :smiley:

Offline clancy

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Re: machine polishing old vw paint
« Reply #4 on: 25 December 2014, 19:46 »
Thanks for the replys guys, would ideally test the thickness but I don't have or know anyone with a ptg unfortunately

The paint is in good condition for a 20 year old car, swirl marks and a couple of tiny scratches by handles etc but no real marring

Obviously I'll start with the lightest cut I have and move up, and it's DA yeah so not too much to worry about

Just nto sure if I need to order another polish or 2 to have a very good range of cut available to me

Will get lots of before and after photos though to see how it looks
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Offline Organisys

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Re: machine polishing old vw paint
« Reply #5 on: 07 January 2015, 13:06 »
Unless it's red or white, it's likely to be two stage paint.

Use a PTG if you can borrow.

Start slow, carefull and with a less aggressive pad and polish. Increase passes and pressure..
only then move up pads and polish if you need too.


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