I'm just wondering what the correct procedure for working with rubbing compound is? I'm using a 7" Orbital Polisher with the correct wool pad for rubbing compound, but it seems to be drying out really fast. Do you add water to keep it wet, or am I missing something? The instructions on the rubbing compound only talk about application by hand, so it's not much use.

Thanks!

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70 Impala Sport Coupe (350)
67 Chevelle (I wish, still looking and saving)
http://www.geocities.com/ledsled_26m

Sled,
There are "machine" compounds that are designed for use with a buffer. They will probably work better. Hand compound is usually "coarser" than machine compound and if you are not careful you will take the paint off. I would suggest practicing on an old car if possible.
Hope this helps,

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Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

1971 Heavy Chevy - original owner
Team Chevelle #100

Use liquid rubbing rubbing compound with a buffer, not the paste variety. 3M makes different textured compounds in a liquid and they are very good quality. I use them on my boat with very good results.

Are you trying too get rid of oxidazation (sp?) or just swirl marks and too make it shiney?? If you are just polishing too make shine and eliminate swirls get 3M Perfect it III it's by far superior and doesn't "Dry Out" fast.. Leaves a nice finish. if you have too cut deeper too get rid of some nasties.. then get a more coarse compound and buff first then follow up with the perfect it... also try a foam pad.. they seem too be the way too go. Good Luck!

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X-Ray View of my Chevelle :D (http://www.normieschevelle.com/sideview.jpg)
Getting Closer (http://www.normieschevelle.com/passfull.jpg)

I was trying to get rid of oxidation, but in the process, made my car a little shinier than I wanted. It's semi-flat black now, which is a really good color to use if you want to do your bodywork piece by piece.

I'll give that liquid stuff a shot, though. Thanks!

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70 Impala Sport Coupe (350)
67 Chevelle (I wish, still looking and saving)
http://www.geocities.com/ledsled_26m

Hey Ledsled, long time to talk, huh? Anyways, I'm with the rest of these guys, go to your local auto paint store and tell them what you are going to do and they can recommend a good compound. I like the 3m ling best, but I have about a half dozen different kinds and grits of compounds. I just squirt it on the piece, rub it around with the buffer and go to town. Oh, remember to buy a spur to clean the pad with if you don't have one.

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Bryan Shook
My website with lots of classic cars (http://www.geocities.com/elcamino_1972)
1972 Chevrolet El Camino Options, Codes & Pricing (http://www.geocities.com/elcamino_1972/elky-options.html)
Favorite Quote: Some people have shrinks. Some people have their garage.

A little mist of water before you start to compound wont hurt at all, actually helps to reduce the chance of breaking through the paint. Also you might be trying to work to large of an area. For example break down the hood into three or four areas to work instead one. Once you got one area looking good move to the next and slightly overlap each area. 3M does make the best stuff out there I believe, and remember to keep that pad clean and I wash the car inbetween the compound stage and the polsihing stage. Just seems to bring better results.

I've yet to find a store around here dedicated to automotive paint and such, so I'm stuck going to Advance Auto Parts for the meantime. I'll have to search around for that 3m stuff.

Scarily enough, I found that I'm getting pretty good results by scrubbing my whole car with one of those dish washing sponges with the scrubby pad on the back. It's a semi-flat paint job to begin with, so it's not hurting anything, just getting these horrible water spots off.

Bryan, yes, long time no chat! Hope things are going well. I'm always online it seems, drop me a message some time.

Oh yeah, what's a spur look like? I haven't seen one at any of the stores I've been to. Can you tell I'm a beginner at this whole paint thing?

Thanks for your help everyone! I know there are a few other people on here that are interested on the same subject. I didn't get any replies last time I asked, so this really helps!

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70 Impala Sport Coupe (350)
67 Chevelle (I wish, still looking and saving)
http://www.geocities.com/ledsled_26m