Wax removal swirls

[dgclark99]

Mike,

I am using the Flex 3401 buffer (wonderful machine) but I am having trouble removing all the wax. Seems to make no difference whether I hand apply or machine apply. After I use the Flex to remove the wax I get several areas that have built up wax swirls. It's as if that the wax is applied to heavily but I really try to watch that.
The swirls need to be hand buffed off (with a great deal of effort) as they seem to just build up if I continue buffing on them with the Flex.

I keep the buff-off pad clean.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

[Mike Phillips]

What are you working on?

What condition is the hull surface?

Which product are you using?

:thumb:

[Mike Phillips]

After I use the Flex to remove the wax I get several areas that have built up wax swirls.




Normally you don't remove waxes by machine. It's possible if you're using a microfiber bonnet on a DRY pad but I've NEVER tried doing this with a Flex 3401 and wouldn't even consider it.

Most people that want to remove a wax by machine are doing it with a Porter Cable type dual action polisher with a stiff foam cutting pad and a microfiber bonnet over the pad. Looks like this,


Indigo Microfiber Bonnet and a Cyan, Hydro-Tech, 5.5" Foam Cutting Pad
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/722/IndigoOnHydro03.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/722/IndigoOnHydro01.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/722/IndigoOnHydro02.jpg



Also, you only remove waxes that dry and it has to be a thin coat or it will just load up the face of the microfiber bonnet.

Here's my article on this topic in the car world but the same would apply to the Marine world.


How to use a microfiber bonnet to remove dried wax by machine (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/29369-how-use-microfiber-bonnet-remove-dried-wax-machine.html)



At this point, I'd recommend re-machine applying the wax as a fresh coat should loosen up any previously applied coat.

Allow the new coat to dry and then remove by hand using clean, microfiber towels.

Remember, thin coats are easy to remove and thick coats are going to be difficult plus simply waste product.


:)

[dgclark99]

Mike,
Thanks for your response. Frankly, I read it a couple of times thinking "Mike does not understand my question" and then I read it again and the light bulb went off. It was definitely a "duh" moment.
I don't know why I was thinking the wax went on by hand and the Flex was to buff it off. That, of course, is what was causing the swirls. I just did a large section of my boat using the buffer to apply the wax, working it in until it basically "disappeared" and then all I had to do was just a light "dusting off" with a microfiber towel. It looks great.
I thank you and my arms definitely thank you.

[Mike Phillips]

I just did a large section of my boat using the buffer to apply the wax, working it in until it basically "disappeared" and then all I had to do was just a light "dusting off" with a microfiber towel.

It looks great.

I thank you and my arms definitely thank you.





Good to hear!


:)