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Detailing

Defining paint finishing terms

October 26, 2011
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Tools

High-speed buffer: Pneumatic or electric rotary buffer.

Orbital waxer: Pneumatic or electric orbital or dual action tool for wax/sealant application only.


Pads

100 percent wool cutting pad: For aggressive cutting on single stage paint finishes.

Poly/wool cutting pad combination: 50/50 polyester and wool cutting pad for use on clear coat finishes.

Foam cutting pad: Denser foam that provides a cutting action on any paint finish.

Foam polish pad: Less dense foam that removes swirls, light scratches, etc.

Fine finish polish pad: Extremely soft foam pad that can be used for dark colored cars to polish out fine scratches.

Terry Bonnet: The bonnet used over the orbital drive pad to apply and remove wax or sealant.


Chemicals

800 grit compound: Heavy-duty compound

1200 grit compound: Medium duty compound

2000 grit compound: Light duty compound

One Step Plus: A product used to correct, polish (2000 Grit) and protect in one step.

Fine Finish Plus: Micro fine compound

Swirl/Away Polish: Combination swirl remover and polish

Diamond Plus: An amino-function silicone paint sealant

Sealant: Protection product

Carnauba Wax: A wax protection product

Bud Abraham is the detail editor for Professional Carwashing & Detailing.

Recent Articles by Bud Abraham

Post a comment to this article

Bossman

DJ
January 26, 2013
I know NOTHING about auto painting, finishes or it's products but I hear the term "DA" a LOT when guy's are talking about polishing and or compounding, what does "DA" stand for? Thanks!

Editor

Debra Gorgos
January 29, 2013
Courtesy of Bud Abraham: That means “dual-action”. It is an electric or air powered buffing tool that has a dual action rather than a high speed rotary action of the normal high speed rotary buffer. While it does create some friction, it is not as severe as a rotary buffer and it does not cause swirls. Preferred by many detailers because of the fact you can make some correction in the paint finish and not create swirls.