Can someone explain "cutting"?

[Griffin]

The more research I do, the more I get lost :cryying: Could someone explain the term cutting? When do you do it and are there steps to take? Sorry for the ignorance....

 

[Juiced-03]

Basically it is digging into the clear coat to level out a scratch. When you use compounds or swirl removers, you are essentially leveling out that area of clear coat to even it up so you have no more swirls. "Cutting" is the same thing as polishing, just a different term. You always start with the least aggressive pad first, then work up to a medium cut or heavy cut pad. You also want to use the least aggressive product as well.

You would think that using a heavy cut compound would be the only product you need since it removes all defects, but in reality you only want to cut as little as possible. Heavier polish will remove more clear coat. Plus, they will produce hazing which will require a lighter polish follow-up anyway. Probably 75% of the swirls you will deal with can be tackled with one or two levels of polish. The rest may need up to 3 levels and a combination of pads. Then you have your glaze or paint cleaner, and your sealant and/or wax still to put on! It's a lot of work, but when the customer sees his/her car afterwards, it means a bigger tip for you :-D

A paint thickness gauge is a great tool to have so you know how much clear coat you are dealing with.

Check this link out for more info if needed:

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/horeswmawasp.html

 

[Griffin]

Thank you for making my head hurt even more! :bash: :thumbsup:

 

[trance_in_miami]

Poorboys ssr 2.5 is an excellent product. for swirls/scratches with the oragne sonus pad.