Tricks of the trade

The team at Australian Warehouse Distributors (tel: 03 9553 1977) reveal a few tricks of the trade when it comes to paint finishing.
Why do de-nibbing marks re-appear after compounding?
Generally there are several reasons:
Firstly when de-nibbing fresh topcoats, the de-nibbing operation disturbs the surface and allows solvents to escape which can cause shrinkage and localised gloss drop. Therefore it is best to wait several hours after de-nibbing before compounding. Even when the paint manufacturer's recommended cure time has been followed, the best results for eliminating de-nibbing marks are obtained with the wait period.
Secondly if a compound with a high glaze content is used the de-nib marks will only be hidden rather than removed and as soon as the glaze evaporates in prolonged sunshine or is removed with washing the marks will reappear. To avoid this problem always use a compound with very little or no petroleum content.
Why can wet flatting with P1500 or P2000 paper sometimes cause deep scratches in paintwork?
Dirty water in the wet rub bucket contains abrasive particles from previous jobs or the paper has been torn and used with a ragged edge creating loose 'wild' abrasive grain that rolls between the paper and paintwork. Always use clean water from a spray bottle and always cut flatting paper with scissors or a sharp knife.
Note: It has been rumoured that there have been sightings of the Loch Ness monster in some wet rub buckets.
Does machine polishing have to be a messy operation?
Certainly not, to reduce spatter and minimize mess and clean-up time, simply apply the compound to the surface to be polished or to the compound head, then smear and spread this material over the area to be polished before starting the machine. This reduces start-up spatter making the whole operation much cleaner.
Remember, 'more spread less spatter'.

Enquiries: Australian Warehouse Distributors. Tel:. Fax: (03) 9553 1225. Email: stork.awd@bigpond.com.au