Having problems with Reflect

D

Dang Vu

New member
Reflect: High Gloss Finishing Polish


Do I have to prime the pad when using reflect? When I'm polishing, on my 2nd pass the reflect starts to dry and it starts to smuge to where some parts looks like it's dry and part of it is still wet. I would have to take a picture of it next time. Kind of hard to explain. What am I doing wrong? I follow the directions on the Carpro website.
 
I had a similar issue and here is the advice Corey gave me.

Try using MUCH less product. Short buffing cycle is normal but shouldn’t be dusty or gummy. I generally use 2 pass speed 5.5 with stiff arm, then slow to 4.5 and no pressure and very slow arm speed until its disappeared.

I was using a flex with a maroon HT pad

Hope this helps
 
What car are you working on? Contrary to the "less is more" ethos with Reflect. After going back and forth with Corey and a bunch of the other top Finest installers, I HAD to use a ton more product than normal and 2 VERY quick passes on a black Porsche I had in a few weeks ago, this enabled me to get a mirror finish and easy wipe off. I was getting micro marring and stuck on product otherwise.
 
I generally use a blue B&S pad with 4-5 pea size drops on the very first section, however after that I am only using 3 drops each section. I also had issues before working on black paint on a 454SS truck I did awhile back, and had to change to a black pad which did away with the micro marring I was getting from the blue pad. Sometimes you just need to play with different combinations to get the results your looking for.
 
KMG said:
had to change to a black pad which did away with the micro marring I was getting from the blue pad. Sometimes you just need to play with different combinations to get the results your looking for.
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^^ I couldn't agree more!

"Typically" with reflect, I do prime the pad by working the polish into the pores like with other polishes. I just use a bit less. Then I add 3-4 small ticks of polish for the first section. Then after cleaning the pad I add couple pea drops for the next section. However, as stated above "Sometimes you just need to play with different combinations to get the results your looking for".

*(1 tick = 1/2 a pea size) lol.
 
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KMG said:
I generally use a blue B&S pad with 4-5 pea size drops on the very first section, however after that I am only using 3 drops each section. I also had issues before working on black paint on a 454SS truck I did awhile back, and had to change to a black pad which did away with the micro marring I was getting from the blue pad. Sometimes you just need to play with different combinations to get the results your looking for.
Click to expand...


Which black pad are you using?
 
On most paints I stand by my method but it's important to note I touch the pad to the paint repeatedly before turning it on. Sometimes like on the vehicle Chris mentioned you have to jump WAY out of the box and it's amazing what you find.
 
What temp is it in your work space. I find myself using more reflect when it's hotter bc it tends to dry out quicker opposed to this time of year I'm using 2-3 drops per subsequent panel after the pad is primed.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
 
DickyDang35 said:
For some reason. After I buff with reflect I still see a light haze. I finish it down too. What am I doing wrong. I prime the pad, after that I use 2 pea size working 2x2.
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What machine and pad are you using?

Don't prime the pad.
Polish till its invisible.
Let me know what you get

^^ that's for almost any paint using a da

For really finicky paint it's the opposite
 
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In that case wipe off sooner, maybe we have a different definition of disappeared. So it's looking good if you wipe off before that point? In that case stop then (before you are dry buffing)
 
DickyDang35 said:
Yes if I stop wipe off sooner it's fine. But I only get 2 good pass before it dries up on me
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And the gloss after 2 passes is great? If so then that's terrific!

I'm thinking your a movement is slower. 2 passes at 1 inch every two seconds is similar to 4 passes at 1 inch every one second.

Is this with extremely slow arm movement? What speed and pressure?

Also, define dries up. Its gone? Is dusting?

Is this multiple experiences or a certain funky paint?

What is the temperature and humidity?
 
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I have tried and used reflect a bunch of times. My experience has been with a rotary.... I actually use it a bit on the wetter side(a 5 inch bead for a 18 x 18 inch area). I find using the right pad is critical. The only two that work for me are LC HT Crimson or LC black(grey) finishing pads. I believe the the relative stiffness of these pads(compared to other finishing pads) help break the polish down properly and keep the moisture between the pad and paint. I usually work it around 1400RPMS. I aM a big UF fan and consider that my go to final polish but reflect has matched the final outcome numerous times with my above method. When I compare the two... Reflect will finish the same but requires more pressure on the first two passes but has an easier removal process since it is less oily. I have been using UF as my true final polish for years and I am comfortable using it but reflect can produce the same results with a slight change in technique.
 
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For one thing you don't prime the pad with Reflect. You simply apply 4-5 pea size drops for the first application, and all following sections only use 2-3. Reflect takes some getting used to but once you get it down you will love it. I typically do 3-4 passes with it. What pad are you using and what speeds and machine are you using?
 
Holy shit just got in from using reflect and all I can say is wow. I have had so much trouble finishing out my body shop repaired panels because the paint was so soft.

I was blown away by reflect. Used a griots da with 5.5 in backing plate, griots black foam pad. I would do 2-4 tiny drops each area and run it for about 4 passes on speed 4 with less pressure on the last two passes then 2 passes on speed 3 with only the weight of the machine.

What I found to be even more helpful personally was watching the polish it's self "flash" meaning working it in methodically until you can barley see it.
 
Hi Guys
I am so happy to find a group of guys who are not delusional geeks and a company with real products. This thread is proof of it.
Allow me to explain my joy: Never having bought consumer grade products (always pro) I got $500 worth from the chemical clowns. What a joke. Why do I call them clowns, think about it, only a complete idiot would make an extremely poisonous substance banana and strawberry scented. I.e attracted to kids and pets. Heck forget the determent to health, I would have to beat the $50 'glossifier' out of a kid if he drank it because it smelled like bubblegum. No one with any background in chemistry would every make such a ridiculous mistake. I am happy to support products made for the metrosexual man in all those fragrances, but they simply dont work. Worse yet when you go on their forums not one person says it doesn't work.

I suppose its good products for absolute beginners with no possibility of ruining anything because it does little. So After running through the entire gauntlet of 'retailers' and cabinet full of stuff that will most likely only be used to clean glass- (excellent use for mixing with cerium oxide) I find Corey. I get my order and try the Reflect with carpro flash pad and horror of horrors, micro-marring. It was so refreshing and reassuring to come here and discover that everyone had that problem and it requires a different technique.

I could tell that this was not a mickey mouse product by the amount of effort they put into designing the container, it was in fact the most precise dispenser I have ever seen, where the amount of dispense was carefully thought out. How many times have I had to jack off one of those banana flavored compounds only get a massive blob on the the floor, and then spend more time cleaning that because you know a dog will get to it before you can. Chemical clowns have the same bottle for all their product, regardless of consistency- there is the real proof fer ya.

Yeah I know what you guys are thinking, I am the moron for falling for the clowns. Well, thats what happens when you dont live on the forums, its very easy to get duped and follow the herd. Thanks Corey, for only carrying real products. It will pay off, all those kindergartners will eventually graduate to you. That should be your niche, high-end for pros.
 
Carpro products are for real and I use all of them with a PC7424 work perfect with the right pad every time. Sometimes I get a little left over Reflects but when I do a final wipe down it's gone.
 
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