polishing question

[jeffinwnc]

I have been polishing my 59 caravanner and started to have some problems. When I started polishing with nuvite 7 the results were great and my method was per instructions. But the last few times at applying the polish, I don't seem to be able to polish my finger print smear off the skin??? I have tried a new wool bonnet ,same problem. I would have to use mineral spirits to clean my finger print. What am I doing wrong????
Thanks so much for your help.... Jeff

[easyride]

Is all of the clear coat off,that`s what happened to me upon finding places that didn`t strip off good,or you are using too much polish. Dave

[jeffinwnc]

no clear coat on this 59', but maybe to much polish? thanks

[silverleeper]

Originally Posted by jeffinwnc

I have been polishing my 59 caravanner and started to have some problems. When I started polishing with nuvite 7 the results were great and my method was per instructions. But the last few times at applying the polish, I don't seem to be able to polish my finger print smear off the skin??? I have tried a new wool bonnet ,same problem. I would have to use mineral spirits to clean my finger print. What am I doing wrong????
Thanks so much for your help.... Jeff

There should not be any clear coat on a 59... When you are dabbing the nuvite on the skin don't drag your finger. Nuvite 7 is a liquid form of sandpaper and your finger applies more pressure then bonnet. I use mineral spirits in a spray bottle to clean up the black stuff after I polish a section.

[jeffinwnc]

still puzzled over some areas on my 59'. I posted some pictures and I am wondering if its looking okay for the first cutting with nuvite 7?

[silverleeper]

That looks about right for the amount of oxidation that you have. Good job and keep it up. There's no going back.

Polishing

[Jester]

just curious. How much time have you invested so far.
Thanks

[53flyingcloud]

jeffinwnc,
Remember this..nuvite 7 should not be the only compound/polisher you want to be using..
It's a 3 to 4 step process, minimum. The number of steps depends on the degree of oxidation your Aluminum skin has built up over the last 50 yrs.
The results you are getting are consisted with everyone else. To remove the swirls (actually very fine scratch marks) you will need atleast another 2 steps (minimum).
You should be using the Cyclo polisher to get a fine polish shine to the finish.
BTW, don't forget to keep the temp of the Aluminum skin above 60 degrees while doing the compounding/polishing, otherwise, the chemicals gum up when the temp get too low~
Good luck~!
53FC

[jeffinwnc]

jester, I have about 16 hours in the polishing. I do understand that this is a 2 to 3 step process of polishing. After this first cutting, I will caulk all the seams before going to the next polish.
The temp. might be my problem. I will heat up my shop before the next polishing. Thanks, Jeff

[53flyingcloud]

You have only 16 hrs into the polish and so far, it's looking great.
Listen to the metal as it talks to you, and just know this: you have a long ways to go.
The average polish job (it all depends on the length, conditions of trailer, and method used, etc) is several hundred hours.
You will find a HUGE differences once you warm up the work area because low temp does severally impact your work. I once tried to do it when the temp fell below 50F range and, quickly gave up.
Good luck~
53FC

[Jester]

I would highly recommend the high speed buffing process. This would cut your time in half and give you a much smoother finish. High speed buffing will remove the oxidation much faster than polishing it away and also remove the scratches from the surface at the same time. Use a 3000-6000rpm right angle grinder. The cyclo is excellent for the final polish. Good luck.