Replies

1. 
   bigfootnampa | Jul 12, 2008 05:48pm | #1

   Looking straight down it should be like looking through clean glass.  Clear surfaces do not reflect light straight back.  It sounds like you are pretty well "there".  I usually use a polish for final gloss treatments.  My favorite is Mohawk's "Bristol Cream"

   http://www.mohawk-finishing.com/catalog_browse.asp?ictNbr=151

1. 
   ASK | Jul 12, 2008 06:03pm | #2

   Yes that's about what it looks like. So I did a good job. She will be so pleased.

   Never used a polish, any tricks?

   ASK

1. 
   RW | Jul 12, 2008 06:37pm | #3

   I've about given up on pumice anymore. It works, certainly. But its usually hand work, and when possible, I really like the results you can get with something with a cord.

   A nice flat top is just such an animal. WB's dont tend to rub as well as some of the solvents, like conversion varnish, nevertheless, 3M auto polishes are the cats meow. If you don't want to use the quarts they come in, Meguiars are more readily available (more places) and do good also, though I really like ending with the 3M glaze and a soft foam pad.

    Real trucks dont have sparkplugs

2. 
   Rich14 | Jul 12, 2008 06:46pm | #4

   ASK,There's no special process. Apply with a soft cloth and buff it out.My favorite is Meguiar's "Scratch X," (swirl remover) available in any auto supply store. Automotive abrasive compounds are superior to those generally available as "woodworking" traditional materials such as pumice and rottenstone.Automotive rubbing compound (red) and polishing compound (white) are far more consistent in abrasive particle size than pumice and rottenstone, respectively.Scratch X and products like it contain Kaolin, a clay composed of microfine particles which further diminish in size as you polish. It will leave the surface looking like glass.Rich

3. 
   bigfootnampa | Jul 13, 2008 08:24am | #5

   Some polishes (the rubbing compound types) are simply liquified abrasives and do similar work to the rottenstoning which you have already done.  The "Bristol Cream" however, (and similar polishes by other mfr's) adds a fine wiping finish that is designed to fill the microscopic scratches left on the surface after the finest abrasives have completed their work.  It's effect is subtle but I have liked it.  It seems to give me that final touch that clearly gives me the full gloss "look" that I worked through all the previous steps to acheive.

   I simply apply it with a damp rag and then buff out with a soft dry towel-type cloth.  Instructions are on the bottle.