A couple of questions using a Random Orbit Machine

I do not use any pad to remove material and would recommend not doing so yourself. If you are spending hours to remove imperfections and swirls, why would you use an orbital to possibly reintroduce swirls to the paint surface? In fact, the final coat I always apply by hand, whether it be a sealant or wax, by hand and remove by hand.

 

Assuming the surface has been properly prepped for polish (washed, clayed, etc) a RO will not introduce swirls. One wants to use the minimum amount of product (wax or polish) which can then be removed using a quality micro fiber cloth. Wool and MF bonnets are generally used for more aggressive use, but with the variety of foam pads are seldom necessary for a quality finish.
Personally I lightly mist my pads with a QuickDetailer and then lightly "butter" it with a dime sized amount of wax/polish/sealant. This helps to evenly spread a thin coat and actually helps make your applied product go farther. This method also makes removal easier, being it's spread thinner one can easily remove it.
There are some excellent tutorials on the use of R/O's and various product reviews on Autogeek, give them a look for ideas and suggestions.

 

I have found that you can place a nice clean microfiber towel on the waxed surface, a clean applicator pad on the orbital, and then use the orbital to remove about 95% of the wax on the car's surface by placing it on the towel and running the orbital over the surface. touch up and final buffing is then competed by hand. Easier to do on horizontal surfaces, but not impossible to do on the vertical ones. I do this on the Mercedes without issue, have done it on several cars in the past. I don't see any swirl marks, but it is important to keep the microfiber towels clean and to NOT use any detergent when washing them, and no anti-static sheets when drying them.

I don't get swirl marks, and I do get off almost all of the wax without having to wear out my old guy shoulders.

Here's a snap of the car recently waxed.

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This brings up a good point..

I have taught myself through the years and ...what it comes down to is matching the pads grit or lack of it with the density or softness of the product you choose..

I believe in the graduated system..as opposed to one polish which breaks down in grit as you use it..

Firm pad with coarse grit on clear coat only
med. pad medium grit to start on 1 stage paint
and so on..the recipes are endless
I use detail spray to remove each coat of polish..Yes remove wet.

It all becomes second nature if you are able to analyse what you have when you start..
I suggest seeing AMMO videos on youtube...watch them all..

 

If you go to the Griot's website you can find videos about how to use randomn orbital. It will show you how to apply and remove without causing any damage, as well as which pads should be on the machine. Great tutorial.

 

Anyone remove polish by washing the car?

 

(timid) YES !

 

Polish aaaaand wax - if I'm feeling adventurous.

I should add that I remove most of it first with a microfiber, then left over residue by washing.

 

I was wondering if I was the only one. It just seems easier then wiping it off.

 

Following a polish (for paint correction) one can use a IPA wipe down to remove excess residue. Make a spray bottle up in a 1:1 ratio of rubbing alcohol and distilled water. Spray a panel lightly and use a MF cloth to gently wipe to remove the residue, be sure to turn your cloth over to a clean side after each panel/section and use four or more MF's to do a whole vehicle. There is no need to wash afterward and the surface is now ready for wax or sealant.