Over memorial day weekend I did some pretty heavy bushwacking with my runner and have a ton of scratches all down the sides. I went and purchased a Porter Cable Variable Speed Sander/Polisher with some 3m fine cut polish to take them out. I have never done this before and am a little nervous about burning through the clear coat. Does anybody have any tips on what or what not to do???

 

Yes, read my detail site in my sig file.
I have lots of tips there for using the PC.

I am not familiar with the 3M stuff though since I am a die hard Griot's user.
I believe in their products to take out all scratches.

If I had scratches like you I'd start off with the Machine Polish #2 which is mid grade, then work up to the #3 which is the finest.

Then after that I'd use the Best Of Show wax to lay down a protective layer.
Before the polish though, I'd clay the whole rig to get off any surface containments.

You will not burn your paint with the PC.
Make sure you use foad pads, and not wool ones.
Get the pads from Griot's or a few other places mentioned in other posts here.
I favor the Griot's pads, as they deliver what they promise.
Great stuff.
More $$$, but worth it.

 

Thanks for the tips. I have the 3m fine cut rubbing compound which is the least aggresive of the three they offer (fine, medium and heavy) I also bought some 3m polishing glaze to use after the compound. For the pads I am using meguires. Do you really think I should clay the whole truck before I compound it? I don't have one but will get one if need be..

 

Yes, I would still clay, as the smoother the surface is (which is what claying does) the easier it is for the polish and wax to get into the pores of the surface of the paint.

Makes it a lot easier to lay down the product.

 

One more quick question. When I am poishing with the compound, How long do I polish? Do I polish to a haze and then hand wipe off after it dries or do I polish untill it is dried and "dusts" of with the motion of the polisher?

 

Just use lots of water and don't let the pad get dry and you won't burn the paint.