I got my Collinite 476 the other day and tried it last night. That wax is really hard. Im curious as to how you guys apply it? I just used a microfiber applicator and it seemed a bit tough to load onto the pad. I was thinking maybe warming the container up a bit, maybe that would soften it a bit, but then I thought...that's a dumb idea. I'm going to be purchasing either aGriots polisher or a Porter Cable polisher and I would think it will be tough to load the pad. Autogeeks website tells of a trick to use: "Here’s a technique used during our testing: Lightly dampen a finishing pad with XMT Polishing Pad Conditioner. Use a putty knife to spread a small amount of wax onto the pad. We used the gray finishing pad by Lake Country. Spread the wax over one panel at a speed of 4000 OPM on a Porter Cable 7424XP. For easiest removal, apply the wax and then remove it, panel by panel. " How do you guys use this product?
I use those small yellow foam applicators, and do it by hand. Wax one panel, wax the next, and remove from first panel. Do NOT let it haze for more than 5 minutes. Try using halogen lights when applying 476s, it's easier to see how much you're applying then, the paint surface only needs to look oily, nothing more. If you put too much wax on, you'll probably be 'over buffing' the paint with the risk of marring it. Kind regards, Ebbe
A foam pad is best rather than terry cotton or or mf encapsulated one, but unlike EbbeJ, I found no issue with leaving it 10 mins or more before buffing off. If you find a test panel is making it hard to buff off, then reduce cure time and redo the area again to reactivate it. Remember, as with practically every paste wax out there, less is more. Spread thinly, and leave as long as possible before doing a 2nd layer to ensure you've got full and even coverage.
Foam applicator for sure. Just used my 476 yesterday and I apply it with the thin foam applicator versus the thicker ones as its easier to spread and get it on thinner. Apply to one panel. Apply to a second panel. Remove first panel. apply to third panel. Remove second panel etc. Just keep leapfrogging panels around the car. Remember "thin is in!" . If you can't see your own reflection through it when applied, it's too thick.
i apply as per all my hard waxes - gold lake country 4" foam pad on my polishing pal the only diff is, with 476s, i wet the pad first, ring out and use it damp - seems to make loading up the pad and those first few swipes a bit easier i dont like using the megs foam pads, my fingers cramp up after a few panels and it feels like im only using the tips of a couple fingers to apply
Beside what have already mentioned, remember to use a damp applicator as stated on the label instructions. By damping your applicator, it helps alot in thin and even application.
