Up and Down or Side to Side???

UltraKla$$ic

PERENNIAL WAXXER
Joined
Dec 28, 2008
Posts
17,151
Reaction score
35
Location
Louisiana
When an agent calls for a "side to side" application and steers away from the circular application that can cause swirls, I'd always been instructed/told that it produces a "more reflective" result if you go "up and down" on the sides of the vehicle as the reflectivity of light is more advantageous when applied in an "up and down" fashion versus a "side to side" approach.

Lastly, I'd like clarification on proper HOOD application of a product instructing "side to side" application. Here again, I've been instructed and told to go the length of the hood......ie. from windshield to front of car back and forth versus a side to side(left to right or fender to fender) application.

Please put this to rest for me!!! Instruct once and for all!

Thanks:hi:
 

BadHabit2Break

forum member
Joined
Jan 7, 2011
Posts
5,466
Reaction score
1
Location
Houston, TX
I have seen Autogeek do it side to side on Two Guys Garage.

Seer needs to jump in on this and instruct our young Jedi minds.
 

stkjock

---- Madmin ----
Staff member
Administrator
Super Moderator
S197 Team Member
Joined
Jul 10, 2007
Posts
40,264
Reaction score
3,180
Location
Long Island NY
Breath in.... Breath out.... Breath in.... Breath out....

Upppppppp...... Dowwnnnnnnnnn......Upppppppp...... Dowwnnnnnnnnn......
karate.jpg
 

ford20

forum member
Joined
Dec 21, 2010
Posts
7,346
Reaction score
24
Location
White Plains,NY
From what I read on autogeek you go up and down the length of the hood since that is how most people view the car (from the front) it apparently reflects the light better this way than going from side to side.

But what the hell do I know ... You need one of the more knowing people in here like DKS or Nasty Stang or Serr in here
 

weather man

Persistance Is A Bitch
S197 Team Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2012
Posts
13,335
Reaction score
152
Location
MN
Here I was resisting the funny post and STKJOCK lets her rip! :)

UltraKla$$ic It is quite surprising that a man with your experience would ask such a question, but all of your friends here on S197 are here to help!

Now, most "rides" definately appreciate both a up/down and side/to side buffing motion. Circular motion is to be avoided as bullitt0175 had quite a bit of trouble with buffer sway when attempted, which can cause swirl! If your applicator is of adequate size, buffing the hood full lenth is optional, and in fact may shorten the desired time needed to buff the hood properly!

:)
 
Last edited:

dark steed

Resident noob
Joined
Sep 14, 2010
Posts
6,751
Reaction score
2,306
Location
Winder, GA
A combination of both seems to be most effective...oh, wait...you are taking about CARS here...never mind!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Pumpkinfish

Johnny Quarter Mile
Joined
Jul 23, 2007
Posts
1,975
Reaction score
10
Location
Schwenksville, PA
I have always been told to go in the direction the air flows around your car when moving. So hood, roof and trunk I do front to back and the sides I do left to right. The only place I don't follow this in in the bumper grill openings. I do it the best way my meaty hands fit, lol!
 

Seer

forum member
Joined
Mar 5, 2011
Posts
6,516
Reaction score
1
This is actually dependant on the type of product you are applying.

Carnauba based products (Waxes) do not sit on top of the clear coat, but instead their oils blend in with the clear coat and then the wax hardens once the mixture flashes and you buff off the excess/solvents. You'll notice this from when you have a shiney reflective clear coat transform more into a deep, wet look.

For this the application method is:

Hood, roof and trunk are up and down
Doors, fenders, quarters, front and rear bumper are left and right

Products that are synthetic or polymere based (Sealants) once they cure actually sit on top of the surface. You can apply them in either method, or use a buffer and apply them in a circular motion on low speed. If you use a proper applicator buffing pad, the fear of swirls is mitigated.
 

UltraKla$$ic

PERENNIAL WAXXER
Joined
Dec 28, 2008
Posts
17,151
Reaction score
35
Location
Louisiana
This is actually dependant on the type of product you are applying.

Carnauba based products (Waxes) do not sit on top of the clear coat, but instead their oils blend in with the clear coat and then the wax hardens once the mixture flashes and you buff off the excess/solvents. You'll notice this from when you have a shiney reflective clear coat transform more into a deep, wet look.

For this the application method is:

Hood, roof and trunk are up and down
Doors, fenders, quarters, front and rear bumper are left and right

Products that are synthetic or polymere based (Sealants) once they cure actually sit on top of the surface. You can apply them in either method, or use a buffer and apply them in a circular motion on low speed. If you use a proper applicator buffing pad, the fear of swirls is mitigated.


Thanks to all that replied! Excellent info!

For clarification, the HD Cleanse and Zymol Carbon application on the HOOD is from top of hood(near windshield) rubbing the agent the LENGTH of the hood down to the bumper??? Correct?
 

Seer

forum member
Joined
Mar 5, 2011
Posts
6,516
Reaction score
1
Thanks to all that replied! Excellent info!

For clarification, the HD Cleanse and Zymol Carbon application on the HOOD is from top of hood(near windshield) rubbing the agent the LENGTH of the hood down to the bumper??? Correct?

It's actually the method in which the hood is painted. Which is up and down motion.

This isn't really a science, and you'll be fine either way :D
 

HitandRunDriver

Amateur Goon
Joined
Jun 28, 2011
Posts
1,431
Reaction score
0
Location
Orange, California
I actually was thinking about this when I was applying CG Lava last night....for that I'm still using foam applicator pads in a circular motion....should I switch to up and down?
 

UltraKla$$ic

PERENNIAL WAXXER
Joined
Dec 28, 2008
Posts
17,151
Reaction score
35
Location
Louisiana
You know how I know your gay?


eaa9dfe571c96b5d5d04ff42a320251a.jpg


:roflmao:

HitandRunDriver said:
I actually was thinking about this when I was applying CG Lava last night....for that I'm still using foam applicator pads in a circular motion....should I switch to up and down?

FOR ME, when it comes to a high quality agent, I've always done anything BUT circular!!! As mentioned by Seer, up and down and side to side seem to be the correct technique.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top