polishing paint

[Action Jackson]

Hey, I'm new to the forum. I've got a quick question for all you out there. I've started back into the hobby after a 20+ year leave. I am wanting to try my luck at polishing the paint on my models. Have any of you ever tried using a buffing wheel on a Dremel tool and polishing compound? I was wondering if there might be an issue of too much heat build up or easy burn through? Should I just stick with doing it by hand?

[martinfan5]

I would stick with doing it by hand, but thats just me

[Drgon63]

NO NO NO........ even the slow setting on a dremel is way way way to fast.... burn the paint, primer, plastic....what a mess you would have on your hands.....stick to hand polishing... much much safer....

Tom

[ffreak]

Take the advice from me, don't try it !! As I found out the hard way, and had to strip and repaint one because of that. Good 'ole hand rubbing is the way to go so you can control what and how much you take off !!

[The70judgeman]

Personally...I wouldn't do it. I thought it would be an easier and faster way to do it. Got away with it once, I'm talking about Danbury Mint die-cast models, and on the second model...well, the wheel slipped and the screw on retainer hit the paint. Now I have a nice die-cast car...on one side. Polishing a plastic model, I still wouldn't do it. You kind of answered your own question. You risk burning through the paint and even worse...you might heat up the plastic and warp it. Hand polish the car if you must.

[Mike Kucaba]

I 've only heard about doing this on diecast,or more specifically,white metal. Now if you could slow the buffer down to 100-200 rpm...?

[GeeBee]

Well I must be the only one that polishes paint using a Minicraft drill and a cotton polishing mop, been doing it that for years, and never had a problem,

I set it to around speed # 3, just take things easy, and don't spend too much time on one spot.

[a/gass]

neet!i have somthing like that? i riged up a light switch dimmer to mine LOL it goes anywere from 0 to wide open LOL (its not good for the tool to run so slow youll need to clean motor of tool often and replace motor brushes) but i tell you it is allways better by hand and slow under water best results and a bit more pride.

[Evil Appetite]

wow...for results like that, i'll put 6 hours in.

if it's gonna take 6 hours...sit in front of the tube instead. I just may give that a shot!