Safety Tips for Porter Cable/FLEX Buffers  Print

Showroom FX recommends the following techniques, tips and safety precautions when using the Porter Cable/FLEX buffer and its accessories:

Please familiarize yourself with the factory instructions of the buffer.  Use supplied washer included with the Lake Country backing plate only.

1. Always turn the buffer on and off with the pad resting on the surface.  This will prevent the foam buffing pad from flying off and product from slinging.
2. DO NOT use excessive down force on the machine while working. Allow the machine do its job.  Make sure your foam pad is centered on the velcro® backing plate.  This will minimize any excess vibrations while working at increased speeds.   If you are not getting the results you desire, change your technique by adjusting the speed setting or shift to a different grade of foam pad or a more appropriate chemical.
3. Be sure to get the foam pad wet prior to use, and periodically re-wet the pad during use; this will help to spread the product evenly, and keep the pad from loading up.
4. Try to keep the buffer flat and level during use, you want as much of the pad in contact with the surface as possible. Try to avoid using the edge of the pad, or tilting the machine at extreme angles to reach a tight area.
5. Periodically check the backing plate for wear or damage. Remove the backing plate completely and check for any signs of wear. Do not over tighten the backing plate when attaching it to the buffer, and be sure to use the washer supplied with the buffer.
6. When working with a product like the Meguiars M105 Compound or Menzerna polishes, spread the product on your work area with the machine turned off. Start the machine at speed #3 and increase speed #5-6.  Work in a slow and smooth motion (rate of 1”/second); this will allow the buffer, foam pad and products to do their job.  Use only enough product for the area, work the product until it disappears or only a small amount of product residue is left.  This may take several passes with the buffer in order for the product to work properly.
7. When applying "Blazin Maize" Synthetic Wax, a thin coat of product is all you need.  If you see the coverage is too heavy, make another pass over the area with the buffer. Make sure you allow the product time to cure properly, or you are wasting time and product. The suggested speed setting to apply the wax is #4.
8. When the product has cured and you are ready to remove it, use a clean microfiber bonnet over an Orange or Yellow Foam pad.  Set the buffer on #5 and work in a smooth motion over each panel until all residue is removed. It may take several passes over the same area to remove the excess wax and reach the desired depth, gloss and clarity. If there is wax in a hard to reach area, don’t force the buffer to try and remove it, come back later with a microfiber towel, detail spray and touch up the areas that the buffer couldn’t reach.
9. The Porter Cable or FLEX buffer is a tough and solid piece of equipment, but don’t abuse it either. Try to keep from dropping it, and when storing the unit, it should be set upside down, with the backing plate up. Do not let it rest on its side with the backing plate acting as a support; this could cause the plate to warp.
10. Try to keep the buffer clean, wipe it down with a dry towel after each use, this will ensure its peak performance for years to come.
11. Please refer to your Porter Cable or FLEX owner’s manual regarding limited liability coverage.

These are just a few basic tips.

If you have a specific question about the proper use of the Porter Cable or FLEX buffer, any of its accessories, or any Showroom FX products, please don’t hesitate to contact us at contact@showroomfx.com or call toll-free at (866) 341-0050.

Application Guidelines for Interior/Exterior  Print

SURFACE PREPARATION

• Wash surface with Car Wash Concentrate to remove heavy dirt and soil. Rinse surface clean. Use Clay Magic®  clay bar to remove all surface contaminants prior to initial application or as needed. Wipe the surface with a 50/50 solution of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water to remove any remaining residue prior to the Showroom FX product application. "Blazin Maize" Synthetic Wax works best on clean, wax-free surfaces. For future maintenance, use several capfuls of the Car Wash Concentrate with a suitable non-scratching wash mitt.
• Clean wheels and tires with the "Super 43" APC, rinse thoroughly. For use polished aluminum or chrome wheels, the car wash concentrate and water is sufficient to clean these surfaces. Dry with Waffle Weave drying towel for worry-free drying. We recommend using Magic Mix Metal Polish to make those uncoated aluminum wheels sparkle after washing.  
• We recommend using Meguiars M105, Menzerna polishes, Showroom FX Swirl Eliminator or Meguiars M205 to reduce swirl marks and fine scratches. It may be either applied by hand or machine. For hand use, apply the product using a moistened foam polish applicator thoroughly working into the surface until completely broken down. Wipe off remaining residue. Repeat as necessary. When using the Meguiars with the Porter Cable buffer equipped with the Lake Country Mfg. CCS orange or white foam pad, set your dial between speed 4 and 5. Move in a slow and smooth motion across the surface at the rate of about 1” inch/second. For additional information, refer to our Safety Tips Sheet for Porter Cable/FLEX Buffers listed on the site. This action will allow the buffer to sufficiently break down the product into the paint surface. Work the product until very little residue remains or disappears. Several passes with the buffer may be necessary for desired results. These polishing products produce effective results and prepare the surface for the non-abrasive sealant or waxes. Use detail spray or a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water to remove remaining residue.
  POLISH APPLICATION & REMOVAL
• Apply "Blazin Maize" Synthetic Wax with dampened applicator pad by hand or with random orbital buffer using a soft blue foam pad to wax-free painted and/or metal surfaces. Quick drying/curing formula allows you to apply a second application to insure even coverage.
• Remove hazed residue with the blue “Super Plush” polish towel or blue orbital polish bonnet over the orange foam pad on your buffer. Allow one hour in between additional product applications. Use the Detail Spray for light clean ups of after washing to help extend the surface protection. Future product applications will apply and remove even easier. Use Blazin Maize" Synthetic Wax on your wheels to help reduce brake dust build-up.
• Allow longer drying time in humid or cooler weather. 
  
  ADDITIONAL EXTERIOR PRODUCT HELPFUL HINTS
• Use the Glass Cleaner with clean woven glass cleaning or microfiber detail towel to ensure streak-free windows.
• Apply "White Pearl" Tire & Rubber Dressing for that finishing touch using our 4” round tire dress applicator.
• Use Menzerna or Meguiars M105/205 on headlights, tail lights, and other exterior clear plastic surfaces to remove ultra-fine scratches and dulling haze. Hand or machine use.
  

• Start with "Super 43" All Purpose Cleaner. Safely and effectively cleans a wide range of interior/exterior surfaces. After cleaning, apply Leather Conditioner to surfaces with foam or microfiber applicator pad. No buffing necessary. Keeps leather soft and moisturized. Reapply as desired. 
• Use the Glass Cleaner with our woven glass cleaning towel to clean interior windows. Glass Cleaner is safe on tinted windows with its ammonia-free formula.

We recommend using our microfiber towels and foam applicators. Wash microfiber towels and applicators separately from other lint-producing fabrics. Wash in hot water with liquid detergent which contains no bleach or fabric softeners. Hot water wash effectively releases the polish or wax residues trapped in the fibers. Use cold water rinse and add 1 Tablespoon distilled white vinegar for each microfiber item to release all detergents from the fabrics. Use cool/air fluff dryer setting or line dry to prevent shrinking or static cling.

We value your feedback. Feel free to contact us anytime.

Thank you from Showroom FX.

Ordering Information
North Texas Local: (972)743-9443
Toll-Free: (866)341-0050 Fax : (214)547-8909
Web Orders: www.showroomfx.com

Clay Bar and "Blazin Maize" Synthetic Wax Instructions  Print

Showroom FX Expanded Instructions for the Clay Bar and "Blazin Maize" Synthetic Wax

IMPORTANT:  The "Blazin Maize" Synthetic Wax works best on a clean, wax-FREE paint surface.  For additional depth on darker color vehicles, liquid or paste style carnauba wax may be used AFTER the product application.

Clay Magic® 100 gram blue "mild" Clay Bar 
The use of the clay bar is an optional but strongly suggested step in the process to protect your paint finish.  It safely removes all types of surface contamination including water spots, tree sap, bugs, tar, paint over spray, old wax, rail dust, and industrial fallout.  You will notice how smooth your paint surface becomes as it removes these rough particles from the finish.  You will be able to use it to clean the exterior glass and your wheels as well. After washing the heavy dirt from the vehicle and rinsing thoroughly, use the supplied clay bar lube solution or a 16- spray bottle of water with a capful of wash concentrate and water for best results.  Spray the lube or soapy solution on a 2’ x 2’ section to be clayed. Break the clay bar into 2 pieces and save the other piece just in case should you drop the first piece on the ground.  Mold the piece into a circular patty and gently slide the clay bar across the lubricated surface until it feels smooth.  Do NOT allow the surface to dry out.  As the bar becomes darkened with the surface contaminants, simply stretch, fold and reshape the bar to expose a clean surface.  Periodically check the Clay Bar for heavy dirt particles.   Repeat process until the entire surface is completed. Do NOT re-use the bar if dropped on the ground.  Discard bar after no clean surfaces are visible.  After completion, Re-wash/rinse the entire surface and dry with a clean microfiber waffle-weave drying towel.

Showroom FX "Blazin Maize" Synthetic Wax 
Prior to application of the wax, it may be necessary to remove machine induced swirls or fine surface scratches with Showroom FX Swirl Eliminator, Meguiars M205 or Menzerna Super Finish.  This may be done by hand as well as truly effective results wait with the use of a dual-action random orbital buffer or rotary polisher. Now you are ready to protect and seal your clean, smooth paint finish.  For hand applications, apply using a MOIST foam applicator pad to apply a thin even coating on the paint surface. A dime surfaced portion will be sufficient to treat 3’ x 3’ area.  Allow to dry at least 30 minutes.  To test before removal, lightly wipe your finger across the hazed surface.  If it comes off clean and clear, you’re ready to remove the residue.  If not, allow a little more drying time.  Remove the hazed residue with a clean cotton or microfiber polishing cloth.  For machine users, apply product evenly using a black or blue “final finishing” foam pad.  Remove using a microfiber polishing bonnet applied over the orange foam pad on your machine.  Follow up using the Detail Spray to remove any excess polish residue.  This will make the paint even slicker and have an even higher gloss. A unique feature of the synthetic wax protection is evident during the washing and drying phase.  You will notice how the water will repel from the surface after the washing and rinsing.  With this action, less water spotting will take place on the surface.  A second application may be done to insure even coverage.  Re-apply "Blazin Maize" when the water no longer repels or beads on the surface.  To maintain your great finish, use both the Car Wash and Detail Spray.

We recommend the use of microfiber towels and applicators when using Showroom FX products.   They are all machine-washable and will not your scratch the paint surface.   Care instructions are included with our microfiber items.

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