  This guide explains how to detail by
machine with the
Porter
Cable 7424XP and the
Edge 2000 Foam Pads. You'll read what pads to use for specific paint
problems and get some suggestions on swirl removers and polishes. You can
also download a printer-friendly version of this information as a quick
reference guide. There's no more guessing what pads to use - it is all
outlined right here.
| What accessories do I
need? That's a loaded question! The Edge 200
System offers a lot of options. Here's a rundown of the features and the
pads.
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The Edge 2000 Pads Key Features:
 No
backing plate! The Edge pads attach to your polisher using a Quick
Connect Adapter that pops into the center of the pad. The connection is
very secure and, because the adapter is in the center of the pad, the
pad is always balanced.
Double-sided. Since the pads do not require
a backing plate, both sides are usable. Instead of buying two
single-sided white pads, you buy one Edge white pad.
Versatile. All The Edge pads work with any
polisher. You can use the same pads on
your dual action polisher with the Edge DA Drive Adapter. One set of
pads works with both types of polisher. All you have to change is the
adapter.
Varieties: The Edge
pads are available in
6 inch and 8 inch foam pads.
The Edge Flat foam: Provides constant contact with
the paint. The 6 inch pads have a rounded edge. The 8 inch pads have a
beveled edge that polishes easily between and around the vehicle's
exterior features.
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Beyond just size and wavy or flat, you now have to
choose what type of foam will work on the vehicle at hand. Here are your
choices:
| The Edge gives you lots of choices! We'll break it
down to the necessities: For most polishing
applications,
this is the most popular line-up: The
Edge2K Drive DA (E-210), a green pad for swirl removal, a
blue pad for a finishing polish,
and a white pad for wax application. Now you're ready to get started.
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| How do I polish out
swirls and scratches?
The following is a general guide to polishing. It will
take you from compounding to polishing to finishing. If your paint problems
do not require compounding, skip to polishing. If you’re not sure, start
with polishing. Always take the least aggressive approach first! If
you don’t get the desired results from polishing, then use a swirl remover
and light cutting pad. The pads pictured at
the beginning of each section indicate what pads can be used to perform the
job described. The flat pads and the wave pads are interchangeable.
Please note: Deep scratches and swirls, and severe oxidation will
require compounding with a circular polisher. If you are inexperienced with
this type of polisher, consult a professional. If your fingernail catches
the scratch or swirl, it will require painting and must be repaired by a
professional.
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I. Swirl Removal 
Swirl removers can range from light to heavy.
Wolfgang
Total Swirl Remover works as both. It is more or less aggressive based
on your pad selection. The application is the same.
 1.
In the picture to the right, this is a serious case of swirls. Choose a green pad and
Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover 3.0.
2. Apply a circle of swirl remover around the edge of
the pad. Some will say apply a quarter size amount. You can even apply it
directly to the paint.
Spread the swirl remover
over a small section (about 2 x 2 sq. ft.) with the polisher turned
off to prevent sling.
3. Set the maximum speed on the polisher at 5. Turn the polisher on and work the swirl remover in a
side to side, overlapping motion. Move slowly to give the abrasives time to
work.
NOTE: The Porter Cable
tells you if you're applying too much pressure. The pad will stop rotating.
Lighten up on the machine and let it do the work for you.
 4.
When the swirl remover turns to a transparent film,
the abrasives have broken down. Turn off the machine and lift it off the
paint. Buff away the residue with a soft microfiber towel and inspect your results. If you are not satisfied, repeat the process with
the Edge 2000 Green or Yellow pads.
* A light haze or dullness is
normal. The next step will restore the gloss.
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II. Polishing
 Polishing
improves the smoothness and gloss of the paint. Use
Wolfgang
Finishing Glaze if you’ve just used a swirl remover or if the paint just
needs a boost. If you did not need to perform step I, use
Wolfgang Paintwork
Polish Enhancer, a prewax cleaner, to remove old wax and paint
contamination before applying sealant. The application of both of these
products is as follows:
1. Use the blue polishing pad on your polisher. Apply
Wolfgang
Finishing Glaze 3.0 or
Wolfgang
Paintwork Polish Enhancer to the pad or to the paint and spread
it around with the machine turned off.
2. Set the maximum speed to about 4.5.
You're not trying to cut. You're just trying to burnish the paint to a
high gloss. Work in a side to side, overlapping motion until the polish
turns clear.
3. Buff with a
Cobra
Microfiber Towel and check your results. If you can still see
some haze, repeat the process. This time, be sure that the abrasives are
fully broken down before you buff.
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III. Finishing 
You're
nearing the finish line. Just a couple more steps will make your vehicle
glow. Once you've achieved the desired shine, follow up
with a Wolfgang Deep
Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 to lock in the gloss.
1. Attach a white ultrafine polishing pad to your
Porter Cable 7424XP. Apply the product to the paint or to the pad. Spread it
around the paint in a 2 x 2 sq. ft. section with the polisher turned off.
2. Set the maximum speed to 3 or 4. You do
not need
speed to apply nonabrasive products. Spread the product over the paint until
it is sufficiently covered. There are no abrasives to break down. You are just
trying to get even coverage.
3. Buff off the product with a
Cobra Microfiber Towel
or slip a
Microfiber Bonnet
over an unused pad. The bonnet is like having a
microfiber towel on your polisher. Just be sure to put the bonnet over a
clean pad so no products will seep through the bonnet.
Detailing Tips:
- The polisher will do the work for you. There's no
need to apply pressure.
- Pad and product selection is not an exact science.
The severity of the imperfections, the cut of the pad, and the
aggressiveness of the product all factor into the final results. Don't be
afraid to experiment.
- Start with the least aggressive method first. Go to
a more aggressive pad or polish only if necessary.
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Foam & Wool Pad Cleaning
 The easiest way to clean your foam and wool pads is to drop them in pad cleaner while they are still wet with polish or wax. Dried products are more difficult to remove from the pads. To do this, mix up a bucket of water and Wolfgang Polishing Pad Rejuvenator at the start of your detailing session. As you finish using each pad, drop it in the cleaning solution to soak. When you are finished with your detail, use the Foam Pad Conditioning Brush to agitate the pads. Then rinse the pads and lay out to dry.
When your clean pads are dry, put them in a sealable plastic bag or container to keep them free of dust until their next use.
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