Ive been playing with Tamiya's rubbing compound for several months now trying to get the most shine to my car's paint jobs. My main problem with this product is it rubs the paint off.
I apply several coats of spray paint and let dry for at least 12 hours before i apply another coat. I use just about a full can of paint and let dry for a few days, two or three days or until i feel like it, before i start on the polishing. I dont rub the compound on very hard. I usually just apply it and gently rub it in a circular motion for a minute or so constantly changing the rag so the paint doesnt build up. I repeat this step three times with each compound tub. By the way, i use all three compounds. By the time im finishing up the third coat of the coarse tub, i start to notice the plastic's color in some areas.
When this happens i usually just rub two coats of the other rubbing compounds (fine and finish) and do my best to rub even gentlier. The paint usually starts to come off in corners such as the bottom of the model where it bends inward, the bottom of the front and rear bumpers, around the door handles, and sometimes on the side mirrors. After completing the three compounds i follow with a wax. I apply it basically the same as the rubbing compound and i do notice a bit of paint comes off, but im assuming thats normal.
Question #1: Based on what i've said so far, am i doing something wrong?
Ive read many threads you guys post and ive noticed several of you say you rub till your arm falls off to get that mirror shine. That right? Then how the heck do you guys avoid having the paint rub off if you rub like crazy to get the best mirror shine? I used my dremel to polish a piece of plastic but at its lowest speed (8,000 RPMs) it still managed to polish the paint right off. I asked the guy at my LHS how it should be used to get the best results and he mentioned i should let the painted car sit for at least a week before i start applying the rubbing compound.
Question #2: Would someone mind sharing their secrets about how they get that mirror shine without having the paint come off?
Question #3: How do you get avoid having the paint rubbed off?
Guys, Thanks kindly for your time to visit this threat and sharing your thoughts.