Paint correction

[BMWManiac]

I have a Porter 7474 and I'm using a kit from Autogeek that I bought years ago. Came with an orange, blue, white pads. I don't remember the actual brand, but this is the process I used:

1) Wash - 2 bucket method
2) Clay with detailer (cut the clay in multiple pieces and use once)
3) Orange to cut
4) white for polish
5) blue for finishing

I'm a complete amateur at this, but I noticed I didn't do that great of a job on the swirl marks because they are still there. Here are my questions:
1) Do I need to go with a more abrasive pad and/or agent? I've read the links above and will can give those a whirl
2) When I'm at the polishing step, should all the swirls be gone already?
3) How often should I replace the pads? Should I even try to clean them after use or just put them back in a plastic bag til next time? What is the proper way to clean the pads?
4) Should I mask off all the black trim because it contaminates my pads?

[Mless5]

You did not list any chemicals corresponding to pads you have used.

[BMWManiac]

You did not list any chemicals corresponding to pads you have used.

Sorry!

3) Orange to cut - Pinnacle natural brilliance Advanced Swirl Remover
4) white for polish - Pinnacle natural brilliance advanced finishing polish
5) blue for finishing - Pinnacle natural brilliance liquid souveran

[crazy4trains]

I'm an amateur also and have only used Meguiar's M105 and M205 compounds. My experience with those compounds has been that it takes much more time than you think to remove the swirls with the first compound. For me it would be the M105 and for you it would be the Swirl Remover. 1-2 passes just doesn't get it done, at least with my Harbor Freight DA polisher. Suggest you spend a little more time with your swirl remover and be patient. You should consider placing some tape across the panel to make it easier to compare to an un-corrected section to see if you are making progress. Don't move on to the next compound/pad combination until you are sure the swirls have been removed. Just my $0.02.

[BMWManiac]

I'm an amateur also and have only used Meguiar's M105 and M205 compounds. My experience with those compounds has been that it takes much more time than you think to remove the swirls with the first compound. For me it would be the M105 and for you it would be the Swirl Remover. 1-2 passes just doesn't get it done, at least with my Harbor Freight DA polisher. Suggest you spend a little more time with your swirl remover and be patient. You should consider placing some tape across the panel to make it easier to compare to an un-corrected section to see if you are making progress. Don't move on to the next compound/pad combination until you are sure the swirls have been removed. Just my $0.02.

Agreed, it is tough to see progress in the garage. I'm thinking of getting one of those light stands because i see the swirls clear as day direct sunlight. The entire process takes so long, I usually just do one pass, but if I want the right results, I don't move on until its fixed!

[crazy4trains]

One pass won't get it done.

[EnVe46]

Im not familiar with that polisher but what speed are you using? A slow steady pass with medium speed should do the job. As mentioned, take your time, be patient and post your before/after shots!!!

[BMWManiac]

Im not familiar with that polisher but what speed are you using? A slow steady pass with medium speed should do the job. As mentioned, take your time, be patient and post your before/after shots!!!

6 for swirl remover
4 for polish
3 for wax

[Mless5]

6 for swirl remover
4 for polish
3 for wax

Hmm, I usually do inverse of that: slower for more cut, faster for polishing/final LSP application. I stop at 4.5/5 though.