SMAT or DAT
Written by: Vinnie van Rooij
There are mainly 2 different types of polishes. SMAT and DAT. Knowing which one does what will help you to choose the right polish for the job.
SMAT and DAT
polish is made out of a few ingredients. Most common is an oil to help lubricate and an abrasive material (usually a powdery substance).
SMAT = Super Micro abrasive Technology
SMAT uses micro abrasives of a fixed size for a controlled and even effect. These abrasives stay this size. Which means that more passes will have more effect. In essence: the longer you polish, the more effect it will have (because you remove more paint). There is a limit to how long it lasts because the micro abrasives in the polish can be deformed by the polishing-action, making them less effective. Stop polishing when you have achieved the desired result.
DAT = Diminishing abrasives Technology
DAT uses abrasives that break down while using. A combination of pressure, heat and time causes the abrasives in the polish to become smaller and smaller. They get pulverized and disintegrate into nothing. After a certain time, the polish will have no effect anymore, regardless of the passes you make. It is highly recommended to work in the polish until it is completely disintegrated.
DAT may offer less cutting power then SMAT, but they finish with a surface that needs much less refinement. In some cases you can actually achieve a finishing result with 1 polish.
Different related articles
- Salt is an unwelcome type of contamination on your vehicle. Salt can cause rapid corrosion and extreme dage to unprotected metals. It can also severely stain polished metals and create a matte look over the surface....
- Waterspots are mineral deposits left behind after a liquid (such as water) evaporated. During evaporation, only the water molecules will evaporate. The contamination in the water will be left behind. Minerals are a very common contamination in water....
- Farecla is a manufacturer of detailing products located in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. The company has a range of products aimed at refining and perfecting surfaces in several different ways....
- Wiper marks are surface imperfections in the direction and line that windscreen wipers move. Simply put, these are marks in the glass caused by the movement of the windscreen wipers. They can affect your vision and are difficult te remove....
- Overspray is caused by the mist that is created when spray painting a surface. The tiny paint particles are light enough to float around in the air, when they land they slowly start to harden and become overspray. Overspray can be removed safely in many cases....
- Rupes is an Italian (Vermezzo) manufacturer of professional machinery, tools and some other electrical equipment. Besides several different machines, they also manufacture machine polishers for the detailing industry. The most famous one is probably the Rupes Bigfoot series....
Links to this article
There are no external links to this article. Yet.