Car polishers

[XCR]

Originally Posted by christheancient

A safe/lazy way?

Pop into a reputable local dealer (Volvo if possible) that sells good quality 2nd-hand cars as well, look at a couple of good-looking cars and ask them if they use a company to 'prep' their cars. And if so, who?

A pro might be a bit more expensive; but much more skilled.

They are the last people to use ! Unless you want buffer trails and cheap products that contain a lot of filler to mask the swirls rather than remove them.
Listen to the good advice already given here or pop across to detailing world.
Don't worry too much about the cost as, once you've mastered the art (and it is an art) of paint correction your set up will be used again and again on future cars and those of your family and friends.
Its immensely rewarding !
The cost of the kit can easily be recouped when you come to sell your beautiful, shiny car....or if its ultimately not your thing, then a good machine polisher and accessories will sell for a decent proportion of the new cost.
Win win.

[Bonefishblues]

Agree. Unless a real premium brand, prep's done to a budget/time.

Where do people get their pads from, btw.

[V70DurhamMart]

Everyone will have there own source of supplies but for price and great service Slims detailing have been one I’ve used for 5 years or so and if ordered before 2/3pm I usually have it the next day.
I started as people suggested with a scrap door and a rotary and learned what not do do. Dual action machines are easier and give a better/quicker result.
Don’t try to rush anything and if your getting lots of dust you’ve probably used to much product or applied more pressure than what’s maybe required. Let the product and pad do it’s job and review as combinations of pads and products will give varying results whether your cutting or refining swirls, holograms or scratches that haven’t gone to deep.
Also keep your polishing surface clean, don’t try to do too much at once as unless your inside in a fairly dust free area picking up dust or whatever is in the environment will get into your pad and can grind or cRelate what your trying to get rid of.
I’m new to posting and if I could put pics up of various stages of getting coach work to optimal clarity as one pass may take out the majority of stuff but refining more will give you better results
Like anything it’s time, versus cost and effort.

[Willow place]

I'm just peeling the fancy stuff off at the moment other bits with wet and dry and then just spray with a general purpose lacquer , but my car is shot to bits with Dings and Scrapes, just thought I would try and tart it up a bit !! Useful in a car park not many people want to park near it !!!

[andy_d]

thats mine,, 04 plate
the DA etc and the ££ ,,yes worth it

[Thekilt]

This is one of the worst bits on the car, but it does go accross the whole side of the car. I managed to get most of it out of the rear passenger door with T-cut, but havent tried the front door or this section.

[reggit]

Possibly a daft question, but I don’t know.....

Do you still need to clay the panels if you are using a polishing machine?

Thinking of investing in one now I’ve got the new car (and old one to flog on), but it’s all double Dutch to me 😂

[Bonefishblues]

Wash, using a stripping agent (e.g. Fairy Liquid)
Clay.
Wash off again.
Polish.
Protect/seal.

Slightly faster to type than to do

[Discombobulated]

Just wanted to add my support for the DAS6 dual action machine, I’ve had mine years and I’ve always been pleased with the results. I’ve used these:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Meguiars-...8AAOSwdA5bNTMt

Quick and easy results.

Enjoy whatever you decide to buy.

Cheers, Luke

[Bashy]

HI folks, THIS is what many body shops use, i have used them many. many times when i was smart repairing at various defleet centers, Eurofleet (now Inchcape), Gefco, Paragon and QVR.

As for burning the paint, melting the rubber strips, headlights and bumpers etc, thats down to inexperience, done a few of each in my time lol (except a headlight but i know a guy that did melt a hole in one once), its down to a few factors, too much pressure, not enough polish, the wrong polish (inexperience) then wrong head and or too fast a head.

The only bad part about those polishers is burning through the bushes or bearings, but you should never do either, not unless youre going to be using it 8hrs a day 5/6 days a week under serious load

I should mention cutting compounds, the main ones was G4 and my fave, 3M Fast cut and your own fave polish to finish