Finish quality: rotary vs da

ShinyChevy · 05-12-09, 06:43

Just for fun I did two side by side test spots, one with the rotary, one with the da, using several pad/product combinations. The rotary spot consistantly looked "clearer" than the da spot. Or, to state it a different way, the da spot looked somewhat cloudy vs the rotary spot. This was on black CC paint and the difference was very subtle but it was there. Has anyone else seen this or is it just me and my dirty glasses?

craigdt · 05-12-09, 08:26

Well there are a lot of variables.

What pad
What polish
what method

Any pics?

Darkstar752 · 05-12-09, 08:31

When I use PO85RD on a rotary, it definitely makes a subtle but big difference if that makes sense. I feel like it finishes down better than a DA could, the clarity and depth is just astounding.

ShinyChevy · 05-13-09, 03:06

craigdt,

Maybe I didn't explain it very well. In my little test the pads and polishes were the same. The only variable was the machine used to apply them - rotary vs pc.

No, sorry, no pix. I was doing the test spot(s) to figure what process to use on the whole vehicle to get the results I wanted and did not stop to take pictures.

Just curious if anyone else has noticed a similar effect.

Lumadar · 05-13-09, 03:13

Many people believe a rotary (in the right hands) can produce a superior finish to a DA polisher.

Some products will back that up, where as others will finish out too close to call with either method.

Just find what works and looks best for you and go with that

Setec Astronomy · 05-13-09, 03:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShinyChevy

The rotary spot consistantly looked "clearer" than the da spot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumadar

Many people believe a rotary (in the right hands) can produce a superior finish to a DA polisher.

Several rotary experts here have made that assertion in the past.

ShinyChevy · 05-14-09, 05:35

Thanks, that's good info. I'll search for the threads.

wfedwar · 05-14-09, 05:56

A PC is not Dual Action...

MichaelM · 05-14-09, 06:22

Considering there was equal prep, compounding & polishing there should be no difference in finish quality between paint jeweled by a rotary or paint jeweled by a DA machine.

drew.haynes · 05-14-09, 06:28

If there is ANY proof of rotaries being able to FINISH BETTER than a PC, that proof is irrefutably RickRack's work.

scary bill · 05-14-09, 11:42

I always manage to get a much clearer finish out of a rotary. Even when I get a PC finish looking nice, it always misses the sharpness and crispness.

Once the finish is close to perfect, I can use UF by PC with a blue LC pad and not make the finish less good. This is only for the times I can't get the rotary to finish out, or if I have to buff at weird angles and such.

ShinyChevy · 05-18-09, 08:55

Yep, that has been my experience as well.