Polishing Supplies for Beginning Polishers

[Todd@RUPES]

Polishing Supplies For The Beginning Polisher

If you are considering the purchase of a machine polisher.. Congratulations on your first step. Swirl free paint and crisp clear reflections are just minutes away. Learning to polish paint is very rewarding. Not only will you increase the shine of your vehicle and improve its resale but you will get the gratification of doing it yourself. Once considered black magic, modern technology and safer and more efficient machines have made achieving professional (or better than professional) results easy to achieve.

There are so many quality products are the market today including polishes, machine polishers, pads and accessories that confuse the first time paint polisher. The purpose of this article is to look at, step-by-step, the different tools you will need to be successful the first time you head into the garage and turn the polisher on.

What Is Paint Polishing

The chances are, if you are reading this article, you are familiar with paint polishing concepts. To recap, paint polishing or machine polishing refers to the process of smoothing uneven paint in order to remove visible paint defects and maximize your paint`s shine. Normal wear and improper wash techniques will create a fine texture on the paint that disperses reflected light and dulls the shine. Exposure to the elements, such as acid rain, can etch clear coat creating eye sore`s that detract from the beauty of your paint.

By using the proper combination of machine, pad, polish and technique you can smooth away the paint defects by removing all of the material above the depth of the defect. Imagine a bulldozer leveling away rough terrain and leaving behind smooth land. Shrink the scale to the near-microscopic level and a similar concept applies to machine polishing.

In order to remove more severe paint defects (that penetrate deeper) it may be necessary to use a more aggressive polishing step that quickly removes material. This more aggressive “first step” w ill likely leave behind fine scratches that require a subsequent polishing step to smooth the finish for the ultimate in gloss. As you progress in your experience and knowledge you may find it beneficial to add more steps to achieve a more flawless finish. A classic Ferrari I recently detailed required no fewer then 6 separate stages of polishing to remove years of improper handing and abuse.


What You Need To Polish Paint

• Something With Paint- This is self explanatory. You cannot work on what you do not have.
  
• Cleaning and Decontamination Supplies- Any surface that you are going to polish needs to be perfectly clean and free of any contaminants that normal washing will not remove. You should invest in two 5 gallon wash buckets, two grit guards, a quality soap or wash solution and soft drying towels. You will also need detailing clay and a lubricant at a minimum.
  
• Machine Polisher- Autopia-CarCare.com carries a wide variety of machine polishers. From powerful direction action rotary polishers to beginner friendly dual action orbital polishers, and everything in between.
  
• Backing Plate- Most paint polishing pads feature a hook and loop (Velco-like) attachment that allows them to attach to the machine polisher. Backing plates come in different sizes to equip different sized pads. Rotary and dual action orbital polishers each require a particular style of backing plate.
  
• Polishes- Polishes come in a variety of liquids, pastes and even sprays. The most common, by far, are liquids of varying consistency. Liquid sprays are an unique subset and pastes, while popular for doing hand work yesteryear, are not commonly used. When beginning your polishing journey, it is advisable to start with two types of polishes: A coarser cut polish for removing more severe (deeper) paint defects and a fine cut polish for removing light defects and creating a high gloss shine.
  
• Microfiber Towels- You will need soft and absorbent towels to remove the polish from the surface after you are done polishing. Using rough or coarse towels can (will) inflict light scratches on the surface as you remove the polish, quickly ruining the hard work you just did.

Machine Polishers

The first step in getting started with machine polishing is selecting the correct type of machine polisher. Machine polishers can be categorized by the way they move the backing plate (which attaches to the polishing pad)

All machine polishers work by creating friction on the paint`s surface. This friction caused by the movement the machine polisher creates as it moves a polishing pad across the surface. It should be noted that since all machine polishers create friction and the process of polishing paint means that you are removing paint, there is always some risk involved.

Types of Polishers:

• Dual Action Polishers: Dual Action Polisher, or DA Polishers, work by moving the pad in two patterns at the same time. They combine an oscillating movement (tiny orbital movement) with a spinning movement. Depending on the type of machine, the spinning action can be free wheeling (Random Orbital ) or direct (Forced Rotation).
  
• Rotary Polishers: Rotary Polishers, which are also referred to as Variable Speed, High Speed, and/or Circular polishers work by moving the pad in a spinning motion. These machines generally create much higher friction due to the rapid rate at which they move the pad.

DA Polisher Types: - There are two styles/types of DA Polishers : Random Orbital and Forced Rotation

Random Orbital DA Polishers: Random Orbital DA Polishers have a free-spinning or free-wheeling pad. There is no direct drive between the pad spinning and the motor. Random Orbital DA Polishers instead drive the pad in a tiny orbital movement that very much mimics the movement of your hand if you where applying wax in the Mr. Myagi "wax on/wax off" motion, only much smaller circles and a much higher rate of speed.

A free-spinning bearing connects the backing plate (pad mount) to the machine. Centrifugal force, created by the tiny orbital motion, allows the pad to spin. Since there is no direct link between the machine and the rotation of the pad, applying too much pressure will cause the pad to stop rotating. This can prevent over heating the paint as well as prevent to much paint removal.

On the surface, Random Orbital DA Polishers are the safest and easiest to control for new users. Random Orbital Polishers have another unique advantage. Because there is no direct link between the rotation and orbital movements, it allows the pad`s to create an infinitely variable (hence Random) pattern of movement across the paint. Manipulation of this pattern, by experienced users, can dramatically increase the cutting power or finishing ability.

Random Orbital Polishers-

Porter Cable 7424 XP- Porter Cable, with the original 7424, is the company that introduced DA polishing to enthusiasts. The "XP" has more power, more speed, and less vibrations. While some would say it "only" features a 1-year warrenty, many would argue that they never need one to begin with.

Griot`s Garage 6 Inch DA- The Griot`s Garage is a power house with a life-time warrenty. It features a power 850 watt motor that may resist bogging more than the other models.


Meguiar`s G110v2- The Meguiar`s G110v2 features a soft start feature, rubberized soft-touch body, and ultra smooth performance. It also has the same high speed as the other polishers and a powerful motor. It is a little more polished then the other machines, but just as capable. It also features an extremely accurate speed dial.



Forced Rotation DA Polishers: Forced Rotation DA Polishers get their namesake because the directly drive both the orbital motion and the rotational movement of the pad. The pattern the pad creates as it moves across the paint`s surface is controlled and never changes; the only variable is the rate (speed) of the movement. These machines are very much a blend between Random Orbital DA Polishers and direct-drive Rotary Polishers.

Instead of a free-spinning bearing assembly, Forced Rotation DA Polishers use some type of gearing system to tie both movements together. This adds to the complexity of the machine, but also increases the available polishing power, particularly when pressure is applied. With a Random Orbital DA Polisher the pad may stop spinning under pressure. With the Forced Rotation DA Polisher it will continue to spin (and orbit) increasing the potential for polishing power.

Since the pattern of movement of the pad is fixed (the pad will orbit a fixed number of times per rotation) the only variable the operator controls is the rate (speed) of movement and the pressure. This actually shortens the learning curve of the machine and allows almost new users to achieve maximum results with little learn time.

The flip-side is because the motion is directly driven there is more heat transfer to the paint. Forced Rotation DA Polishers will also drive or steer more across the paint as they work. You do trade some safety for the increase in polishing power, although it still remains an extremely safe way to polish paint.

Forced Rotation DA Polishers-

Makita BO6040 Polisher- The Makita "Two-Mode` is unique in that it features both a Random Orbital mode and a Forced Rotation mode. Simply turn a dial to switch between the different functions. Unlike the other polishers in this article, it features a smaller, 3/16th in stroke (the distance of the orbit) which makes it great for machine sanding in Random Orbital Mode.


FLEX 3401 VRG Dual Action Polisher- The FLEX 3401 is one of the most popular polishers on the market and for good reason. It gives polishers the ability to remove serious paint defects quickly on the first use. A variable speed dial and variable speed trigger allows the user to find the right speed for the application and the rugged design never seems to disappoint.


Rotary Polishers: Rotary Polishers, also called Variable Speed Polishers, Circular Polishers, and High Speed Polishers were once the tool of choice for machine polishing. They work driving the pad in a direct spinning motion. The combination of a powerful motor and the direct spinning motion allow rotary polishers to create a lot of pad speed. This increase the friction which increases both the polishing power and the risk to the paint. Rotary polishers should not be used by new polishes because of the increased risk of paint damage.

DeWalt DWP849X- DeWalt rotary polishers have been a staple of machine polishing for years and year. The DWP takes the famous 849 motor and wraps it in a lightweight casing for improved control.

FLEX PE- The FLEX PE14-2-150 Rotary Polisher is considered the Mercedes Benz of rotary polishers. The combination of huge power and lightweight wrapped into an ergonomic design gives FLEX users awesome control and massive correction power.

Makita 9227C Variable Speed Polisher- The Makita 9227 combines smooth performance with perfect balance and power. The Makita 9227 has a perfectly-weighted sensitive speed trigger that allows the user to select the perfect RPM range for their application.


Picking the right polisher:

Before deciding on the exact model it is good to first evaluate your needs and the style

Random Orbital Polishers (Porter Cable, Griot`s, Meguiar`s) used to be considered under-powered beginner`s tools. Now with the advent of modern pad systems (low profile foam pads and microfiber discs) and abrasives this is no longer the case. In fact there has been a resurgence in Random Orbital Polisher use with advanced and experienced users. Learning how to master the Random Orbital DA Polisher takes a lot of time, but for the few that have, you will rarely see them use another machine.

Forced Rotation Polishers combine many aspects from Random Orbital DA Polishers and Rotary Polishers. The result is a polisher that has near the cutting power of a rotary while being nearly as safe as a Random Orbital DA. For many enthusiasts this is the style of choice. With minimal experience they can generate incredible results, quickly.

Rotary Polishers offer the highest potential to create friction (and thus eliminate severe paint defects quickly). Their direct spinning motion can build a high level of heat on the paint quickly which increases the risk of paint damage. They can also chew through the thin paint found on sharp body angles quickly.

Regardless of the style of polisher you choose, Autopia-CarCare has the support team and the tools (pads/polishes/towels/misc items) to make sure you are on your way to high level polishing. ]

[Todd@RUPES]

Polishing Pads

It should go without saying, but in order to polish the paint you are going to need polishing pads. Polishing pads attach to the polisher (through a backing plate) and turn the movement of the machine into friction that is applied to the paint`s surface. Polishing pads vary in construction, size and use.

Construction- Polishing pads can be made of foam (polyester or polyether), natural or synthetic wool, or fabric (microfiber, denim or velvet).

Foam polishing pads come in a wide range of polishing ability, from firm and coarse cutting pads to soft and pliable finishing/waxing pads.

Wool pads are made from either natural or synthetic yarns. Wool pads tend be more aggressive then foam pads as their surface area allows more of the pad to work against the paint. In the case of twisted natural wool pads (often called 4 ply), the actual fibers of the pad act as an abrasive, increasing the pads cut.

Fabric pads are the newest pad materials to be introduced to the market. Microfiber disks work with the action of Random Orbital DA polishers to offer excellent cutting power. Velvet and Denim pads work with a Rotary Polisher to remove severe paint defects such as orange peel.


Size-

Pads can range from diameters of 3 inches up to 8 inches (or larger). They can range in thickness from 1/2 inch to several inches, with the most popular thicknesses being 7/8" to 1 1/4".

On a Random Orbital Dual Action Polisher smaller diameter pads will increase the polishing power.

On a Rotary Polisher larger diameter pads will increase the polishing power (per RPM).


Picking The Right Pads for Beginners:

If you are new to polishing you are likely using a Random Orbital Polisher or a Forced Rotation DA Polisher. If you are using a FLEX 3401 with a stock backing plate (included with the machine) you will be limited to 6.5 inch and larger pads.

If you are using a Random Orbital DA polisher then the most common sizes are 5.5 inch and 6.5 inch foam pads. 5.5 inch foam pads will offer an increase in polishing power.

Since you are new to polishing you will need at least one light cutting (aggressive polishing pad), one polishing pad, and one waxing pad.

For light cutting the most popular choice is Lake Country`s Orange Pad. Alternatives include the Lake Country Cyan Hydrotech Pad and the Hybrid White Pad.

For polishing the most popular choice is Lake Country`s standard White Foam pads. Alternatives include the Lake Country Tangerine Hydrotech Pad and the Hybrid Blue Pad.

For waxing the most popular choice are Lake Country`s Red Foam pads. Alternatives include the Lake Country Crimson Hydrotech Pad and the Hybrid Black Pad.


Backing Plates

Your polisher needs a backing plate. The backing plate screws onto the polisher (or the polisher screws onto it) and features a hook and loop sytem (Velcro style) to allow easy pad changes.

Backing plates come in different designs for rotary style polishes and Random Orbital DA Polishers. Rotary backing plates feature a large opening which screws onto a rotary polisher`s 5/8ths arbor. DA backing plates features a stud which screws into the DA polisher`s spindle. If the backing plate has a large opening it is for a Rotary Polisher; if it has a small threaded stud it is for a Random Orbital DA Polisher.

DA Polisher backing plates are usually low profile and solidly constructed. The outer edge of the backing plate is usually polyurethane or rubber, which allows the backing plate to conform slightly to curved body panels.

Rotary Polisher backing plates can be solid and low profile or tall with a lot of cushioning. To understand how the different design can change the performance of the machine read this article: How a Backing Plate Design Effects Rotary Polishing

Edit Picking The Right Backing Plate:

First select the correct backing plate for the machine you have: A Rotary or a Random Orbital DA. If you have a FLEX 3401XC you will need use a special backing plate system if you wish to change sizes.

Next consider the size of the pads you are going to use and match the backing plate to the pad size.

With a Random Orbital DA Polisher the 5 Inch Flexible Backing Plate is the most popular. This allows you to fit 5.5 inch pads for maximum efficiency on most panels while allowing you to switch to a 6.5 inch pad if you desire more safety margin.


Polishes:

Polishes are chemicals used to finely abrade a surface in order make it smoother. New technology has really improved the quality (and performance) of paint polishes. What used to require 3 or more steps can often be achieved in 2 steps.

For beginners- You will need a moderately aggressive polish as well as a finishing polish. The moderately aggressive polish (sometimes called a compound) will be used to remove deeper imperfections from the paint quickly. The finishing polish is used after the first polish or by itself to remove light swirl marks and restore gloss.

Here are a look at some of polishes and combos that are perfect for new polishers.

BLACKFIRE Duo- The BLACKFIRE Duo contains (aggressive) BLACKFIRE SRC Compound and (finishing) BLACKFIRE SRC Finsihing Polishes. This is a great combo for beginners because it delivers near professional results that are easy to achieve.

Optimum Hyper Compound Spray/ Hyper Polish Spray- Optimum uses advanced abrasive technology to create two easy-to-use sprayable polishes that deliver great results. Use Hyper Compound to remove serious paint defects quickly and Hyper Polish to eliminate any fine marks.

Meguiar`s M105/M205 - Meguiar`s M105 is an aggressive compound that quickly eliminates serious paint defects while leaving behind slight marks. Meguiars M205 quickly removes the marks (from M105) as well as light swirl marks and leaves behind a high gloss shine. M105 can be a little tricky at first. The most aggressive of the combos.

Sonax Profiline Fine Abrasive Paste/ Profiline Nano Polish- This two punch combo from Sonax delivers quite a knock out. These polishes are designed for use with a rotary polisher and work great at low speed, making them perfect if you are new with this type of machine.


Let Autopia Take The Guess Work Out For You!

Autopia-CarCare.com features a wide selection of pre-packed combo kits that include the polisher, backing plate, wrench tool, pads, polishes, and towels.

Click on this LINK then select the tool you are looking at to see some of the great deals and kits available.

[Todd@RUPES]

Questions or Comments Welcome

[BobbyG]

Comments! How about HOLY COW Todd!!!

What a great information packed thread!!

Information like this is very important to folks starting out. It definitively points then not only in a direction but also clearly spells out which pads and machine to use them on.

Product suggestions along with the appropriate pads are the Holy Grail of someone starting out which will give immediate satisfactory results without all the trial and error using the wrong product or pad combination...

Superb information my friend.....

[holland_patrick]

No Poorboy`s love for polishes

[Todd@RUPES]

No Poorboy`s love for polishes

AutopiaForums is an open forum. If you have a favorite brand of products or get results from that brand then I would encourage you to do a write-up showing the benefits, experiences and results you have achieved using them. There is no better way, and certainly no more positive way, then to allow others to benefit from your experience. We love positive contributions here.

[psnt1ol]

This should be a sticky!!!! Thanks Todd.

[Bunky]

No Poorboy`s love for polishes

Menzerna?

[Todd@RUPES]

Menzerna?

shhhhhh.... your ruining my conspiracy

[ihaveacamaro]

Absolutely great article Todd!

I LOVE my Opt Hyper Compound and Hyper Polish for their ease of use, long working time, and no dusting aspect, but unfortunately I often need something way more abrasive than OHC to work on hard clear coats like my Camaro... which is where the next set of polishes you talk about M105/M205 come into play

[Custom Care]

Wow, Todd this is some great information. I wish I would have come across something like this when I first started purchasing detailing supplies and equipment. I definitely would have saved alot of time an money.

[Old Pirate]

Well write up there Todd, remember everyone and you new detailers that with so many products that the Autopia Car Care Store carry`s you the detailer and newbie can get the results your looking for and don`t have to break the bank in doing so.

[pwaug]

Great write up!! Wish I could have found something like this a year ago when I was venturing into machine polishing.

Thoughts from the perspective of someone recently new to machine polishing:

Perhaps mention "large stroke DA polishers" as there is currently allot of noise about them on all the forums so will enter into the conversation of someone looking to get into machine polishing.

Wouldn`t it be better to mention that you need many more pads per step than just one?

How about MF towels to remove compound and polish?

Could you go so far as to say 105/205 are not beginner friendly and perhaps UC and UP would be better for the beginner if they want to stay with Megs products?

[Todd@RUPES]

Great write up!! Wish I could have found something like this a year ago when I was venturing into machine polishing.

Thoughts from the perspective of someone recently new to machine polishing:

Thanks!

Perhaps mention "large stroke DA polishers" as there is currently allot of noise about them on all the forums so will enter into the conversation of someone looking to get into machine polishing.

With the addition of Rupes, I will be adding to the article soon.

Wouldn`t it be better to mention that you need many more pads per step than just one?

Not in my judgement. This article is geared for beginners looking to make their car shinier in their garage. Keep-It-Simple-Simon

How about MF towels to remove compound and polish?

Again keeping it simple. This would be a great addition though

Could you go so far as to say 105/205 are not beginner friendly and perhaps UC and UP would be better for the beginner if they want to stay with Megs products?

Very much so!

[basswood]

Wow, what a terrific write up!

Less than a year ago I moved from the only "washing and waxing" routine that I`ve done all my life to becoming OCD about making our cars look their best. Heck, I didn`t even know what claying was...

Trying to sort out all the info about products and technique had left me in a daze. This tutorial finally cleared up so much confusion in a concise and easy to understand manner. Simple is great!

Do I have these steps correct? Wheels, wash, dry, clay if necessary, correct, seal, wax.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this knowledge.

Best regards,
Tom