Yey Guys,
Just wondering which method of buffing/polishing you guys use. Orbital, Rotory or the old fashion way, by hand ? I used the orbital but their to big and bulky. The rotory seem to be the choice of the pro's and I believe it takes some experience. Ya can't fail by hand but I'm sure you can get better results with the power equipment.
Please let us know, if you use power, which unit you use.

Thanks

 

Lots of options. I use a Porter Cable Model # 7424XP. These are DA polishers and believed to be one of the better/best ones to use. I would be cautious of a regular rotary polisher as they can burn through the paint quickly and much more likely to leave swirls. (Experts use them strategically...but not all that safe). The Porter with the correct cut pads and product will leave a beautiful and swirl free/burn free result.

Good luck. ( I am not associated with Porter Cable or any other product BTW )

DC

Here is a good Website with top 12 and tips. (No affiliation with any) LINK HERE

 

Flex is the best I have used - There have been numerous brands launch since I bought the Flex like 9 years ago, but it does such a great job, I haven't needed to check others. I refinish and restore acoustic drums and use it on lacquer finishes and it works as well for that as it does on cars.

 

If it is polishing then I think machine is best. I havent had success with orbital, so if I had to have a dark car polished I would take it to a pro.

That said I have had amazing results using the carpro polyshave block with the carpro lubricant, then followed with a Polish Angel creme then a few goes over with Polish Angel spray wax. No step requires hard work (mainly wipe on wipe off), it is very easy and virtually foolproof. I think it is the best stuff I have used in 35 years of fussing over cars, even with over a month between washes if it rains the car looks as though it has just been detailed.

 

I use a Porter Cable 7424XP, and have a number of pads and compounds. It's a good unit, although I see there are now cordless ones (Flex, for example) that weren't available when I bought mine. At least, they weren't carried by the source I chose on recommendation from a fellow enthusiast (autogeek.net, for the record).

I always start with Menzerna Final Finish. That was the lightest cut they made when I bought it, but I think they have even finer now. They've changed they numbering scheme so I'm not sure.

I've only used rotary for headlights. I wouldn't trust myself with one on paint.

 

Mine is a TORQ X variable speed, random orbital. I use the Chemical Guys product line. Happy with the results.

 

+1 on the Porter Cable

 

I use the machine polisher once to get the finish up to a good standard then use hand polish products after that to keep and enhance it.
I use a rotary polisher which isn't very forgiving for beginners, however i have been using one for 30+ years and have the bad back to prove it.
If your new to machine polishing i would suggest a lightweight orbital polisher might suit.
Compound wise i really like Finixa as an aio.

Don't forget to clay bar 1st

 

-1 on porter cable - flex is basically the equivalent of Michelin PS4S tires - you either buy them or you are forcefully removed from the board! I kid of course, but I would strongly recommend dual action and variable speed as “must have” features. Most good quality units will have both. Also watch out for the “pros” - I have been detailing cars for a long time. I’ve had my own shop and worked in auto body as well. There are a lot of people that put up a shingle and open a shop but that doesn’t mean they know about how different paints respond to various pressures, cleaners, waxes and polish or how to measure paint depth etc. for corrective work. I’m not implying that you need a PhD to polish a car, but it’s like a bad paint job, once it’s on there, there is no fixing it.