Electric car polisher

[Tashyboy]

Spent a couple of hours today polishing the car, me arms feel as long as an orangutans now.
Thought about buying an electric buffer/ polisher but are they more hassle or not.
Once had a vx220 and was told not to electric polish it coz of the edges on the car.
Anyone recommend owt.

 

[full_throttle]

Do you live in such a posh area there are no Europeans offering car wash and valet services?

 

[Region3]

The problem with edges is that you have a lot of pressure on a small focussed area and you can go through the lacquer (and possibly paint) if you're not careful.

If you go for it, just practice on something that doesn't matter before you unleash it on your motor.

 

[Tashyboy]

Do you live in such a posh area there are no Europeans offering car wash and valet services?

I like me car to much to let the amateurs loose on it. Plus retirement gives me the time and long arms.

 

[la_lucha]

I buy and sell cars. I bought one from halfords and it does a cracking job. Just be cautious to cover Windows and plastics as it obviously splatters all over the place.

 

[Lump]

If your not experienced, get an orbital one and not a rotary. Loads less likely to burn through the paint. Use loads of water and don't let the pads get dry or you'll create too much heat.
Worth a read of some of the detailing forums. Some of the U.K's best detailers give some great advise on them.
Also, don't cheap out on pads, wax's or cutting agents.

 

[MegaSteve]

As, by your own admission, you have plenty of time on your hands... Stick to doing it 'manually'... Using a machine provides too many opportunities for making a complete Horlicks of it...

 

[Twire]

Plenty to choose from on this site.

http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/?gclid=CJ3R2OHs280CFRSeGwodobUBEw


They are great to deal with with quick delivery. I get all my car cleaning accessories from here.

 

[Slime]

Have a look at this and maybe give them a call, they're extremely helpful.

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polis...as-6-pro-sonus-and-menzerna-kit/prod_677.html


I got one of these kits a couple of years ago and they are absolutely fantastic!
There's virtually no danger of burning through the laquer or paint and, when used correctly, I got no spattering at all. Many people use too much polish.
To hone your technique I would follow a series of YouTube videos by a guy who calls himself Junkman 2000.
He's done plenty of videos regarding machine polishing.
The Das 6-Pro is the way forward.
As far as forums go, Detailing World is very good and informative.

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/index.php

:thup:

 

[Piece]

The answer depends on what you actually want to achieve.

If you want to get the best shine & finish, then you have to eliminate swirl marks and very shallow scratches. Use a dual action machine (I have a DAS-Pro) with good pads and a good cutting cream. Finish off with a light cream polisher. If you are more experienced, then use a rotary machine. The pads don't need water on them; they just need to be prepared correctly with a short squirt of detailing spray or special pad liquid, prior to use. This process should be kept to an absolute minimum as you are cutting into paint and it is only so deep! . Also takes a bit of practice to get right, so start in a small and inconspicuous place first! You can then buff to get the shine...I do have a Halfords finisher but I haven't use it as I prefer doing my wax by hand with microfibre towels. Prevent swirls and scratches returning by simple techniques, such as two bucket wash method, 'water drying', and dab dry with towel; EDIT: as Slime says, Junkman 2000 vids are excellent and also long...but they show you the right technique when using machines!

If just doing a polish finish, it is better by hand, but can you can use machines. Just take care as uneven results can occur - practice first!

Plenty of useful advice on a specialist sites, such as Detailing World, Ultimate Finish, Autobrite, Chemical Guys, Polished Bliss, etc.

 

[Simbo]

I don't personally use one on mine, I prefer doing it by hand . A dual action polisher is your best bet though if you want to use one. Much less likely than a rotary to damage anything . The das 6 pro is a common choice for the concours boys when they are at home.

 

[Slime]

Before I used my Das-6 Pro polisher on my own car, I practiced on a donor car and went from this;

to this,

It took a while as it was my first go, but it's definitely worth the effort.