[Simbo]

Hi All,

Just purchased my first DA polisher. I’m a little apprehensive but I’ve been watching countless YouTube videos so know what I’ve got to do.

I don’t want to go too mad with paint correction….I simply want to remove some light swirls and give the paint a nice shine.

Does anyone have any tips? Pad + compound combos?

My F30 is mineral grey….don’t know if that has any bearing on how hard / soft the paint is?

Thanks!

[Billfitz]

For full correction I use Menzerna Step 1, then Step 2, and Step 3, all with the appropriate color foam pad. Rotary action with Stage1, random orbit with 2 and 3. I seal it with Manzerna Power lock. If I don't need full correction I skip the Stage 1.

https://www.amazon.com/Menzerna-400-...85758601&psc=1

[Onizukachan]

Da is so forgiving you could give it to a one armed blind man and get decent results.

As bill noted though, rotary gives the best results.

I use a detail garage green pad and their v34. With a rotary I can go from correction to final cut and buff in one single step.
Da, not so much. But I can let my wife use the DA and not worry about it.

[Onizukachan]

You asked for tips… dampen the pad and keep it damp.

[Billfitz]

Yeah, don't put compound on the car, put it on the pad. Place the pad on the car before turning on the polisher. Replenish as required.

[Simbo]

Thanks! Some decent tips so far ����

My other half’s Mini is going to be my test run ��

[ECTO1]

Rupes yellow pad with sonex perfect finish great 1 step work all day never had a bad result.
If you follow good wash practices this usually will be the most you will need to get results.
Oh and clean blow out or swap pads often.

[WagonHo]

As someone said, a DA is very forgiving and effective, so have fun. I've never done any damage.

After a wash and clay bar, I use Wolfgang Swirl Remover followed by Wolfgang Glaze. Sapphire Black Metallic F31, so I'm a bit obsessive and swirls are inevitable. I'm always pleased with the results.

It's a great way to spend a day.

[Dyeraudio]

Griots Garage new G9 orbital polisher. Great first machine decently priced for the newbie. Griots is a full service stop for any detailer.

[jasonjo]

Koch Chemie/Sonax Perfect Finish combined with Chemical guys hexlogic Green/Orange pads for me…

Take your time, don't rush, be methodical and take breaks so you don't get too bored and speed up just to finish - as others have said, keep the pads clean and residue free (ideally using multiple pads)

[RAK92]

Look up The Junkman detailing videos.

He has a comprehensive video covering everything you need to know about paint correction. His emphasis is more on the technique you use and taking your time. Really good videos that are very easy to understand and follow.

[Billfitz]

I just got these pads, they work just as well for me as more expensive pads:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07STT35FF...roduct_details

I'm 2/3 of the way through doing a full correction. My paint isn't in bad shape, so I don't need to go nuts with the first compound step, and my cordless DA is sufficient to do the job. I do one panel at a time, using Menzerna Steps 1, 2 and 3 and Power Lock, switching pad grades with each step. After I'm done with a pad I put it in a sandwich bag to keep it fresh until I use it again a day or two later. I won't fully clean the pad until I'm done with the job. Doing it in this fashion I can do a panel in about two hours, the entire car in ten sessions, depending on the weather. I only work on it when it's comfortable, usually in the morning. What's really key is a step stool, so I don't have to bend over. My back hates it when I do that. Get one with wheels, so you can roll from one side of the panel to the other. Like this: https://www.harborfreight.com/mechan...RoCG0IQAvD_BwE

Or if you're really serious about polishing your car: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08516R5ZT...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==