For swirl removal (DA Polisher or Rotary?)

[MartyK]

Hi guys

Keep seeing many videos on youtube of people using rotary buffers or a DA polisher.

It seems Ultimate Compound is the best way to remove swirls followed by the Mirror Glaze however I am confused as to what machine best to do it with.

Should I be doing all this with a DA Polisher, Rotary Buffer or Random Orbiter?

Thanks

[ClarkWGriswold]

Re: For swirl removal (DA Polisher or Rotary?)

The DA and Swirl X or Ultimate Compound should do the trick with the confidence you won't do damage as you could with a rotary.

[tcope1]

Re: For swirl removal (DA Polisher or Rotary?)

It seems Ultimate Compound is the best way to remove swirls followed by the Mirror Glaze however I am confused as to what machine best to do it with.

Should I be doing all this with a DA Polisher, Rotary Buffer or Random Orbiter?

Thanks

Depends on what you want to accomplish. Using a product by hand will only remove light scratches in a small section. If you want to do over all paint correct, you will need a rotary or DA. A DA is safe to use by anyone. A rotary, when used incorrectly, can damage paint. You need experience to use a rotary. What type of pad and compound to use depends on the type of correction being done. UC is very agressive but still very safe. Personally, it is my go to for removing heavy and semi heavy scratches quickly. Mirror Glaze (don't know which one you are thinking of) is not used very often any more.

[MartyK]

Re: For swirl removal (DA Polisher or Rotary?)

Thanks for the replies. I'll try and cut a long story short here. Excess house paint splatters ended up on my car. Panicked and decided to use a dish scourer in hot water to remove them. Resulted in dozens of swirls and scratches. Purchased the 3M Scratch removal system with the Trizact 3000 grit. Yes it helped remove the deep scratches but I am left with swirls. Please see a photo for an idea of what it is. By looking at it myself it seems the scratches look covered up because I have waxed it since using the 3M kit. Please see photo and let me know your thoughts. https://i.imgur.com/wv4Qotk.jpg

By the way, The mirror glaze I spoke about was the 205.

By looking at the photo what machines, pads and liquids would you recommend here folks?

Thanks

[tcope1]

Re: For swirl removal (DA Polisher or Rotary?)

If this is a confined, smaller area and you don't want to get fully into the paint correction "hobby", you may want to try a foam applicator pad and some Swirl X 2.0. Swirl X is about the same as Ultimate Compound. Applying it to a larger area by hand will require some work, but it can be done. You would start with a smaller 1x1' section and see how it goes.

If you want to go with a machine, I'd recommend a Dual Action (DA) polisher as they are very safe. When it comes to paint correction you always want to start out as least aggressive as possible. If you go with a machine and want to invest as little as possible, I'd recommend picking up an orange foam pad (more aggressive) and a white pad (final polishing). Personally, I almost always start with Ultimate Compound and an orange pad.It can remove most swirls and leaves a nice finish. You could also try UC with a white pad or something like M205 with the white or orange pad. It all depends on the characteristics of the paint (hardness) and the scratches. I'd say, on a budget, an orange pad, white pad and UC would be a good investment. However, you are at $150-$200 range.

Personally, I like detailing my cars (every so often). It is very calming. I also like having a DA as I know I can alway remove any random scratches whenever they occur.

[MartyK]

Re: For swirl removal (DA Polisher or Rotary?)

Hi there

Yes I am very keen to get a DA polisher. Here in Aus we are quite limited and it seems nowhere here stock Meguiars DA polishers.

However someone mentioned above that a Random Orbtiber Polisher is a glorified wax spreader. From looking at youtube videos a lot of detailers are using these: https://www.waxit.com.au/collections/shine-mate

I cant see anything about these being DA polishers and it seems they COULD be just Polishers which are glorified wax spreaders.

Can I get you to just check that link and confirm thats true because if I am not right and these will do the job I want then I may end up getting one. If indeed they are DA which basing on your suggestions, is what I need

Thanks fellas

[Nick Winn]

Re: For swirl removal (DA Polisher or Rotary?)

Hi there

Yes I am very keen to get a DA polisher. Here in Aus we are quite limited and it seems nowhere here stock Meguiars DA polishers.

However someone mentioned above that a Random Orbtiber Polisher is a glorified wax spreader. From looking at youtube videos a lot of detailers are using these: https://www.waxit.com.au/collections/shine-mate

I cant see anything about these being DA polishers and it seems they COULD be just Polishers which are glorified wax spreaders.

Can I get you to just check that link and confirm thats true because if I am not right and these will do the job I want then I may end up getting one. If indeed they are DA which basing on your suggestions, is what I need

Thanks fellas

Confirming those machines do not look like glorified wax spreaders.

[Nick Winn]

Re: For swirl removal (DA Polisher or Rotary?)

Thanks for the replies. I'll try and cut a long story short here. Excess house paint splatters ended up on my car. Panicked and decided to use a dish scourer in hot water to remove them. Resulted in dozens of swirls and scratches. Purchased the 3M Scratch removal system with the Trizact 3000 grit. Yes it helped remove the deep scratches but I am left with swirls. Please see a photo for an idea of what it is. By looking at it myself it seems the scratches look covered up because I have waxed it since using the 3M kit. Please see photo and let me know your thoughts. https://i.imgur.com/wv4Qotk.jpg

By the way, The mirror glaze I spoke about was the 205.

By looking at the photo what machines, pads and liquids would you recommend here folks?

Thanks

Based on the picture, it looks like you have the below defects remaining:

• scratches left behind from the dish scourer
• swirls/cobweb type swirl marks left behind from the rotary action of the scratch repair kit or just swirls in paint which were there prior to using scratch repair kit (common)
• minor holograms from rotary action from scratch repair kit

I believe you are going to need a dual action polisher, paired with an aggressive combination, like our D/A Microfiber Cutting Disc & M100 Pro Speed Compound, at the least, especially if you are going for total defect removal. It's possible you may need more sanding as well if some of the deep defects from the dish scourer are left behind.

This is quite the investment especially with the final results unknown. You might consider sourcing a professional detailer to perform as another option.

[MartyK]

Re: For swirl removal (DA Polisher or Rotary?)

Hi Nick and crew

Yesterday I spent about 5 hours on the bonnet (hood) and yes you're right... i have managed to get it better than I have ever done but still not how I would like it. Made a square with masking tape, 30 cm by 30 cm. Sanded that square with Trizact 3000 foam grit for about 20 minutes non stop. Every 10 seconds I wiped it dry and looked it at from multiple angles to see if the deep scratches had gone. Yes they had but the sandpaper itself looks to have caused very micro swirl marks (If thats even possible for the sandpaper) unless those marks were already there. I then put a aggressive / coarse purple 3m foam waffle pad on a household drill and used 3M rubbing compound on it. In a criss cross motion I compounded the surface until it had all dried (So about 5 minutes of this process) I then used one of the Meguiars detailing cloths to clean it but unfortunately by that time it had got dark and today is overcast so I can't get a full idea of how it looks until we get sunshine which will probably be soon what with being here in Queensland (The Sunshine state).

I am going to save up for one of those DA polishers on the link and get those pads you suggested, Nick. I would really like to get this resolved.

With regards to the preparation (Before doing all the polishing etc) should I do a wash, dry it completely with a micro fibre towel and then clay bar the surface and then rinse and dry it again and is that then ready for the above method you mentioned with a DA polisher?

I don't need any additional liquids / cleaners for the preparation process, no?

It is quite an investment you are right but I am going to feel very glad if I can do this by myself with the right tools and I am very lucky and thankful places like this exist for the help you guys provide

Cheers.

Just to add, I had a look at the Microfiber Cutting Disc you suggested and I wondered how long these last until they wear out? For example how many cars worth of usage?

Cheers.

[Nick Winn]

Re: For swirl removal (DA Polisher or Rotary?)

Hi Nick and crew

Yesterday I spent about 5 hours on the bonnet (hood) and yes you're right... i have managed to get it better than I have ever done but still not how I would like it. Made a square with masking tape, 30 cm by 30 cm. Sanded that square with Trizact 3000 foam grit for about 20 minutes non stop. Every 10 seconds I wiped it dry and looked it at from multiple angles to see if the deep scratches had gone. Yes they had but the sandpaper itself looks to have caused very micro swirl marks (If thats even possible for the sandpaper) unless those marks were already there. I then put a aggressive / coarse purple 3m foam waffle pad on a household drill and used 3M rubbing compound on it. In a criss cross motion I compounded the surface until it had all dried (So about 5 minutes of this process) I then used one of the Meguiars detailing cloths to clean it but unfortunately by that time it had got dark and today is overcast so I can't get a full idea of how it looks until we get sunshine which will probably be soon what with being here in Queensland (The Sunshine state).

I am going to save up for one of those DA polishers on the link and get those pads you suggested, Nick. I would really like to get this resolved.

With regards to the preparation (Before doing all the polishing etc) should I do a wash, dry it completely with a micro fibre towel and then clay bar the surface and then rinse and dry it again and is that then ready for the above method you mentioned with a DA polisher?

I don't need any additional liquids / cleaners for the preparation process, no?

It is quite an investment you are right but I am going to feel very glad if I can do this by myself with the right tools and I am very lucky and thankful places like this exist for the help you guys provide

Cheers.

Just to add, I had a look at the Microfiber Cutting Disc you suggested and I wondered how long these last until they wear out? For example how many cars worth of usage?

Cheers.

• you are scaring me a bit with your duration of sanding, typically should perform 8 - 10 strokes in a single area, then re-assess. I'm not sure I can teach you how to sand over the forum, it's not something we have a detailed technical article or video on at this time. I would say do not sand anymore in this area.
• the micro swirl marks could be larger paint residue deposits gouging the paint creating deeper scratches
• You can also use a flashlight to reveal/check your work or a specialty paint inspection light
• Regarding preparation, yes, wash, dry, clay, dry, move onto machine work with compound
• I would recommend our D300 D/A Microfiber Correction Compound or M100 Pro Speed Compound
• Would also recommend a finishing polish, which is used after compound, like our M205 Ultra Finishing Polish
• Our D/A Microfiber Cutting Discs will last for dozens of applications, provided they are taken care of properly

Hope this helps.

[MartyK]

Re: For swirl removal (DA Polisher or Rotary?)

Hi there. Yes it does a help a lot. Thank you very much Nick.

First thing I need is a dual action polisher which I need to save up a bit for first so I will follow your instructions as soon as I have the machine.

I do have this currently: https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...tt/344537.html

I don't think this is right for the job though. It vibrates a lot and doesn't make any difference on any application made so far. It spins like a rotary buffer would it doesn't seem to be DA.

Here in Aus we are quite limited with range of DA polishers. Little worried to get from USA due to voltage differences.

Rupes are sold here along with Shine Mate, Sentei etc.

Got my eye on a Shine Mate but need to save a bit first.

Thanks again for the help

[Nick Winn]

Re: For swirl removal (DA Polisher or Rotary?)

Hi there. Yes it does a help a lot. Thank you very much Nick.

First thing I need is a dual action polisher which I need to save up a bit for first so I will follow your instructions as soon as I have the machine.

I do have this currently: https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...tt/344537.html

I don't think this is right for the job though. It vibrates a lot and doesn't make any difference on any application made so far. It spins like a rotary buffer would it doesn't seem to be DA.

Here in Aus we are quite limited with range of DA polishers. Little worried to get from USA due to voltage differences.

Rupes are sold here along with Shine Mate, Sentei etc.

Got my eye on a Shine Mate but need to save a bit first.

Thanks again for the help

That machine you have looks decent but would perform much better with a 5" Backing Plate & a thinner foam pad.

You might consider reaching out to our Austrailia Partner as well for help:

https://www.meguiars.com.au/


Keep us in touch!

[MartyK]

Re: For swirl removal (DA Polisher or Rotary?)

Hi Nick

Most of my pads are 6 and 6.5 inches.

Look at this: https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-15mm-polisher

I have got my eye on buying that one ^^

That does have a 5 inch backing plate which is what you suggested, isn't it?

I have been told a few days ago by the company who sell it (Waxit) this: "Shinemate pads are tapered. So the 6" pads are a 5" backing. Whereas the large 7" pads are a 6" backing"

So if you think that machine is good and that 6 inch pads are best suited to it then I should start looking for the pads you mentioned (but the thinner type) right?

Thanks so much Nick

[MartyK]

Re: For swirl removal (DA Polisher or Rotary?)

Would also recommend a finishing polish, which is used after compound, like our M205 Ultra Finishing Polish

Hi Nick

For the finishing polish what pad would you recommend?

I did just buy the Lake Country White Foam pad, would this do or is there something else?

Cheers.

[Nick Winn]

Re: For swirl removal (DA Polisher or Rotary?)

Hi Nick

For the finishing polish what pad would you recommend?

I did just buy the Lake Country White Foam pad, would this do or is there something else?

Cheers.

I am not familiar with that exact pad but as long as it is a lighter finishing or polishing pad you should be good to go.