What to look for in a car polisher?

[StevenWilliams]

I'm contemplating buying a car polisher to get the best from my lovely BRG paint.

I don't have loads of money to splash around so what should I be looking for in a polisher?

How many speeds?
What watts?
What pads?
etc..

I've been looking at this kit
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AMAZING-Industrial-Car-Polisher-PLATINUM-Package_W0QQitemZ110381678173

Seems to have quite a bit for £65 delivered.

[windrush]

Looks OK to me but I would wait and get some advice from the experts

[Teflon]

Be very careful if you buy a rotary polisher. They give the best results (or so I am lead to believe), but can go right through your paint in no time at all in the wrong hands.

If you haven't used one before, I would invest in a scrap panel to practice on before attacking your pride and joy. Alternatively, you could buy a dual action ploisher (like the Megs G220 here: http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing/polishing-machine/cat_17.html) More expensive, but gives good results, and is a lot safer in the hands of a novice (like me!).

Hope this helps,

Cliff

[deano78]

i agree with cliff. unless you know what you're doing or intend to practice on scrap panels first, try not to get a rotary. the difference in results between a rotary and dual action are negligable but rotaries get the job done much quicker. i dont see a brand name on the ebay one and i guarantee the pads will be no good. it also doesnt mention soft start or speed control (where the speed remains constant under pressure). if you do want to go rotary have a look at the silverline polishers at kingdom tools. clean your car do a cheaper version of the G220 called the DAS-6. this package http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/polishing/polishing-machine/das-6-dual-action-polisher-sonus-and-menzerna-kit/prod_525.html is out of stock at the moment but has everything you need to get into machine polishing safely. the rotary is sometimes seen as a fire breathing beast that eats paint but if you inadvertantly catch a chrome trim at 1800rpm you'll know about it. the DAS is more expensive but by the time you buy decent pads and the polishes itll be knocking on the price of the kit anyway. the DAS or G220 are very much plug and play and will get you great results with a much bigger margin for error and the rotary takes time to get used to how to control it where a Dual action machine you just push it where you want it to go.

[StevenWilliams]

Thanks. This is exactly the sort of stuff I need to know.

I'll probably get a few panels to play with anyhow.

[eskezz]

I like Wolf tools-trywww.wolf.tv-hand polisher £15.99 +pp (or in today's Daily Mail at £14.99 including car vacuum cleaner + £7.99pp.

[James.uk]

You don't need a polisher, get some "Wetpaint" here is a link to plenty of photos and information.. :D

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3705&highlight=wetpaint

..

[deano78]

if you get the dual action you wont really need the scrap panels. just remember to always start with the least aggressive pad and polish. assess how much correction you're getting and only step up the combinations if necessary. you really would have to go bananas to do any damage with it unless you hit a bad smart repair or something.

[deano78]

You don't need a polisher, get some "Wetpaint" here is a link to plenty of photos and information.. :D

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3705&highlight=wetpaint

..

from what i can see (and i maybe getting it wrong) but this is a filler heavy polish. so after a few washes your scratches and swirls will be back anyway. at least with a proper machine polish you'll know they are gone and not just hidden under a mass of fillers.

[StevenWilliams]

My intention is to get a really good showroom shine and then use a 100% carnuba wax to protect it.

[James.uk]

Hi Deano,

I have been using "Wetpaint" for 2 years now. I do my cars with it Spring and Autumn. The shine last for months and the cars always look good.

When they get dirty a quick wash with clean water restores the shine.

This may not come up to "professional" standards, but it's the bees knees for Jo Blogs like me!.. :D
.

[deano78]

oh i'm not saying it doesnt leave a good finish but steven is after a polisher for paint correction I believe and was just saying that out of the bottle products are no match for a proper machine polish for getting rid of swirls and scratches.

[StevenWilliams]

I have a few swirls and some stone chips on my bonnet.

I'm going to fill the stone chips and want to give it a really good polish afterwards. At least that's the idea.