Machine Polishing - What do I need Guide - Saxperience

James · 18th September 2007, 14:43

What do I need to machine polish my car?

Starting at the basics here, what is machine polishing? It’s in the name. Machine polishing is were you use a machine to apply polishes to the cars paintwork. The results given by machine polishing are capable of leaving extremely better results than hand applying polish. Machine polishing is usually used to remove defects in the paintwork, swirling/scratches/oxidisation etc.

Types of Machine’s

Random Orbit (Porter Cable 7424, UDM) - This machine works in a random orbit, this defines the motion in what the pad attached moves. The PC/UDM closely mimics circular hand polishing. It does just does the job allot more efficiently than hand polishing.

Rotary (Makita, Silverline etc) - This machine is used by allot of professionals and should be approached with caution. In the wrong hands a rotary machine can be lethal. The speed at what it operates allows the person using it to get the job done allot quicker and dare I say maybe obtain better results than the random orbit machines.

Removing Defects

In basic terms these machines work by working away at the clear coat of the paint and therefore a paint guage SHOULD be used when using them. The last thing you want to do is burn through the clear coat on the paintwork. (the only fix for this is a re-spray).

This has been removed by working the clear coat of laquer back.. I love my paint skills. That is the basics of how it works covered, there is a fair bit more to it than that so do some research before you go diving into anything.

Items needed

Machine Polisher x 1 (UDM / PC / Makita). I would advise using the porter cable or the UDM if you are new to detailing.
Backing Plate (3.5”) If needed for small areas on the car or for heavy scratch removal.
Backing Plate (6”)
Detailing Tape
1 x 6.5” Cutting Pad - Lake Country / Meg's
1 x 6.5” Polishing Pad - Lake Country / Meg's
1 x 6.5” Finishing Pad - Lake Country / Meg's
?? X 4” Pads, again only needed if you plan to use them. Lake Country
1 Clay bar kit and lubricant, the last thing you want to do is use a machine polish on a dirty surface so make sure the car is clay barred before hand.
3 x Microfiber Cloths, this is to wipe off the polish after you have worked it into the paintwork.
Applicator Pads, Megs, German Applicator Pads.
1 x Quick Detailer, this is to soften up the pad before you use it. Spray a spritz onto the pad.
1 x Heavy Cutting Compound, Poorboys SSR3, Menzerna Power Gloss there is a couple more but these are the 2 I like. You should only use these on deep scratches or major swirling and they should be used with caution. They are very aggressive.
1 x Medium Cut Compound, Menzerna IP, Poorboys SSR2.5, Meg’s Dual Action, Poorboys SSR 2, these are used to remove any normal defects caused by a poor wash routine or daily use.
1 x Finishing Polish, Menzerna PO85RD, Meg’s swirl Free, Poorboy’s SSR 1. These are used after using a more aggressive compound to remove any lighter scratches and Hazing. These polishes will bring the gloss back into the paint and gloss is always good.
1 x Sealent or Wax, read below.

Your then going to want a sealent or wax, most sealents offer a longer term of durability and I am not really a fan of canubra waxes myself. If you layer it to much you loose shine as the yellow in the wax builds up a film on the car. Were as sealents consist of a transparent layer what you can carry on adding layers. You could always do both though.. add a couple layers of sealent and a final coat of wax on top. On this one I swing towards blackfire because I love the wet glossy look it gives the paintwork, it does not last forever though. If you want durability Collinte 476S/Dodo wax is good stuff.

Poorboy's ex-p sealent - http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acata...39protect.html
Blackfire Wet Diamond - http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acata...95protect.html
Dodo Wax - http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/advanc...fc894991e9fa11
Collinte - http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/produc...roducts_id=112
Blackfire Ivory Wax - http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acata...04protect.html

Might have missed some shizzle, if I have send me a PM and ill change it. If you have an advised product send me a PM

Question gets asked allot so thought i'd make a guide.