Machine Polishing - Difficulty Level

discombobulate

Hi all. I was just wondering if someone could give me an idea on the degree of difficulty involved in machine polishing with something like a DAS 6. I'm toying with the idea of buying one in the new year after observing the Today I did thread.

For a beginner going at the car with one for the first time is there much risk of making a mess of paintwork etc?

What pads, polishes etc. would be recommended for a beginner? My paintwork wouldn't be too bad and I need to get a couple of small dents people decided to give me fixed up first.

challengemaster

discombobulate wrote: »

My paintwork wouldn't be too bad

If you really want to open your eyes to how bad your paintwork is, get a worklamp out and shine it directly on the paint.

discombobulate

challengemaster wrote: »

If you really want to open your eyes to how bad your paintwork is, get a worklamp out and shine it directly on the paint.

May give that a go if I get a chance. Other than 2 spots where people have given me little nudges there'd be around 3 or 4 hairline scratches i'd like to remove. Would be useful to get a look at it all with something like that to identify any other areas also.

Curran

A DAS6 is perfect for the beginner to machine polishing. With sensible usage, it is difficult to do irreversable damage. You may leave certain defects as a result of no experience, such as buffer trails or holograms, but its nothing that a light re-polish wouldnt reticfy.
As a beginner, I wouldnt worry too much about what pads and polish you need, its more about getting a feel of how to use it, and gaining experience on how to use the machine best. Sticking to the big names in polishing / detailing, like Menzerna, 3M, Chemical Guys, and you wont go wrong. There are other less well knowing manufacturers that produce better products, but dont spend money on that unitl you know exactly what you want, and you wont understand that until you practice....everyone has their own personal favourites, which is down to how that products works in certain conditions!
Anyways, Im going a bit of track here! There is no major risk with a Dual Action Polisher, as long as you dont act the complete maggot with it, and even at that you'd be doing well to ruin paint work.
Even with a Finishing Pad and Finishing Polish, I can guarantee that you will be very pleased with the results...then when the even lessers marks and defects annoy you, then its time to consider more aggressive pads and polish.

If you need any advise - shoot me a PM...be happy to help!

myshirt

Generally, unless you turn it upside down and use it to beat the sh!t out of the car, you won't do damage.

On pads, start with a finishing pad, and a light polish. Work your way up in terms of aggressiveness until you are happy - i.e heavy pad with a compound. Just like you wash soap off your face when you are done, wipe the polish residue off, and inspect.

Don't go chasing perfection. It's unnecessary. You will get great results by claying, detarring and a light polish, glaze and wax. Above that you are heading towards obsession like the rest of us. Detailing can be verrry addictive!

Any questions, post them here. Some absolute gents frequent this forum with some great advice and help.

Curran

myshirt wrote: »

unless you turn it upside down and use it to beat the sh!t out of the car, you won't do damage.

Might have to make use of that one!