What electrical polisher do you use?

[tomato]

Did a search, and couldn't find a discussion about just electrical polishers in here.

I waxed my Yaris by hand last Sunday, and boy, I can still feel my arms and shoulders! And to think I still have to apply 2 more coats of wax to complete the project, sigh, IDK if I have the courage to do it all by hand

What electrical polisher do you all use /and or recommend? Prices, links, pictures, even, and/or any comments would be much appreciated.


Thanks!

[tomato]

anyone?

Should I have posted this in the general section instead?

[ezhacker1]

you should apply wax by hand, and not use a buffer. But use it after you you take off the wax. No slinging of wax, and not clogging of pads if you remove by hand.

[Herbicidal]

A Porter Cable 7424 Random Orbital polisher. Used it for almost 4 years now. I have to disagree with Ezhacker1. I use it (with the proper pad) to apply the cleaner, polish and wax. There is no way I could achieve the same results by hand. If you use the correct amount of product, there is no slinging of the wax nor clogging of the pads. More is not better in this case. Wax on, wax off with the Porter Cable.

Oh yeah, clay bar the paint after washing using a quick detailer as the lube, then use a cleaner, polish, then wax. It will take you a good half day to do all the steps, but with a P.C, you will still be able to brush your teeth at the end of the day.

Here's what I use:


End results, super slick paint.

[rningonfumes]

There others but if you want quality, look for a PorterCable like Herbicidal meantioned. I've been meaning to save up for one.

Herbicidal, Is Roseville norcal?...I would pay you to do my car if you were down here.

[Herbicidal]

Originally Posted by rningonfumes

There others but if you want quality, look for a PorterCable like Herbicidal meantioned. I've been meaning to save up for one.

Herbicidal, Is Roseville norcal?...I would pay you to do my car if you were down here.

Yes - just north of Sacramento. Thanks for the compliment/offer!

[tomato]

Herbicidal, I remember your great posts about claying the car.

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9983

I know I'm gonna look at it again when the time comes for me to clay my car, probably after the winter season.

Thanks for responding. The Porter Cable you have is, i believe, the most recommended. I imagine there is a bit of a learning curve to know how to use that tool properly, no?

Thanks for the responses, everybody. Please keep them coming.

[Goose]

The Porter Cable is by far the most popular dual action polisher out there.

Dual action polishers are pretty goof-proof and sell well as a result. Dual action movement is such that it's pretty difficult (if not impossible) to burn through the paint, unlike more conventional straight-cut buffers. As I've mentioned before elsewhere, I consider a dual action polisher to be more of an applicator than a buffer/polisher (not that this is a bad thing). A dual action allows you to lay down an even thin coat of product over a large area without killing your arms; just don't expect the application process to abrade serious paint defects. If your car is relatively new with decent paint, a dual action polisher will be all the "polisher" that you need.

As Herbicidal mentioned, you don't need much product when using a polisher. Work on individual sections of your car (apply/let dry/remove). Be sure the pads are clean.

I forgot to mention - watch that power cord if you use a polisher! Use plenty of slack and drape the cord over your shoulder.

[Herbicidal]

Originally Posted by tomato

Herbicidal, I remember your great posts about claying the car.

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9983

I know I'm gonna look at it again when the time comes for me to clay my car, probably after the winter season.

Thanks for responding. The Porter Cable you have is, i believe, the most recommended. I imagine there is a bit of a learning curve to know how to use that tool properly, no?

Thanks for the responses, everybody. Please keep them coming.

You're welcome. There is a little learning curve, but it's not too steep and you really can't go wrong. Just start on an easy place first, like the hood to get a feel for the tool. You don't need to use added pressure either, the weight of the unit is enough to do the job. I would suggest 'claying' your car even if you don't have the P.C. It should take less than an hour using a quick detailer as the lube. AND, the junk on your paint won't sit there for another 6 months or more. You won't believe how slick the paint will feel afterward.

Goose - good tip about the power cable over the shoulder, that's exactly what I do.

[tomato]

Originally Posted by Goose

The Porter Cable is by far the most popular dual action polisher out there.

Dual action polishers are pretty goof-proof and sell well as a result. Dual action movement is such that it's pretty difficult (if not impossible) to burn through the paint, unlike more conventional straight-cut buffers. As I've mentioned before elsewhere, I consider a dual action polisher to be more of an applicator than a buffer/polisher (not that this is a bad thing). A dual action allows you to lay down an even thin coat of product over a large area without killing your arms; just don't expect the application process to abrade serious paint defects. If your car is relatively new with decent paint, a dual action polisher will be all the "polisher" that you need.

As Herbicidal mentioned, you don't need much product when using a polisher. Work on individual sections of your car (apply/let dry/remove). Be sure the pads are clean.

I forgot to mention - watch that power cord if you use a polisher! Use plenty of slack and drape the cord over your shoulder.

Originally Posted by Herbicidal

You're welcome. There is a little learning curve, but it's not too steep and you really can't go wrong. Just start on an easy place first, like the hood to get a feel for the tool. You don't need to use added pressure either, the weight of the unit is enough to do the job. I would suggest 'claying' your car even if you don't have the P.C. It should take less than an hour using a quick detailer as the lube. AND, the junk on your paint won't sit there for another 6 months or more. You won't believe how slick the paint will feel afterward.

Goose - good tip about the power cable over the shoulder, that's exactly what I do.

Thanks a lot, both of you for the advice. Much appreciated!

I still have a little time before deciding to get the tool or continue to do it by hand. I will probably get it if it saves a lot of time, because it'll get me waxing my car more often.

As to the clay kit, its true, my roof could probably use a bit of help right now, I noticed when I was waxing it that it no longer feels smooth when you run your fingers. The paint is in decent shape for a Yaris that age, but it can use all the protection it can get to stay that way.

[Herbicidal]

Originally Posted by tomato

I will probably get it if it saves a lot of time, because it'll get me waxing my car more often.

Oh it will save you alot of time alright!

[tomato]

sounds like it's worth it! I'll check into it then, thanks :) Maybe for Xmas