Using an orbital car polisher effectively involves preparation, proper technique, and understanding the different settings and pads. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Preparation is Key
- Wash and Dry: Thoroughly wash your car to remove all dirt, grime, and debris. Then, completely dry the surface.
- Clay Bar Treatment (Recommended): Use a clay bar to remove any embedded contaminants that washing alone couldn't remove. This will create a smoother surface for polishing.
- Tape Sensitive Areas: Protect delicate trim, emblems, and plastic parts by taping them off with painter's tape. This prevents polish residue from staining or damaging these areas.
- Work in a Controlled Environment: Polishing is best done in a shaded area or garage to avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the polish to dry too quickly and make it difficult to work with. Good lighting is also essential to see imperfections.
2. Choosing the Right Pad and Polish
- Pad Selection: Different pads are designed for different stages of paint correction.
- Cutting Pads (Foam or Microfiber): Used for removing heavier imperfections like swirl marks and scratches.
- Polishing Pads (Foam): Used for refining the paint after cutting and removing lighter imperfections.
- Finishing Pads (Foam): Used for applying waxes and sealants, leaving a high-gloss finish.
- Polish Selection: Choose a polish that is appropriate for the pad and the severity of the paint imperfections.
- Compound: More aggressive, used with cutting pads.
- Polish: Medium abrasive, used with polishing pads.
- Finishing Polish: Least abrasive, used with finishing pads.
3. Applying the Polish
- Prime the Pad: Apply a small amount of polish to the center of the pad. This helps to evenly distribute the polish across the surface. You may also spray the pad with pad conditioner.
- Work in Sections: Focus on small, manageable sections (approximately 2ft x 2ft).
- Apply the Polish to the Panel: Dot a few small amounts of polish onto the section you'll be working on.
4. Polishing Technique
- Start with a Low Setting: Begin with the lowest speed setting on your orbital polisher. This helps to spread the polish evenly without slinging it everywhere.
- Spread the Polish: With the polisher turned on, gently spread the polish across the section you're working on. Use overlapping passes.
- Increase the Speed: Gradually increase the speed to medium (or as recommended by the polish manufacturer) to start correcting the paint.
- Apply Gentle Pressure: Apply only gentle pressure to the surface. Let the polisher and pad do the work. Excessive pressure can damage the paint.
- Overlap Passes: Overlap each pass by about 50% to ensure even coverage.
- Work in a Crosshatch Pattern: Work in a crosshatch pattern (horizontal and vertical passes) to ensure complete coverage and even correction.
- Monitor Pad Condition: Clean the pad frequently with a pad cleaning brush to remove excess polish and debris. This helps maintain the pad's effectiveness.
5. Removing the Polish Residue
- Wipe Off Residue: After polishing a section, use a clean microfiber towel to wipe away the polish residue.
- Inspect the Finish: Inspect the finish carefully to ensure that the imperfections have been corrected. If necessary, repeat the process or move to a more aggressive pad and polish.
6. Finishing Touches
- Apply Wax or Sealant: After polishing, apply a wax or sealant to protect the paint and enhance the shine.
- Clean Up: Remove the painter's tape and clean any remaining polish residue from the trim and emblems.
By following these steps and using the right products and techniques, you can achieve professional-looking results with your orbital car polisher.
