How to Polish Black Paint With a Dual Action Polisher
Using a DA polisher is the safest and most effective way to polish black paint without leaving swirls or haze. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the full process step-by-step—from prep to final wipe-down—for swirl-free results.
🎥 Watch: How to Polish Black Paint Without Swirls
Step 1: Wash and Decontaminate the Paint
Start by thoroughly washing the car using The Super Soaper to remove dirt and traffic film. Follow with a clay mitt or bar to remove embedded contaminants before polishing.
Step 2: Choose the Right Polish and Pad
Black paint requires a polish that finishes clean. I recommend Picture Perfect Polish paired with a foam pad—either a burgundy medium cut pad or a black finishing pad depending on the condition of the paint.
💡 Tip: Avoid microfiber cutting pads unless you absolutely need them. They can haze black paint easily.
Step 3: Prime the Pad and Work in Sections
- Apply 3–4 small drops of polish to the pad
- Work in 2’x2’ sections
- Spread the polish at speed 2, then bump to speed 4–5 for correction
Use slow, overlapping passes in a crosshatch pattern. After 4–5 passes, stop and wipe down with a Softer Than Soft Microfiber Towel.
Step 4: Inspect and Adjust
Check the panel with an LED light or swirl finder. If you see haze, try reducing polish or switching to a softer pad. Black paint tells the truth—let it guide you.
Final Tip: Use Less Pressure
Don’t press the machine into the paint. Let the pad and polish do the work. Light pressure with a DA on soft black paint yields better results than heavy-handed polishing.
Recommended Products
- Picture Perfect Polish – Cuts and finishes clean on all paint types
- Softer Than Soft Microfiber Towels – Safe for dark finishes and swirl-free wipe-offs
- The Super Soaper – Prepares the surface without scratching
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