How to Polish Car Paint by Machine
A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners Using a Dual Action Polisher
Machine polishing can seem intimidating—but with the right tools and a clear process, it’s one of the most effective ways to restore gloss, remove swirls, and make your paint look like new. This guide walks you through how to polish car paint using a dual action (DA) polisher safely and effectively.
1. Wash and Decontaminate the Paint
Start with a clean surface. Use a pH-neutral soap like The Super Soaper and thoroughly rinse.
If the paint feels rough, use a clay bar or clay mitt to remove embedded contaminants. Dry the vehicle completely before moving on.
2. Choose Your Pad and Polish
For beginners, a foam polishing pad paired with a one-step polish like Picture Perfect Polish is the ideal setup. It offers enough cut to remove swirls but finishes down to a high gloss.
3. Prime the Pad
Apply four or five small dots of polish to your pad. Before your first pass, spread a thin layer of product over the section you’re working on by dabbing the pad on the surface, then turning the machine on at low speed to distribute evenly.
4. Set Polisher Speed and Technique
For most one-step corrections, set your DA polisher to speed 4 or 5. Use light pressure and work in overlapping crosshatch patterns (side-to-side, then top-to-bottom).
Work in 2'x2' sections until the polish becomes clear or starts to flash—this usually takes 4 to 6 slow passes.
5. Wipe Down and Inspect
After polishing a section, wipe off the residue using a soft towel like the Softer Than Soft Microfiber Towel. Inspect the results under good lighting. If swirls remain, you may need a more aggressive pad or an extra pass.
6. Repeat and Finish the Vehicle
Repeat the process section by section. Clean or swap pads as they become saturated. Once complete, wipe the entire vehicle down to ensure all residue is removed.
7. Protect the Finish
Once your paint is polished, seal it with a ceramic spray like Tough As Shell to lock in gloss and protect your work for months.
Pro Tips
- Work in the shade or a cool garage to avoid premature drying.
- Blow out or brush pads between panels to maintain performance.
- Use a second towel to buff any missed residue for a flawless finish.
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