What Tools Do You Need for Paint Correction?

You’ll need a dual-action polisher, polishing pads, a one-step polish, quality microfiber towels, and optional protection like ceramic spray.

While machine polishers give the best results, beginners can use hand applicators for light polishing—but results will be limited.

Use a cutting pad like our Burgundy Pad for swirl removal, and a finishing pad like our Black Pad for gloss enhancement.

If you're ready to fix swirls, haze, or scratches, here's the gear you'll actually need—without overbuying or getting overwhelmed.

1. Dual-Action Polisher

This is your main tool. A DA polisher is safe for beginners, won’t burn paint, and delivers fantastic results.

Popular beginner-friendly options include the Griot’s G9, Porter Cable 7424XP, or Flex XFE.

Different pads do different jobs. Here’s a simple starting point:

Instead of juggling 3 products, start with a beginner-friendly one-step polish that cuts and finishes in a single pass.

The best place to start? Picture Perfect Polish. It’s pad-dependent, low-dusting, and works great with DA polishers.

After polishing, you’ll need soft microfiber to wipe down the residue without scratching.

Once your paint is corrected, you want to protect your results. Use a spray ceramic like Tough As Shell for long-lasting shine and protection.

Want to skip the guessing? Grab this basic combo:

That’s enough to get started and see amazing results on your daily driver.

You don’t need a $2,000 detailing rig to make your paint look incredible. Just the right tools, a little patience, and a polish that actually works.

Keep it simple. Start with Picture Perfect Polish and a DA polisher—and let your results speak for themselves.