When it comes to choosing the right polishing machine, the sheer number of options on the market can make it difficult and confusing to know which one might be the right choice for you. The simple fact is that some polishing machines are better than others, and some are better suited for different levels of experience. To get the best results, you’ll need to choose a high-quality polishing machine that is suitable for your vehicle as well as your experience level with car polishing. This article will detail how the right polishing machine can achieve the best polishing results.
Correct Speed Settings
Different polishing machines will have different speed settings. Some can be set to polish faster than others, but this doesn’t mean that superior results will be achieved. The speed that polishing machines should be set to will be determined by the type of material being polished and the desired results. If you’re polishing a delicate material, you will naturally want to set your machine to a slower speed in order to avoid damage. While it may make sense to set your polishing machine to a higher or faster setting for tougher materials, this may not always be the best move. Depending on the type of polishing pad you have mounted, you could still cause damage to an especially tough surface if your polishing machine is set to polish too fast, giving you less control and increasing the likelihood of damage occurring.
Pressure Application
Like speed, pressure is also important when it comes to polishing. Principally, speed and pressure will work in tandem, so it’s important to be mindful of both and find the correct balance between the two to produce the results you desire. Polishing machines that are set at higher speed settings will give you less control, which means you might not be able to control how much pressure you’re applying to the surface. Conversely, polishing machines with slower speed settings may require higher pressure application which can be uncomfortable to sustain for a prolonged period of time. The right polishing machine will allow you to apply even pressure across the surface whilst maintaining a speed that produces noticeable results.
Polishing Pads
While polishing pads aren’t specific to polishing machines themselves, the right polishing machine may need the right polishing pads to achieve superior results. The main types of car polishing pads are foam pads, wool pads and microfiber pads. Foam pads are used for light polishing and waxing, wool pads are used for more aggressive polishing, and microfiber pads are used for finishing and buffing. While the pads are interchangeable, the right polishing machine can dramatically increase or decrease the effectiveness and abrasiveness of each one.
Appropriate for Your Experience Level
For most beginner detailers, hand polishing is usually recommended in order to learn the ins and outs of car polishing with minimal chance of causing damage to the vehicle’s paintwork or clear coat. However, there are different types of polishing machines that are appropriate for beginner machine polishers as well as some polishing machines which should only be used by expert detailers.
The three main types of polishing machines on the market are the orbital polisher, the dual action polisher and the rotary polisher. Orbital machine polishers are usually recommended for beginners due to their ease of use whilst still being able to provide an effective polish without leaving swirl marks. Rotary polishers are usually only recommended for those with a lot of machine polishing experience, as they can be difficult to control, and if used with the incorrect technique, they can cause swirl marks or even scratches.
