How does the DA polisher work?
Double-action polishers get their name from the fact that the machine produces two independent motions. The head rotates on a central spindle and then rotates itself. This produces a slight "wobble" motion that feels a little strange when you first use it. But, because of the counterweight, it doesn't swing from side to side. Jitter is actually quite useful - it acts as a safety mechanism against overheating and burning that can occur in a rotary polisher.
The DA polisher is also super safe because the casing of the mechanism contains a fail-safe. If you press too hard, the pad will stop spinning and vibrate instead, which means you won't damage the car's paint-even if you really try! Even better, because it stops working under too much stress, you're forced to use the right amount while you work, ensuring excellent results!
Now, the DA polisher is designed to be used by anyone. You might think machines are a scary prospect, but these are really easy to use. They will take care of all surface damage to your paint. However, if you have deep scratches on your paint, you will need to use a rotary polisher to treat them. These are harder to use and you can get them wrong and do a lot of damage. So if you're considering a spinner, make sure to get some expert help.
Use a polishing machine
Before you begin, remember to avoid direct sunlight. This gives you maximum protection and lubrication - not only with this polisher, but also with general cleaning, waxing and polishing products.
Step 1: Add four small dots to the fresh microfiber pad on the DA polisher. Put the dots on a square - you don't need too many! Now set the machine to speed 2.
Step 2: Take a small section of the body -- say 2 feet by 2 feet. Now place the mat over the car paint. Do this before you turn on the machine so you don't throw polish all over the floor! Now pass the section in its entirety at speed 2. This is just a lightweight pass -- remember you don't need to apply pressure.
Step 3: Now that you have spread the leveling polish evenly over the painted section, let's increase the power. Change the setting to speed 4 and return to the surface. This time, a cross-shading pattern was used to ensure complete coverage and maneuverability of the entire surface. Take a moment and remember: you don't have to press it. Unlike other leveling products, you won't kick up any dust, so you should start seeing results as you work.
Step 4: After three of the four passes in this cross shading pattern, you need to wipe the surface and take another look. So get a really good, clean microfiber towel and wipe down the panel. When you inspect the paint, you should be able to notice the difference; There are no traces of oxidation, no swirls or stains, and the surface is brighter and smoother. Just compare that section to the part of the car you haven't finished yet - it should look brighter and smoother!
Step 5: Go ahead and repeat these steps throughout the vehicle. DA polishers are great, so this shouldn't take too long. If necessary, you can make two passes in the same area, provided that the area is particularly vortexy or dull part of the vehicle. You won't do any harm!
That's it! After 30-45 minutes, you should have a beautifully polished vehicle ready to ring in the New Year! So work safely and remember: enjoy the process!