Car polishing machine: what to look out for? Which to buy?

Thomas Wachsmuth March 16, 2023 Tips, products, information & Co.

Reading time 9 Min.

Individuals who value the Care, the appearance and the value of the car, occasionally need a paint polish carry out. There are two common methods: the classic hand polish, which takes a lot of time, and the professional, but expensive variant. A car polisher is undoubtedly the easiest way to refresh the paint. However, it is important to be careful when purchasing a polishing machine to avoid damaging the car paint. There is a risk of damaging the car paint if you do not inform yourself in detail about the different models and offers. This article aims to help you find a suitable polishing machine that suits both your needs and your skills.

Why should I treat my car to a polish?

An Car polish has not only aesthetic reasons, but also a practical benefit. In fact, a polish enhances that resistance of the car paint against external influences such as stone chipping, weather influences or insect infestation. Over time these can cause the car's paintwork to dull and increase the risk of rust damage as dirt and moisture can attack the metal beneath the paintwork. Polishing with tiny abrasive particles slightly removes the top layer of paint, but only removes a small amount of the car's paintwork. Typically, the ablation ranges from 0,1 to 0,5 microns. The result is a glossy, durable finish that not only looks good, but also provides protection.

What should you pay attention to when you want to buy a car polishing machine?

Weight and height:

Even if you use an auto polisher, polishing isn't a quick affair. A heavy machine can make the job difficult, cause fatigue and possibly produce unclean results. It is also important to consider the size of the polisher. Polishing pads that are too large may not be suitable for bulky vehicle parts.

Adjustable speed:

A low speed is especially important at the beginning of the polishing process, especially with rotary machines or for beginners. Make sure that the speed of your car polisher is variable.

Cable length:

If your machine is powered by a power cord, it is important to ensure that the cord is long enough. A long cable offers more freedom of movement during the polishing process.

What types of car polishing machines are there?

There are different types of car polishers depending on the application and user preference. In the professional field, pneumatically operated polishing machines are usually used, while in the private sector, electrically operated machines are preferred. The question of whether you should opt for a branded device or cheap Chinese goods is often discussed. In general, well-known brands develop their own polishing machines, while Asian manufacturers mostly only offer replicas. Differences in quality, comfort and service life can occur. However, cheaper devices can be sufficient, depending on how often and to what extent you want to use them. However, only high-quality branded products are recommended for commercial applications and intensive use.

The biggest distinction between polishing machines is made between rotary and eccentric polishers, which work with different movements and can therefore have different effects on the car paint. The video below can help you understand the different types of polishers and the pros and cons of each model.

Why is a car polishing machine useful?

Although you can also polish cars by hand, it takes a lot of time and physical effort. In addition, the effectiveness is not comparable to mechanical polishing. While a professional polish is another option, it has a recurring cost as it's recommended to polish the car once or twice a year.

A car polishing machine is a solution to the problem. Using a machine like this saves you time and money and you get a result that is impressive - provided you choose a quality machine and have the necessary expertise. Beginners should be aware that there are risks involved in operating an auto polisher. Applying too much pressure, using a polish that is too coarse, or working in one area for too long can damage the paintwork. Choosing the right machine is therefore crucial in this context.

What accessories are available for the car polisher?

In order to achieve the best possible result with a car polishing machine, it is important to choose the right accessories. In addition to the polishing machine itself, polishing plates and polishing pads are of particular importance.

polishing pads

The polishing pads should ideally be between 122 and 145 mm in size and have an M14 mount. The polishing pads are attached to the polishing pad with Velcro and should be selected in soft or hard versions depending on the damage to the paintwork.
Thorough pre-treatment of the vehicle paintwork is also recommended for optimum quality, for example thorough cleaning in the car wash and removing dirt with a polishing cloth.

polish

A suitable polish is also relevant and should be designed for use with an auto polisher. It is advisable to choose mild polishes, which in the best case already contain a protective wax in order to protect the paintwork as best as possible.

rotary polishing machines

Rotary polishers are a type of polisher that got their name from their rotating motion. These machines work with a circular motion that circulates over a defined area, thereby generating a lot of heat. The heat softens the paint quickly and sometimes large amounts of it can be removed. Due to the ability to be moved quickly across the surface, this machine achieves maximum abrasive action.

Although it may seem perfect at first glance, there are a few things to keep in mind when using this car polisher, which is why beginners are advised not to use it. Too much heat can damage the paint and there is a risk that too much paint will be removed. Polishing with it requires careful work in the micrometer range and must be carried out with due care.

In Europe, rotary polishers are usually sold with an M14 shank. The polishing plate is attached to this mount, on which the polishing pad can be placed. Different sizes of polishing pads are available, with the most common variants having a diameter of: 75 mm, 125 mm & 150 mm. If you plan to use a rotary polisher, there are a few important things to keep in mind to avoid damaging your vehicle's paintwork.

One of the biggest risks of using a rotary press is the build-up of heat that can burn the paint. To avoid this, it is recommended to start with the lowest speed and then slowly increase it. This way you can ensure that the temperature of the paint does not get too high.
Another challenge when polishing with a rotary polisher is polishing over the edges. Here there is a risk of removing too much paint and even polishing right down to the sheet metal. To avoid this, you should be extra careful and try to avoid edges or just work them very gently.
The performance of the polishing pad varies depending on the position. It is stronger at the edge than in the middle, which should be taken into account when handling the machine. Depending on the center of pressure, the machine pulls in the appropriate direction. It is therefore important to always hold the machine well and to be careful of the pressure you put on the paint.

Advantages of a rotary polishing machine

When using a rotary polisher, there are a few benefits you can take advantage of.

Among other things, you can achieve a high level of paint removal and also remove deep scratches.
You can also bring matt paint back to a high gloss.

Disadvantages rotary polishing machine

However, there are also some disadvantages to using a rotary polisher, such as:

The strong development of heat. Also, it is not suitable for beginners and there is a high risk of hologram formation.
The handling therefore requires corresponding experience and skill.

Eccentric rotating polishing machines

Unlike rotary polishers, the backing pad on this type of auto polisher has an eccentric motion instead of a rotary one. This creates random circular motion from the polishing pad and drive spindle as they do not move on the same axis. Depending on whether the backing pad rotates freely or not, eccentric polishing machines can be further subdivided.

dual action machines

Non-rotating machines have a freely rotatable backing pad that performs both orbital and rotary motion. This type of movement is also known as dual-action (DA). In DA mode, the polishing grains move in elliptical trajectories while rotation is minimal. This will reciprocate the polishing grains within their natural stroke limits, but this will reduce polishing performance.

Polishing machines with forced rotation drive

There are also polishing machines with forced rotation, in which the backing pad is forced to rotate by additional mechanics. This keeps the lifting movement small and it follows a fixed pattern. The removal rate of auto polishing machines with forced rotation is about twice as high compared to dual-action devices. However, this requires a more complex additional mechanism that causes additional costs and it requires a certain amount of effort.

Although the different types of car polishers are often almost indistinguishable by the housing, the gear head base differs significantly. The eccentric attachment consists of two parts: an M8 socket, which moves the backing plate around the center of the gear pin, and a counterweight, which compensates for the unbalance of this movement. The weight can be changed so that the eccentric attachment can be equipped with exactly the stroke that is then required. The common stroke sizes are 10 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm and 21 mm.

The following information must be observed when using an eccentric polishing machine:

Make sure that the speed is continuously adjustable.
The polishing pad should be able to move in all directions.
Keep a sufficient distance from untreated surfaces.

Advantages eccentric polishing machine:

In addition, an orbital car polishing machine for beginners offers easy handling and less heat generation, which leads to fewer holograms.

Disadvantages eccentric polishing machine:

A disadvantage, however, is a lower polishing performance and higher acquisition costs.

How can I use a car polishing machine correctly to achieve the best polishing result?

Thoroughly clean the vehicle.
Mask off plastic and rubber parts.
Apply polish to the polishing sponge and moisten.
Work crosswise, leaving out corners.
Keep the speed low at the beginning, especially with rotary polishers.
Apply even pressure, with eccentric polishing machines, more pressure.
Keep the polishing machine in constant motion to avoid burning the paintwork.
Wipe off residue with a polishing cloth.
Use protective wax or paint sealer to protect paintwork and maintain shine.

Mistakes when polishing a car with a polishing machine:

Using the wrong polishing machine can cause damage to the vehicle. Beginners should choose an eccentric polishing machine.
Using the wrong polish. Make sure the polish is suitable for use with a machine.
Incorrect posture and too much pressure when polishing can cause holograms.
Wrong time to polish. Avoid direct sunlight and polish in the shade or on overcast days, preferably in spring at temperatures between 18 and 20 °C.
Using inferior polishing pads or polishing sponges that are too hard can distribute the polish unevenly or lead to a strong grinding effect.

Conclusion

There are pros and cons to both types of car polishers. When it comes to the purchase, you should first ask yourself what experience you already have with such devices. In a professional environment, a rotary polishing machine is certainly a worthwhile investment if you have the necessary knowledge. Otherwise, there is a risk of doing more harm than good. It is therefore recommended for beginners to use the random orbital polishing machine due to its easy handling, despite the lower polishing performance.

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