Welcome back to the Proje’ blog. We’ve heard and read about loads of people out there who get stressed out about using a DA polisher – when to use it, how to use it and whether it can harm your paintwork. The good news is that using one is easy, it can make a big difference to the look of your car – and it can help you with the process of adding an extra layer of shine and protection to your exterior. Here’s the lowdown on how to use a DA polisher – and why.
What is a DA Polisher?
Now, we published a piece back in December that talked about how to use a DA polisher, so what we want here is to explain why. But first, let’s recap:
First things first: DA stands for “Dual Action”. The two actions in this case are both rotations – the rotation of the main backing plate, and the backing plate rotations in the opposite direction that is caused by an off-center connection – if you look around online, you’ll see many places using the concept of the earth rotating on its axis while simultaneously orbiting the sun, which is pretty much the perfect way to explain it. The idea is that the motion of the DA polisher replicates the movement you make when you’re polishing, but as it’s machine-based, it’s more efficient, smoother and provides better, more even coverage.
Now, while using a machine on your paintwork might seem scary, DA polishers are very safe. The irregular motion caused by the off-center connection prevents heat building up in a single place, meaning that you can’t burn your paintwork from staying in one place for too long – this is the number one issue with using a rotary polisher. Of course, this also means that a DA won’t work on the deepest, toughest scratches on your paintwork, but we’d recommend using a specialist detailing garage if you have really deeps scratches, as rotary polishers require a bit of expertise. But if it’s a DA you need to use, then go ahead and do it yourself!
What should I use a DA polisher for?
There are a few different products that you can use a DA polisher with – and they’re all related to protecting and shining.
Hybrid Wax Sealant
Hybrid Wax Sealant is a unique blend that gives the best protection possible to your car’s surface. This full polymer synthetic formula enhances shine and protection for every vehicle color. Hybrid Wax Sealant is special in the fact that it bonds directly with the surface creating a strong barrier against water spots, road grime, fallout and industrial contaminants for up to 12 months. Now, as with all our products, you can apply the sealant directly using a blue applicator pad, but the most even coverage comes from using a polisher. Here’s what to do: Apply 4 dime-sized dots of Hybrid Wax Sealant directly onto the DA applicator, then set it to speed 3 and work over the body one panel at a time – it’s that easy! After you’ve left the sealant to cure for 5-10 minutes, wipe away the excess with a microfiber towel and you’re done. The key here is to remember that, because you’re using a machine, you don’t need to apply any pressure. Just move in a slow, circular motion over the paintwork, keeping the based of the polisher flat against the surface of your car. After a few minutes, you’ll be an expert!
Revive Final Polish
Part of our reset process, Revive Final Polish has been scientifically engineered to produce a dust-free, swirl free, defect free, high gloss finish to any painted surface; clear coat, gel coat and even ceramic coated surfaces. Utilizing the latest micro-abrasive technology, Revive Final Polish is the most effective and efficient way to remove light paint defects or as the last step in your polishing process. Revive Final Polish is safe on fresh paint and soft clear coats leaving a mark-free finish on all paint colors. The process is the same as with the Hybrid Wax Sealant, except this time we’re going to go over each section of paintwork twice – once on speed 2 and once on speed 4. When you crank it up to 4, go over the panel in a cross-hatch motion – still not applying any pressure. When you wipe away the excess with your microfiber towel, you should find smooth, shiny results!
Leveling DA MF Polish
We consider this to be the sister product to Revive Final Polish, but Leveling DA MF Polish is more heavy-duty, whereas Revive Final Polish is for that last quick pass before you go out. The good news is that they are both high-quality micro-abrasive products and the processes are the same – one pass on setting 2, one pass on setting 4. It couldn’t be any simpler!
So, there you have it. Three products you can use with your polisher. Just remember:
- You don’t need to apply pressure
- Keep the base of the polisher flat against the surface
- Hold the handle with one hand and the other end, just above the polisher itself with the other, to make sure you’re as steady as possible
- Check out our instructions for the motion to use, and when to use the microfiber towel
And lastly – don’t panic!
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this week’s blog – stay tuned for more tips and tricks next week.
If you have any questions about any of the techniques or products that I’ve mentioned in this post, just add a comment below and we’ll post a reply! Remember that we stock only the best auto detailing supplies, so why not click some of the links in this blog post, or visit our products page to find out more? From all of us at Proje’, Enjoy the Process!
