Beginner’s guide to polishing! How to choose the RIGHT pad for shiniest paint

[@eppyz]

I appreciate the fact you guys go over everything in a much simpler form. In a market saturated with products its very nice to have a channel that actually tells you in a very simply "DIY" no pun there way. I also appreciate keeping the product line simple. Some companies just offer too many options that really complicates the process. I realize I am not a professional detailer, many people ask me to go pro because they know I enjoy the process, but I just do detailing for fun, and though there are more than one way to do anything, I do believe you folks give good advice and I am still learning how to do things because chemistries of products change, application process can change, cure times etc. So please, keep up the teaching aspect of this Channel. It truly is your strength compared to the others out there.👍👍

[@diydetailofficial]

@@eppyz thank you, it’s appreciated

[@keithmelling8530]

I have both pads. Yellow great for 5/5/5 method and red ultimate gloss. The real game changer from you guys is the damp pad,washing the pad after each section and no pressure.Great work guys

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for sharing!

[@supergrovah2729]

I'm about to do polishing for the first time....this video is Gold. Yeah, I said that on purpose....I have Gold Standard polish on deck, just have to get the pad. Going to spend my Thanksgiving week (off) detailing my car. It starts with this....Thanks, Yvan!

[@diydetailofficial]

Enjoy it , please share your journey with our Facebook group. bit.ly/DIYDetailFacebookGroup

[@supergrovah2729]

@@diydetailofficial I don't do FB, but I'll share it on X/Twitter....and here :)

[@toolsdealsautomobiles6980]

I've been wet sanding since I was 7 and running what felt like 40 pounds old rotary buffers but I like the channel and innovation so I try to give view time while I'm working. Rock on 🤙

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you!

[@TheBizcuit0426]

Absolutely the truth. Just did a 2001 Chevy Z71 and did one step with your DIY purple wool pad and 3D speed. It was just a super hard paint. Normally, I use your gold pad with gold standard. That's my starting point every time.

[@diydetailofficial]

That is awesome!

[@tomconnors6310]

Love you guys. This is what keeps me hooked on detailing.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@renuing]

Thank you for keeping it in real time speed for the polishing! Helps for those of us learning 🙏

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@melansonstevenandrew]

Thanks guys for yet another great video as it was extremely informative and answered so many of my questions. You guys have established a great system. I really like that you both treat each video as if it could potentially be the very first time someone hears about a product/tool/situation. How Nick always asks common questions and especially the use of layman terms from the both of you to ensure we all understand regardless of our level of knowledge/experience.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@DonovanFZ]

I just used the yellow and red rotary pad with the gold standard polish on my 370z. My car has never been so glossy 😍 this stuff works great..

[@diydetailofficial]

Great to hear!

[@michaelmorales6408]

It was a great pleasure meeting you and nick and the crew. Glad you guys had a great show this year!! Looking forward to seeing you guys next year!!

[@diydetailofficial]

Us too!

[@chelsabailey1018]

Yvan and Nick, I ALWAYS learn when I watch your videos, so please be as repetitive as you want!! I don't mind one bit. We ALL learn through repetition, so don't hesitate to repeat what you've said before. Great video!!! Thanks for posting!!!

[@diydetailofficial]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Dini-jf5bt]

Thanks guys , you always have the best content and tutorials.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@neilbenzie3618]

Awesome video guys 👍🏻.My son has just bought his first car (Mazda 2) and picking it up next weekend ,but unfortunately the previous owner has used a Brillo pad on a few panels , lucky the car has still it’s original paint (6 years old ) and it’s never been machine polished before as took some readings with the ptg and it’s standard Mazda thin clear coat . So your system will be used once again to get guaranteed results 😃

[@diydetailofficial]

Excellent , good choice for a new car

[@jeaneebarnes2835]

Always great videos like this, especially for me as a beginner. A little off subject here, but obviously you can wash/clean your polishing pads using rinseless wash. Can you do the same with your microfiber towels. Can you put rinseless wash in your washing machine for this purpose, and if so, at what dilution? Thanks guys!!!

[@diydetailofficial]

Best to use a product designed for the machine

[@alejandromarino5169]

Thanks Mr George de Mestral for inventing hook ando loop... And thank you for teaching us every trick of this beautiful culture of car care...

[@diydetailofficial]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@bluegrasskid4835]

29:00 I have found when using a scrap panel to teach a relative how to polish and used tape lines to more clearly show before and after to him, DIY Tree Sap Remover does a good job getting rid of the majority (if not all) of the adhesive left from tape, especially if you let Tree Sap Remover dwell on the adhesive residue for a minute or two. If you have any left, wash off the Tree Sap Remover with Rinseless or Incredible Suds or something similar, rinse that off and use the Decon Towel and use the wash or rinseless as your lube, that will generally remove the rest of the adhesive and letting the towel soak in your wash bucket seems to get the adhesive out of the towel. If by some chance you still have adhesive residue left over, first don't use that tape on cars anymore, second, get an old style clay bar and tear off a small piece you don't mind ruining. Use DIY Tree Sap Remover and let it sit on the adhesive for a minute or two then spray one more time and use Tree Sap Remover as your lubricant with the small piece of clay. The piece of clay will likely be worthless after the process but you will have all the adhesive Residue removed.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@bluegrasskid4835]

@@diydetailofficial Your welcome

[@williamsanders1296]

I will say your advice is priceless

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@JeepJL]

Not only priceless… But FREE! LOL

[@notsodelusional]

Yvan and Nick, do you mind commenting on whether the proposed tariffs will affect the prices of your polishers and / or chemicals? Ty.

[@diydetailofficial]

Polishers yes, the rest of our products are made in the USA

[@stevenv9224]

One of my favorite way to polish is using the DIY pads and GS polish as well using the polisher whis is a beasts 🔥🔥👍🏼👍🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@christopherpape4823]

As someone who has been meaning to learn more about polishing, this video was super helpful, thanks for sharing! If I have a couple of faded/oxidized looking areas of paint on my hood, would a rotary sander and jeweling pad be a good option to maybe bring some life back?

[@diydetailofficial]

You may need more

[@jeaneebarnes2835]

ok, thanks. I have a McKillans wide mouth foam cannon that has the 3 tablet filters in the internal chamber which I can't get to - it's screwed in too tight. I have very hard water, and at some point it will need cleaning out or replacement. What are your thoughts on putting some rinseless wash in the bottle and running it through that system to clean it out, or perhaps water spot removal? I have a lot of your products ready to use on a 2014 Audi SQ5 - Ive never detailed a car; just making sure everything is right before I start. Thanks as always..I hope you get some water spot remover in soon....

[@diydetailofficial]

Use vinegar

[@patrickadams2824]

Made a big purchase on the diy site. Appears my shipment was cancelled is the warehouse having problems?. All good now just a little mishap in the warehouse package is on the way i couldn't be more excited

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@adamlyman8293]

You may already have a video on the subject, but can you show a method for polishing (gold standard/yellow waffle pad) on surfaces that include a ridge, like on the hood of my car has two ridges (body lines) that go from near the windshield down to near the front of the vehicle. I know you’re not supposed to spend much time at all on the ridges to avoid burning through the clear coat, but how do you come close enough so the hood looks even after polishing?? Thanks for all your help!!!

[@diydetailofficial]

Most of our polishing videos show the hood. It’s not as complicated as you might expect.

[@azn370z]

I couldn't tell much of difference between the 3 pads. It looked like every test area had swirl marks. I've seen your other videos such as when you polish pan's white suv and you got all the swirl marks out. Would you just do more passes with the wool pad to get out the swirl marks? I liked the info about moving the polisher faster if the paint is soft.

[@diydetailofficial]

The goal was not to fully correct, but to show the difference between the 3 pads. Yes a few more passes would do the job

[@andyowen7133]

I’ve been hesitating about investing in a polish and a pad but I’m close to being g swayed. I’ve recent purchased Quickbeads. And I have to say it’s fricken epic. Here in the Uk we have had this anti cyclonic gloom. Which has meant humidity is mental. I used it today and it blew my mind. However, tonight the humidity is now average 93% so we’ll see how it fairs this week. The quickbeads is a joy to use and if the rest of your gear is this good maybe polish and pad on the Xmas list and try the hand sander with it. Thanks guys

[@palmbeachcane9523]

Quick Beads is like magic and I use way too much but it’s so fun to use especially on wheels when you don’t want to dry them. Get ceramic gloss next because it also works really great.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@RyanAron-ul6dm]

Hay Ivan,i hope you are right about rotary polishers finishing well with the jeweling pad🙈. I find alot more people saying a DA is a must have for finishing. But never the less i have taken your advice and i have ordered my jeweling pad and a battery powered ingco rotary polisher with its lowest rpm of 500rpm. Fingers crossed i am able to get some good results with the rotary as i do not own a dual action polisher.

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes, people try to finish at too high a speed without using the right pad. Follow our technique and use our Gold Standard Polishing System and you will enjoy the results

[@GP-xc3ee]

In need to prep my new car for a ceramic coating. Paint looks great and doesn't need much, if any correcting. I have a DA polisher and an orbital palm sander. What pad would you recommend considering I don't have a rotary to finish?

[@diydetailofficial]

Gold pad.

[@DavidWoolf-q1g]

Checking if I got this right. Standard DIY Detail two-step process is 1) wool pad with DA and 2) red jeweling pad with rotary. If I only have a DA, around the 28 minute mark in the video, sounds like step 2 suggestion would be the Gold Standard waffle pad instead of the red jeweling pad. Correct or overcomplicating and fine either way?

[@diydetailofficial]

Let the paint tell you

[@robbienyc3102]

Keep it simple and have fun !!!!!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@sbath2714]

I’m looking at getting into the DIY Detail ecosystem along with an orbital palm sander for polishing paint. Can the Wool Cutting Pad be used on a palm sander to remove deep scratches? Will the pad have less cut on a palm sander and what should the speed be set to?

[@diydetailofficial]

How to Polish Paint for beginners! #detailing #polishing #paintcorrection #diydetail kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJWsf31jaLKWZrc

[@404notfound.....]

Invaluable information!! 👊👍🏻

[@diydetailofficial]

Glad it was helpful!

[@btbd2785]

Good demo. Can you also include your newly revised wool pad Ivan? Thanks

[@diydetailofficial]

It works the same

[@patrickadams2824]

It's really hard to see the differences in the test spots in my opinion probably just due to the camera But you can always trust yvan. Purchased the red pad and getting a rotary for the first time

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@casey9551]

Great video I feel better now don’t over thinking now thanks

[@diydetailofficial]

Glad to hear it

[@gorillanismo]

What about a 1 step with the gold standard and rotary? Possible or DA is just better for 1 steps?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes, we like to feature different techniques, but a rotary would be great.

[@eddieblount216]

I agree with using rinceless towl to wipe off polish.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@alvin3502]

Can i use wool pad for cutting and yellow pad for glossing up the paint with rotary for both pads or is finishing with red pad is better?

[@diydetailofficial]

Ideally the red pad for finishing

[@WaryaaBahal]

Hi guys hope y'all doing well, i need an advice please, i want to buy a cordless polisher because i cant buy corded one, reason being where i live.. Please guide me to get the most sufficient Cordless polisher for a brand new beginner, thank you in advance

[@diydetailofficial]

Our cordless polishers will be out this Spring! If you can be patient they will be worth the wait

[@erikaddy9734]

Does the app have enough capability to gloss the paint after using the wool pad on the 25mm da, or do you really need to use the rotary/red pad to clean that up first?

[@diydetailofficial]

A test spot will give you your best answer.

[@chadwehner5053]

You guys rock! When are the new 5.5” wool cutting pads expected to be in stock? Thanks!

[@diydetailofficial]

November

[@alvin3502]

Can i do a 1 step with the yellow waffle pad with rotary?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes.

[@ryanl8653]

1 great polish, 3 great pads takes 99% of the guess work out of polishing. Side note, yes don’t be surprised if you need to modify the process on bumpers (on the same vehicle). I had a Porsche 911 (993) that was all original paint. I was a bit taken aback to find both bumpers were single stage paint, but the rest of the vehicle was clear coated!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@NHRApeople]

What speed/ rpm for rotary polisher with red jeweled waffle pad? Thanks!!

[@diydetailofficial]

400-800 rpm

[@IgorGaydarov]

Question, recently received my order. Is it okay if iron remover has white chunks in it ?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@obey-de-law2011]

Hey guys, what would be best to maximise cut: wool on rotary or 15mm da? Any rough idea on how less efficient (% wise) the rotary is to the 25mm da for cutting with the wool pad?

[@diydetailofficial]

WHICH CUTS PAINT FASTER?! Rotary or Dual Action Polisher. Real-time test! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGGon5uIhLuGetE

[@ShanePowers-l5r]

How do I get in contact with you guys to join a whole sale program? I love your products and what you guys stand for. I met you both at sema and would love to use diy products in bulk.

[@diydetailofficial]

[e-mail]

[@ShanePowers-l5r]

I sent an email

[@MrKhaikwon]

If I am only polishing to remove a coating what do you recommend?

[@diydetailofficial]

Gold pad

[@1kontrabida]

Quick question how can u finish with s 25mm stroke when afaik less mm in stroke less marring and less stroke gives out the best finish.

[@diydetailofficial]

The longer stroke reduces micro marring.

[@jsclayton]

Is the red pad on the DA enough cut to remove any existing protection before ceramic coating?

[@diydetailofficial]

With DIY Detail Gold Standard Polish, yes

[@btrade12003]

Nick: analogizes bushwhacking with an ax (finishing off with scissors) to the different cut from different polishing pads Yvan: "Yeah, anyway, so these pads..."

[@diydetailofficial]

lol

[@smb1014]

Where can we get the kneeling creepers? Keep up the great work guys!

[@aldaley3537]

He’s mentioned in a previous video that the kneeling creeper is a prototype.

[@diydetailofficial]

They will be available soon

[@thewealthadvisor]

How do you handle haze from a polish or compound?

[@diydetailofficial]

Polish with a finer pad

[@seang3538]

What is the shelf life of polishing pads? < 5 years , 5-10 years, > 10 years? I don't paint correct often but bought several pads and didn't use them. Is it worth using pads that were bought 10 years ago and never used? I will buy new pads, but just curious.

[@macmaynard-d3l]

I wanna know too🤙

[@diydetailofficial]

They can last a long time if they are not exposed to sunlight

[@seang3538]

@@diydetailofficial Thanks, saved a few dollars. ;)

[@jfarm_1311]

Does the APP add any gloss? Any benefit of doing yellow then red then using red again for APP?

[@diydetailofficial]

It does slightly.

[@PrankstarDK]

I've always been under the understanding, that avoid washing in circles because if you happen to do make scratches it's easier to correct straight lines compared to curved lines. Not sure if you agree or not. Might just be overthinking it again :)

[@diydetailofficial]

Unfortunately 100% old wives tales and overthinking.

[@PrankstarDK]

@@diydetailofficial Good to know, thanks for clarifying 👌

[@jontnoneya3404]

I'll be honest, I'm new to polishing but I couldn't really see a difference. The cameraman at the 25 min mark, was TOO FAR AWAY and wasn't focusing in enough. BUT even before that, I couldn't see a difference in gloss or defects. Either the camera isn't sensitive enough to pick up the difference or maybe it was the light but it's not at all obvious to me the differences. But I appreciate all the levels of explanation. This video helps me understand the different types of polishers and pads so thanks!

[@diydetailofficial]

Unfortunately the footage wasn’t the best, but we decided to release the video because of the information it contains.

[@JRichDetailz]

Can the APP with the red pad remove sealants and old ceramic coatings?

[@diydetailofficial]

No, it’s not abrasive enough

[@jhernandezjr25]

What light are yall using?

[@diydetailofficial]

Cree LED

[@richsmith3120]

I like those knee rollers you have there. Where did you get them from?

[@georgina_gsm]

They’re DIY’s own invention! Coming soonish apparently 😊

[@diydetailofficial]

Prototype , soon to be available

[@Tigerbergslim]

Csn you use Gold Standard Polish on PPF ?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@brutekiller787]

I’m not interested in pads or technique anymore, all I’m interested in is those kneeling sitting change roller things. Those look excellent

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you, coming soon

[@fjoco1]

When can we expect the new polishers to go on sale?

[@diydetailofficial]

Before next spring

[@kelly3214]

What kind of detail seats are they using?

[@diydetailofficial]

Prototypes

[@kendavis1198]

I've often wondered "why" I don't see you "SHAKE" the Gold Standard Polish, (Might be just me)???

[@diydetailofficial]

No need to

[@kendavis1198]

@ Good to know. Thanks .

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Appreciated Gents

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@madwax1360]

Red gloves too. I want em!

[@diydetailofficial]

amzn.to/3WrefBu

[@EssexRugbyRef-ui7cv]

Great video! I do have a question. I am about to attempt my first machine polish and I know it is going to need at least 2 stages. My question is - do I do the whole car with the first stage (heavy cut) and then do the whole car again with my finishing polish. Or do I heavy cut and then finishing cut each part of the car and work my way round?

[@diydetailofficial]

Depends on the polish being used. With our system, it’s up to you. With other compounds you may need to wipe off immediately

[@EssexRugbyRef-ui7cv]

@ I don’t think I have made myself clear. I meant to say, would you for example heavy cut (per panel) the whole car, and then start again with a medium cut. Or would you work solely per panel doing all three stages - for example the bonnet - heavy cut, wipe, medium cut, wipe, final polish wipe. Then move onto the next part of the car?

[@diydetailofficial]

We never need to do 3 steps. With DIY Detail Gold Standard Polish it’s your choice, but it’s preferable to not wipe off.

[@2twofive341]

i use 5 inch pads. why do you guys use 6 inch pads? is there a benefit, ive always been taught the 5 inch pad cuts better.. your thoughts?

[@diydetailofficial]

6 inch has several advantages, More cut due to the larger surface area. Easier to balance And you can reach more areas with a 6 inch pad

[@2twofive341]

@ Thankyou

[@DarrylHolloway-v9o]

Where do I get the kneeling creeper?

[@adamstrachn]

He designed it himself I believe. It might become a reality for us to buy one day knowing Yvan. His new pad washer is going to sell like crazy.

[@diydetailofficial]

Coming soon

[@adamstrachn]

@@diydetailofficial 🎉 🎉 🎉

[@lookthroughmycamera]

How come those rinseless grid sponges cost so much? Where can I find one at a reasonable price?

[@diydetailofficial]

The cost of the foam, and manufacturing. You will find that over time our sponges are very economical

[@lookthroughmycamera]

@ I don’t realize you sold them. Of course this is the answer you would give me…. It’s just a sponge man

[@toolsdealsautomobiles6980]

I've never had a 25 mm machine so I believe it must be the first

[@korierm74]

So which to remove swirls?

[@diydetailofficial]

All

[@korierm74]

​5/5/5 to get them out? I ask because it wasn't demonstrated here. Swirls galore in this demo. 😂

[@diydetailofficial]

Tomorrow’s video will explore deeper

[@jeaneebarnes2835]

Non diluted white vinegar?

[@diydetailofficial]

For what?

[@jeaneebarnes2835]

For the McKillans foam cannon head to clean out the 3 mesh tablets inside

[@alanhefter4659]

Good information but I honestly saw very little if any improvement between yellow and wool as far as correction is concerned. Not hating on you just being honest.

[@diydetailofficial]

The goal wasn’t full correction, but to show the difference. Unfortunately the footage was not the best, but we decided to release it since the information was pertinent.

[@brandonelliott5345]

For perfect lines there’s no overlap when mowing

[@diydetailofficial]

I overlap a few inches…

[@bigo573]

I'm ready with Humberto

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@williamsanders1296]

I use the red pad on boats cars RVs finishing waxing

[@diydetailofficial]

Excellent

[@turbomax2001]

Description and explanations were great. However I think you did yourself a disservice. There appeared to be negligible difference and improvements between your different test sections which implied your products didn't do anything. I think you need to redo this video with better lighting and/or camera settings to better illustrate the differences in the sections, so it is not your products that appear ineffective.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

First and ready

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@davidb5220]

Red Rotary pad can almost finish down any paint every once in awhile you have to switch it up to the yellow bit it’s very rare. And in some occasions if you switch the red rotary pad on to the DA to finish that does the trick as well it really just depends on the correction you do prior or the kind of paint your correcting

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@tenjho101]

Can’t see the difference. The 2 step still has lots of marring, maybe it’s the camera

[@diydetailofficial]

We were not aiming for perfection, but to show what each could do with a simple pass

[@reysdatnig]

Idk but the advice was good with the pads. But that paint demonstration was horrible. That’s still had Hella swirls n marks. Maybe it was just me But the wool+ polishing pad should’ve left that black car looking like mirror

[@diydetailofficial]

Thèse were very quick passes, not a full correction

[@jimcoon]

I fail to understand why KZbin detail guys/girls are spraying all kinds of chemicals out of spray bottles and not wearing any type of mask. If you can smell it, you are breathing it. As someone diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 60, I can tell you that a time may come when you may wish your would have taken better care of your lungs - and your brain.

[@513partyrocker]

Why does this video keep getting pushed back over and over again?

[@diydetailofficial]

Because we are waiting to have the pads in stock

[@oursulaert]

1st uk

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@JS-qw8hy]

Delete Nick from all future videos or having him sit in the corner. Where did you get him from community theater? Ivan, you do a complete understandable presentation in Everything you do and then all Nick does is word salad describing the very same thing. He adds no valuable content . Would be much more watchable, tight and concise and we would still learn just as much without the word salad.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you.

[@sheepstardetail]

The timing of this is sus.

[@diydetailofficial]

Why?

[@sheepstardetail]

@ Are DIY Detail pads the right choice? Lake Country SDO pad comparison using Gold Standard. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqGxlotum8ykY6c

[@diydetailofficial]

This was recorded a few months ago, we were waiting for all pads to be in stock before releasing the video

[@sheepstardetail]

@ oh… I guess I’m the one who’s sus.

[@TimothyJohnsonBey]

Creep life!!! Lol

[@TimothyJohnsonBey]

Funny how now Nick has joined in on the kneeling creeper seater teaser lol

[@diydetailofficial]

Coming soon.