Beginners Guide to Car Polishing

[@grahamsopp]

Having watched most of your videos, I was confident I could tackle a few paint blemishes. Picked up a DA, and some Maguire's and have fixed several clear coat scratches. Even a bare metal scuff has been tidied up and passes the ' don't notice as you walk past ' test

[@TonyWheeler60]

Thank you for the excellent videos. I've been looking after my 3 year old Tesla model 3 having had it detailed and ceramic coated when new. The cost of having it again detailed and ceramic coated was going to be around £650! So, having seen your videos I invested in the right gear and treatments and wow! I've just done one side of my car and the colour really pops and there's not a swirl in sight. I'll finish off the car then polish - then it's time for the (less well cared for) Nissan Leaf. Thank you 👍

[@ForensicDetailing]

awesome tony. good exercise, beats going to the gym and saves you a lot of money and its great fun.

[@weepz]

I'm yet to polish my car for the first time so I always enjoy these beginner guide videos, from what I've seen, just give it a go and don't be scared. :D

[@M.E63]

I’m just a beginner , I polished a few scratches here and there and once I done a one step on a whole car , I did make a mistake but luckily it was on a bumper where it required a paint job anyway on the corner so I got away with it , just take your time and don’t go for perfection as that’s what got me in trouble trying to chase perfection when it wasn’t possible , depending on how old the car is then might be best to get a cheap paint depth gauge otherwise just test a section on the bonnet to determine if it’s a soft clear coat or harder one and you can also determine what pad and polish combo is best for that paint

[@Wayne.R]

If you want a very good set of instruction videos on this subject, check out Junkman2000. I learn’t from him, and have since adapted my approach, job by job.

[@weepz]

@@Wayne.R cheers, will look into him

[@blackopsdetailingproducts]

I still use a cheap corded DA and I love it... Can't bare the thought that if I upgrade to a fancy expensive cordless I might then end up using my old one because I'm used to it. Haha. Good video Jon!

[@Dustii91]

Pinching all 4 corners.... ive been doing my own car for years on end and never once thought of this... DOH.... great tips and great vid as always bud

[@Battery-Powered]

Thank you so much . Watched probably most of your videos now … Just picked up extremely rare 18 year old z4 and looking forward to polishing it and then ceramic coat it .

[@NolTee2]

Z4m coupe 🧐

[@Battery-Powered]

@@NolTee2 no, something different I’ll do video about it:)

[@jamesmoirano4271]

I never tire of watching these great how to videos Jon 👍🏼😎🍺🙌

[@LordInter]

I did wonder how you were detailing your car in 40c heat in the uk, night time! gotcha

[@burncdm]

Always great info in your videos will give me a head start on starting polishing my car for the first time with a dual action polisher

[@andicampbell8621]

I`m gonna have my 1st go soon and intend using the Scholl S20 Black. Do I need to apply anything on top of that? Cheers 👍

[@kajukuja]

I have a Maxshine M8S still in the box. You’ve motivated me to bring it out and start polishing 🙂👍.

[@DjNikGnashers]

Nice one Jon, these videos are invaluable.

[@ForensicDetailing]

Thx nik

[@M.E63]

I’ve got all of angelwax’s range including the aio and all 3 polish and compound , great value and and excellent quality , I got them in half price sale on last years Black Friday deal but even there full price is maybe the best price in UK

[@kosef5568]

Hey Jon. Any advice for polishing single stage paint? Have a Volvo 740 that I want to get small scratches out then wax to get some shine back. Thanks mate.

[@obsessionfocusseeker5334]

Thank you for another excellent video which is perfectly timed as I start out a detailing journey! Just getting my shopping list together! I have a heavily scratched VW (scratched while being washed at a garage). I can see white through the red paint on some scratches. I appreciated I’ll not get out all the scratches but would you recommend starting with a heavier cutting compound and working to lighter? Currently have Meguiars UC. Really appreciate your clear, instructional and motivational videos!

[@as680783]

Hi A McB. Speaking from a personal pov I'd answer yes to your question for a few reasons: 1. Using a medium to hard cut compound will speed up the process several-fold. 2. Secondly, VW - like most German car models - have very hard clearcoat making scratch removal a tedious process. 3. Deeper scratches are extremely difficult to remove with milder/finer abrasives. Even with aggressive compounds and pads you may find deeper ones persist even if you resort to wet-sanding. I'd suggest starting with a medium cut compound like Meguiars Ultimate Compound on a panel of the car, and if that doesn't work then go to a more harsh compound like Koch Chemie 8.02 or Sonax Cut Max. Pair the medium Meguiars compound with a medium pad in the first instance and if you're getting some results, but need a bit better, use the Meguiars with a firmer pad. If that doesn't work, go to the harsher compound with medium pad and failing that pair the harsh compound with a hard cutting pad. After compounding the car you'll need to polish out all the microabrasive haze, trails, and swirls from the process. Do this with a fine to medium pad and a fine polish. I like to use Sonax Final or Auto Finesse _Triple_ which has resin as well as abrasives to help fill any missed swirling.

[@obsessionfocusseeker5334]

@@as680783 Thank you for this information, I really appreciate it! I'm off work next week and am planning to get detailing! This all makes sense and I will see how it goes. Thank you again!!

[@Vyker]

One from the archives 😂

[@DavidC1]

Jon, i prefer forced rotation cordless

[@steverabbits]

Really useful video that Jon. The tool you pick up at 12:28 does that attach to a cordless drill or can you use it with a polishing machine? I need something small like that which I could attach to a cordless drill so I can polish the fiddly piano black interior trim around the centre console of my Jag. Having trouble finding anything tbh.

[@ForensicDetailing]

That's for pxe 80 m8

[@steverabbits]

@@ForensicDetailing cheers Jon. A bit extravagant for just one small job 😂

[@sam90796]

Can you confirm if the pad has to be wet or dry? I’ve notice diy detail wetting there pads and other not. Can you help?

[@JABZtheJAAT]

Hi mate good video, do you use the same pad for the full car or use more than one. Thanks

[@ForensicDetailing]

minimum of 2 I would say mate. see how many pads should you use to polish a car video

[@darren990]

your car looks brand new mate ..maybe i should bring my car around that would make a video lol

[@jonnybravo3055]

I've got a BMW ,Angel wax Regenerate and the DA8 polisher after your recommendation. What pads did you use Jon 👍🏻. Just watched again and you said Flex medium 👍🏻

[@spokegg]

Quick question, whats the best methoid if your car has factory stripes? My Mini f56 JCW is about to get a thorough detail and I'm worried..... Loving the channel, keep it up mate.

[@ForensicDetailing]

If it's decals on top on the paint don't polish on that bit if it's under the clear coat it's fine

[@stevebirmingham9650]

Anyone have any thoughts on the use of a clay bar during the the washing process, seems to leave a really nice smooth glass like surface any thoughts ???

[@as680783]

Love claybars, especially the Bilt Hamber offerings. That said, I rarely clay a car unless I'm going to polish it afterwards. Reason being claybars are abrasive and will leave micromarring all over the clayed areas. So while the car may be smooth like glass, the gloss is dulled due to the swirls installed through the claying process.

[@stevebirmingham9650]

@@as680783 Thanks interesting comment appreciated

[@muchachogrande2019]

Jon, Have you been able to try the Makita cordless DA yet? It's ungodly expensive and has a bit of a shorter throw, but it's also forced rotation and seemingly very sturdy which may make up for any other undesirable traits it posseses. I'd just be curious to hear from an actual experienced vet what they think about it and if it's worth anything close to what it costs.

[@ForensicDetailing]

I've tried the cordless I liked it in fr mode.

[@oldskoolfez]

Hi Jon, another great video! Tallking of single stage products. Have you used Autoglym Fast Cut Plus? The end results are good but I found it is probably the worst product I've ever had to buff off. Maybe I've been blessed by Poorboy's in the past!

[@idontwanttopedal]

I’ve got one them dewalt what learn to use it right

[@IMon503]

Jon, I have been into the safe car wash methods and applying wax for a while but never been confident enough to do more than a hand polish using auto finesse triple. The car is now 6 years old and there are a few swirl marks etc on it. I got a da polisher for a birthday recently, however I don't know how heavy a polish or what pad to use. The car is a bmw 3 series in Estoril blue. Any suggestion regarding paint hardness and polish/pad combo

[@ForensicDetailing]

I would grab some Scholl S20 black single stage polish. Use that with the Flex orange (or flex purple for more swirl removal). in2detailing sell that pads and polish. Do nice controlled 2by2 sets. clean the pad out each set. At the end degrease with panel wipe and put a nice wax or sealant on mate. Be sure to clay bar the car first properly.

[@nachomandetailingservices1057]

Great video! Thank you 👍🏻

[@imprezaworks]

I have a black car and it's mostly a pita

[@om3973]

Hey john I bought the koch Chemie yellow compound and the purple finishing polish I have a nissan they have softer paints I have heard should I start with the purple i bought the kotch Chemie pads as well this will be first time i have ever machined polish i am trying to get that dewalt polisher or milwake caint make up my mind

[@ForensicDetailing]

Both the same i think

[@ArjanAaryan]

Hi Jon, excellent video! I have question though, my car is 3 years old (VW colour solid white) and had Opti-Coat Pro+ applied as soon as it came out of the showroom. I think the coating is rated for 7 years. The car has been kept super clean but I've noticed dirt embedded in the paint which I can only remove with clay barring. I've read that claying a ceramic coating damages it and requires polishing and reapplied. So my question is, isn't better to apply a coating that lasts a litttle while (something like Gyeon CanCoat) since for my car I may need to clay every couple of years?

[@ForensicDetailing]

Could be mate but you can do chemical Decon. But yer perhaps 7 year coating could be too long

[@ArjanAaryan]

@@ForensicDetailing yeah been doing chemical decon too

[@01123581321341]

“Everyone uses free spinning DAs” - I don’t ! Use a rotary and a mini rotary all the time. I agree if you invest the time to get used to them they are lovely - so nice they don’t vibrate and move so mich as DA and as you say keep the speeds low and you can get awesome results. You’ve got other beginner guides for machine polishing already which are fantastic so not sure on this one…if i was a total novice i’d find this guide a little rushed and full of terms i’d have no idea about.

[@ForensicDetailing]

Yer it's pretty informal this Chris. Most peeps use free spinners not all

[@Jan-zm2yv]

What are the recommended RPMs while compounding( step 1 ) and while polishing ( step 2 ) ?

[@ForensicDetailing]

Lowest speed to spreads. Higher speed to polish. Depends on specific machine how high you go.

[@thebatclinic3637]

Hi John how much is the dewalt polisher and what ampage of battery please.

[@ForensicDetailing]

Check review m8

[@zzhughesd]

Are all in ones cut polish gloss any good. I’m using G360 for cut and polish with wool and a foam . But then leave it. Don’t use a sealant. Confused at best.

[@ForensicDetailing]

See latest video just released m8.

[@zzhughesd]

@@ForensicDetailing I know, that's what prompted me, thanks

[@nuclearpistachio]

how many pads do you go through for a full car? I’ve seen people using 4-6 pads but some of them are so expensive

[@ForensicDetailing]

yes typically 4+ is good but you can do with 1 or 2 if you want.

[@gijoemolinaro]

Just checking in dude Merturtleglym here lol...I always look forward to your vids and as usual another fantastic video by yourself...I'm actually going to start a little car detailing business and your videos are priceless ❤🙏😇👍👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@ForensicDetailing]

Good luck you will ace it

[@sixtysecondsofstephens2386]

Can you compound the car if it has been previously waxed or does that need removing for it to work ?

[@ForensicDetailing]

Yes

[@alterfart]

If this is for beginers shoudn't you mention the choice of pads, which pads to use and avoid etc? Also as I'm a beginer, you did four passes, why four? How do I know when I've used the polisher enough? What are the things to look for?

[@DavidC1]

I posted a screenshot of your comment on the detailing forums and that absolutely castrated you for basically yelling at jon complaining about pad selection choices.

[@DavidC1]

Jon is this an old video? The good ole red bean is back ?

[@jonnyshielldetailing]

@@DavidC1 why would you screenshot it and post it on a forum? It's a comments section to ask questions, I'm sure Jon can respond without you trolling a guy asking questions.

[@as680783]

Hi alterfart. Take a look at Jon's back catalogue. He's done hundreds of videos on your exact questions. He does an overview and then goes into real detail for those interested.

[@brad2807]

Am I going to get hazing with scholl s20 black with yellow wool rupes pad on white 2015 Ford paint Jon? Brilliant video as always

[@ForensicDetailing]

Unlikely mate no

[@brad2807]

@@ForensicDetailing sorry I had a typo miss I’ve updated it now will it be ok on a yellow rupes wool pad I meant

[@3four4door59]

Hey mate will polish and a finishing pad remove buffer holograms

[@ForensicDetailing]

Yes m8

[@johnp6987]

Maybe I’ll show this to the cowboys at the 2nd hand car dealer(I presume) who put holograms in most panels on a neighbour’s car. Makes me shed a tear when it’s sunny and you see the mess

[@ForensicDetailing]

That goes on up and down the country. Even in body shops. Not many understand about buffer trails. Because they are masked with the polishing oils. And it's not untill you wash the car you see them. Watch my video called the Botox effect

[@johnparkerzabala]

Sir you don’t use your rupes no more?

[@jamesstowers6014]

Another great video Jon, your videos are so informative and i learn so much , do you know anything about the £50 ish sakura polishing machine from in2detailing and if its any good as I’m on a budget , need something just for myself to be used just once a year , any information would be so grateful

[@ForensicDetailing]

Go with da8 m8

[@jamesstowers6014]

Ok thanks alot , will do👍

[@flowinthrou]

I`m considering this dewalt cordless polisher, but I cannot find anywhere what is the eccentric throw.. Do you suggest this polisher or any other cordless? For beginner. Is it bad that is heavy?

[@ForensicDetailing]

its 15ml throw. Its a powerfull cordless. I recomend it yes. but you are tied into Dewalt battery system then so it will pay to go dewalt for all your tooling.

[@jonathan6009]

Noob question Jhon which one cut better, the beast or 15 longthrow da given that they have the same pad?

[@ForensicDetailing]

What's the beast m8 the xce?

[@jonathan6009]

@@ForensicDetailing Flex XC 3401..I meant corded flex xc 3401 vs corded longthrow DA 15 (lhr 15 Mk3 or Shinemate 620 15)..

[@savage6394]

I have a question. I have a 1994 Ford F-150 that I just started buffing last night. The Clear coat seems to be Extremely Hard. I’m having to push pretty hard to buff out the scratches, does that mean I need a more aggressive compound? The scratches are coming out really well but it seems to me, I’m working way harder than anyone else I see buffing.

[@ForensicDetailing]

Could be deep scratches. But don't deep too deep 2 to 3 sets of cutting is enough.

[@savage6394]

@@ForensicDetailing You can’t catch them with a fingernail. Maybe My expectations are higher than they should be on how quick the buffing process should go. I did realize I’m moving along the panel faster than you were. I’ll slow down and see if that helps. Your tips are always helpful. Thank you!

[@as680783]

@@savage6394 Brian from Apex Detailing advises moving no faster than 1 inch per second along the panel when using a DA for scrathch removal.

[@HellzHonour]

I use a Simoniz dual action polisher for the first time and it has crazy vibrations I’ve never felt before as a beginner in polishing. Is there any way to reduce the effect of it on my hand at all? I feel like I can only polish for about 5-10mins before my hand feels funny.

[@ForensicDetailing]

Lower the speed down a bit m8

[@HellzHonour]

@@ForensicDetailing it was at speed 4 lol

[@eamonmolineux340]

How long do the battery last Your Polishers.

[@ForensicDetailing]

i did a review of the 849 and 848 mate its covered in there. I cent remember off the top of my head.

[@Battery-Powered]

I believe in one of the videos he mentioned around 45min . But again may be better if you checked it yourself

[@col72]

What's the da from argos like,anyone tried it?

[@sanmiguel4019]

Does the job but it's very rough, the ones from In2detailing are quite a bit better for not much more money, that's the minimum I would buy!

[@col72]

@@sanmiguel4019 OK cheers

[@st.vladimir2020]

Obviously you are very knowledgeable, but please get yourself a tripod(:

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

3rd

[@DavidC1]

1st

[@wolfdogslife1083]

First comment

[@brad2807]

3rd