How To Polish A Car w/ Harbor Freight DA Polisher - Car Detailing and Paint Correction!

How To Polish A Car w/ Harbor Freight DA Polisher - Car Detailing and Paint Correction! How to Polish A car using an easy polish car method in today's car detailing episode on Stauffer Garage! If you have any car polishing tips, leave them in the description box below!
The steps for todays car detailing are listed below to get the best clean on your car possible with this how to polish your car on a budget using the harbor freight dual action polisher.
1. Wash your car using either a foam cannon or the two bucket method.
2. Once your car is clean use some of your leftover soapy water from your wash bucket as lubricant and clay bar your vehicle.
3. After you have clayed the whole car, rinse the car and dry with your microfiber towel.
4. I am using a random orbital polisher with 3 different types of lake county CCS 6.5 foam pads of different polishing or finishing capabilities. I started with Optimum polish II compound due to some of the deep scratches and swirls in my paint along with oxidation and the orange polishing pad.
5. Add some of the compound to your polishing pad and start at low speeds to work the polish in a 3' x 3' section. After the polish has begun to dry, wipe off with a clean microfiber towel to determine if another round of a similar compound is needed or if you can move onto a sealant polish.
6. Apply your favorite sealant now that your car is swirl free and enjoy the new finish!
Cleaning a car and detailing a car is one of the most satisfying and rewarding experiences. Thank you all for your support each week and if you are new be sure to Subscribe & Turn On Notifications for New disaster detailing videos! #cardetailing #detailing #carcleaning
🦊 Detailing Products at Fox Clean: www.foxclean.com 🦊
Mint Shine All-Purpose Cleaner - bit.ly/3yiM2z3
Mint Shine Leather Conditioner - bit.ly/3rZhWj5
Mint Shine Leather Cleaner - bit.ly/3DPy8Wr
Drill Brush Set - bit.ly/37DoOqR
Fox Tail Pet Hair Brush - bit.ly/3qRiio9
Detailing Brush Set - bit.ly/3eSSUtj
Mega Drying Towel - bit.ly/35rWGGS
Ultra Plush Microfiber Towels in 3 Colors - bit.ly/36oW7g8
Thank you all for your support each week and if you are new be sure to Subscribe & Turn On Notifications for New disaster detailing videos! Follow Me On Instagram @StaufferGarage
Links to Products Mentioned:
Drill Brush Set - bit.ly/37DoOqR
Cerakote Headlight Restoration Kit - bit.ly/CerakoteKit
MTM Foam Cannon - amzn.to/3xkNJLc
Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Pressure Washer - amzn.to/3uns4pj
BioBreak Carpet Pre-treatment - amzn.to/3efn09J
Flex Ice Powdered Neutral Extraction Rinse - amzn.to/39ZyNFQ
Invisible Glass Cleaner - amzn.to/2DFk8Cn
Vac master Vacuum - amzn.to/2F2FZ72
Sandia 50-1000 Carpet Extractor - amzn.to/3jrShrj
Metal Pump Sprayer - amzn.to/2NfcSAO
Wheel Brush - amzn.to/3c7h0On
Steam Cleaner - amzn.to/40ZkaOA
Random Orbital Polisher 21mm - amzn.to/496KWIq
Microfiber Polishing Pad - amzn.to/35x6XAn
Microfiber Cutting Pad - amzn.to/3mivFeE
Clay Bar -amzn.to/2vBmAsf
Welcome to Stauffer Garage! if you are looking for car cleaning and car detailing tips, tricks and how to tutorials... you came to the right channel! Be sure to subscribe and remember, every car deserves some love.
My Website: www.stauffergarage.com
Email: [e-mail]
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond my control, I cannot guarantee against improper use of the information I share in my videos. James Stauffer (Stauffer Garage) assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not James Stauffer (Stauffer Garage). #stauffergarage
#carcleaning #cardetailing #powerwashing #maddetailing #ammonyc #thedetailgeek #detailgeek #wddetailing #autodetailing #disasterdetail #detailing #interiorcarcleaning #carcleaning #interiordetail #filthycardetailing

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Man some of these people making comments think they know more then anyone else. In reality they are probably just keyboard warriors. I think you did a good job explaining what you were doing and got good results. Car looks good! Not all of us are “Pros” we just enjoy having clean cars.

[@heavymechanic2]

I would agree, I do a lot of different things and detailing takes practice or at least to be Committed like OCD (LOL)

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

heavymechanic2 Yes it does take a lot of practice. I am a full time mechanic but detail more as a hobby on the weekends.

[@styldsteel1]

I also agree with your comment. I read some of the comments below mine and I don't know why I tortured myself like this. lol. Some of these comments really make me laugh. I've see one where someone made a dopey comment. Take a flashlight, or a UV light and see all the scratches left behind. Know what? Give me show of hands of the people who carry flashlights and UV lights to their car's paint. Mercy.

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

styldsteel1 Actually I do use a flashlight on paint but it’s made for paint correction so it makes scratches stand out. But I get what you are saying. I read comments all the time and ask myself why did I sit here for 5 minutes reading all these stupid comments. Haha

[@styldsteel1]

Well, I should fantail off our conversation regarding the flashlights and UV lights and the compasses and the protractors and the microscopes and magnifying glasses.. LOL!! sorry. I can't in good faith, knock someone who just wanted to do a good job, namely the professionals who don't have much of a choice depending on what the customer's needs are,. But still. This comment section below. Mercy day!

[@EBKFiXXY]

For anyone hating on their products it’s really not about the machine anymore it’s 2022 it’s about the pad and compound combinations your using I have rupes everything from the 21 to the nano but I started with the long throw Bauer and I have done some of my best work with it can’t beat it for a starter at fraction of the price of other polishers

[@erict1144]

What are some of the best pads and polish? I’m a newbie looking to save years of comparisons.

[@kopkidcrazykloppo2336]

They just over complicated and overpriced everything I m in this business for 15 years Im using 10 years old buffer-pollisher and trusted G3 compounds and they do the same or better job than this kids and way cheaper

[@richsq1]

Very good video sir. I don't know if it will insult you if I give you a piece of advice. I'm 65 years old and I started detailing at 16. What I would like to see from you is instead of taking a 3 by 3 area for polishing go with an area of 2X2 that way you control a lot better the residu from your clear coat and the shine would be a lot more than doing a 3 by 3. You give very good advise to beginner and if they listen to you they will develop their own style and do good job like you do.Thank you for letting me express my opignon on you chanel. Very good work my young freind.

[@frankpeck1448]

You communicate so well...very articulate! It's nice to know that you don't have to spend a fortune, to get great results. Too many are brainwashed into believing that the more you spend, the better the quality. Not necessarily true! Thank you for your expertise.

[@pranavmossae5761]

Yo bro. Went through LOADS of similar videos. Yours is the best. Very simple straight and results matters. Great work bro.

[@annettemiller6009]

love you and your wife's videos! thanks for taking time out and sharing y'alls knowledge. as a single mom of teens, y'all make things a little easier for me by watching y'alls tips and tricks💖

[@karetobiassen6348]

Annette Miller

[@matchoo4050]

I never thought of using existing soap for the clay step. Seems easier than spraying on that "quick detail" stuff. Thanks man!

[@WiddleWabby]

He learned that from chrisfix

[@YaDunno54]

A lot of professional detailers and garages do it reverse. So tyres first then on the body Iron fall out spray, decontamination spray, bug and tar remover wash all off then snow foam. Snow foam again with wash mitts. Snow foam again. And then snow foam with clay mitts because they last longer

[@danmyname]

I am very appreciative to anyone that provides good video instruction such as this one (not everyone could or care). I have never done one myself but I know it takes hours to set up the camera properly and move it around and produce, then the editing, cutting, pasting, adding music and the vocal overdub. If you're not keen you'd give up long before you're finished.

[@joebutler3608]

Black is the toughest color, naturally, it absorbs the heat. But when it's cleaned and waxed right, nothing looks better. I did this as a side business for a few years, so I have some things to add. 1. you can never have enough clean towels. If you're doing a 2 or 3 step process, you're going to want to discard 2-3 towels per 1/4 section of the car, roughly. flat surfaces will require the most attention (Hood, roof, trunk) 2. Wash brand new towels before using. It sounds wildly anal, but trust me. 3. If possible, let the car sit indoors overnight before polishing. Water running onto the paint while youre trying to polish is maddening. If this is not an option, use compressed air to blast out excess water before beginning the polish. 4. If possible, get a friend to help. This really speeds things up. Have one of you buff and the other take off the bulk of the polish. Don't be afraid to be sloppy; if you're using mated products, the wax will make it all good. 5. Let the wax/sealant product sit a bit. It'll come of harder, but be much easier to get to a mirror like finish. 6. Any surface that is painted, clear plastic or chrome should get the same treatment as the paint. This includes light covers, chrome trim, and the windshield. Anything that is dull plastic or flat black, give a wide berth and avoid getting product on!! 7. Go over the whole vehicle with a clean buffer pad when you're done and have a 2nd or 3rd person act as "the customer"....it's easy to miss things.

[@StaufferGarage]

Awesome tips Joe and hopefully they help others reading! Thanks!

[@rajeevvanojkumar7602]

hi, i have sonax compound, but it got slightly hard, as i forgot to close the cap, can i apply water spray on compound while using wool pad polish?

[@brandonduhon3136]

Do you wax ...BEFORE ..polishing? Like step one ...wax ..step 2 polish ?

[@Colaaah]

@@brandonduhon3136 Other way around to the best of my knowledge...

[@teenermeener971]

@@StaufferGarage how come you didn't use a compound first before the polish?

[@alejandroherrera-jo5ft]

Yeah man good job! I watched other videos and yours is the one I keep going back to and going to follow your steps! 👌🏽

[@polishedperidot]

I’ve never heard of the clay bar method! I’m fascinated! Thankyou for another wonderful video James! 😊

[@erniearambula3525]

I've been wanting to purchase a DA polisher my first and I wondered about the Harbor Freight as my first it being so economical in price but your video has gotten me to pull the trigger and purchase the Harbor Frieght model, great video and many thanks.

[@billy33365]

This is the best tutorial ive seen so far and ive seen many. Great Job

[@woodsoncircle]

I'm late to the party but this was a fantastic DIY video. You make people like me believe they can handle the task at hand. By the way, I have a 1990 Honda Civic that I brought back to life with polish.

[@machinesindetail4023]

Its Always so satisfying to see cars getting restored!!

[@kaips1674]

Your work is great ! Hard to hear you thru that awful music.

[@jorgeochoa4038]

Great video bro! You have such a little fan base and are have such high quality videos! Love it

[@michaelbranch158]

Did a great job for a DIY. People must understand that experience is your best teacher. Individual taste is chemicals provides an ease in functionality. I love your work and your explanation is on point.

[@StaufferGarage]

Thanks Mike!

[@brandonbrown954]

Smashed the like button... had to use my computer to watch the rest of the video.

[@aplleyva]

Bro, enjoyed this instructional video. Really appreciate the important points about the clay especially at the rocker areas. Thanks

[@The1SilverShadow]

Man I tell you iv been up n'd down KZbin and Google to find a video that would help me out, found this video now I'm evermore confident to go out there and go tackle that SUV.. a big fat east-mid England cheers to you mate

[@joshusqua7561]

i’m a recon tech at a dealer just now learning how to buff, thanks for the incite!

[@B_HarTz]

Ya ya , I agree with others when they say they earned your TIP on using the “car wash soap and then using the “CLAY bar””” Excellent , thanks! Never thought about that and I’ve been well, using clay bars on my own cars for couple years now! Deff SUBSCRIBED!

[@JAI45624]

This is my second polisher the first was a makita but I like the design and comfort of this harbor freight polisher

[@prideoflions8004]

Great video. I like how you used a standard car and brought it to life. A lot of these videos use cars that already look like showroom cars

[@princeyarlin]

This is the best I've seen so far

[@michaelmixon2479]

Wow! That is some serious gloss! Great Job!!!

[@SuperMaxCarp]

I loves these old EK amd EG hatchs...looks so good in red!!!

[@Evosol1]

Hell yeah, it's been years since I've seen a lawn and garden lip!

[@peteralfieri6200]

Bad ass video, this guy sounds totally down-to-earth and his videos are geared to those of us who aren't professional detailer's. I smashed the subscribe and gave a thumb's up too. Keep up the great work.

[@StaufferGarage]

Thanks Peter! Appreciate it!!!

[@erichannisick2742]

Good job of explaining the process!

[@AlfredoGarcia-ep9um]

This is a great tutorial for diy. For people who might want to try it out themselves. But as a bussiness point no. After you are done washing the vehicle it is important to let all the water from the trims either air dry for a couple hours or use compress air to dry b4 you polish ur car. You always have to let the buff pad spin over the clear coat. If it requires more speed then its fine u can always adjust the pressure your putting. But always let the pad spin. The slower you can go with the buffer the better the results will be. Always use clean and super absorbent towels. I like to use kirkland microfiber yellow towels.

[@dezzymeriei]

I love how detailed you are in the description

[@The_King_Of_Kings]

Dezzydaze what’s your ig

[@dezzymeriei]

Daniel Valenzuela it’s Dezzymeriei

[@malcolmcurtis9786]

Great insite on how you clean your car a credit to you sir!!!!!!!

[@bradmcgroarty9472]

Insite correctly spelled looks like this... insight

[@bradmcgroarty9472]

Insite is correctly spelled as insight

[@domesticwarrior2916]

Great video man. You made it so easy by providing clear instructions and steps . Also music is good too.

[@StaufferGarage]

Thanks Ahmad!

[@aplleyva]

Ya , agree, was digging the Grooves

[@davidbundesen5867]

Good tip on starting with a small piece of clay bar. 👍👍😁

[@bryanrodarte5205]

I used the Harbor Freight orbital sander at my body shop job and it never let me down. Not much RPM control but once u get it down it’s a great beginners tool

[@bigmoe4712]

Very useful vid bro, keep up the great work!

[@rcarraturo]

Excellent job thanks for the good tips sir

[@nelsoncontreras2615]

great video and your explained it very clearly. I like the HF polisher.

[@kennyono4389]

Nice video my dude. As a professional detailer I love seeing people try the diy method much love. A couple things the pad always has to be spinning on the clear coat in order to get any defects to polish out. Second your hand speed is too fast and when u move the polisher it should literally be as slow as possible with that machine. Anywho much love and as I said always nice to see a diyer

[@bpsdetailing8822]

Plus one on that. Also went a little heavy on product, should have used about 1/4 to 1/3 of the amount of polish that was used.

[@MrTchupam]

Kenny Ono hello, Os it possible to do it with your hands? With out the machine. I bought a redex paste polish and I read people saying how to do it with your hand and others saying that it is impossible to do it without the machine.

[@bpsdetailing8822]

@@MrTchupam It is definitely possible to correct paint with hand polishing but it will take a TON more time and effort to get desired results. With hand polishing you will need to go over each section with several different grades of compound and polish. It would make more sense to buy a cheap DA polisher like the Chicago Electric from Harbor Freight, can get it for about $50 on sale there. Otherwise you will be spending that much on polishes to get proper results. Hope that helps! Cheers!

[@MrSlapYa]

BPSDetailing Totally Agree. Too much pad tilt, way too fast . Can cause hot spots and burn that body line

[@thesunflowchannel1995]

DIY is best not everybody is always gonna have the cash to pay someone else to wipe their bottom.

[@nkyshaolin]

I’m so glad I found your KZbin site!! I am fascinated by this work!! Great channel

[@canditamcguckian9470]

My very first car was a 91 civic hatchback! Best car ever! Slammed with teddy bear rims! Back in tha Day LOL 😂 it always was on 10! Great informative video! I liked and subscribed

[@wdfaws8124]

Excellent tutorial, this old dog is going to learn a new trick. Thanks!

[@dexdexdex474]

You have a beautiful car! I had the same problem with my wipers. I disassambled it easily, painted it with spray paint (solid black), assambled it back and it looks perfect now! You should do it too!

[@muvs32pap]

Thanks for vid. I am def. getting the Harbor Freight polisher now. Thought I'd just add, about the build up of product polish/wax on a car's plastic trim, you can use a regular pink type , pencil eraser to take that off. It works well for me and doesn't damage at all.

[@StaufferGarage]

Thanks for the tip! Will try that next time

[@ctl46]

This is the first detailing video I’ve seen where the car wash soap was used instead of detail spray. It makes sense though. Thanks for the vid.

[@KM-gh3ob]

Nice and easy video man ...well done

[@jig1056]

Nice video.. thanks for taking the time to put together a great tutorial

[@StaufferGarage]

Thanks Mark!

[@romazjob]

R U seriously, dude?) Your polish level is awesome))))) You make my day).

[@yamilmelendez2667]

Idk why but I didnt know u started this channel as a car build content but love it man nice civic

[@latitude500]

Man this makes me believe that I can do this. Thanks

[@pack018]

You definitely can, with a DA you won’t damage the paint. That’s everyone’s fear.

[@CostaIce]

exactly how i learnt on a professional spray job but you explained better than them kudos.

[@sTypeS-dk7hr]

Awesome work! 👍

[@GODSGIFT2780]

I love your choice of background music sir

[@skip765]

Loving the retro music at the end 👍🏻

[@ToolsAndI]

I have owned a couple of this machines and love them. However when using a 3 inches backing plate it is a must to modify or change the counterweight. I had one backing plate that came off and flew off including the nut where it bolts in which came off from inside the bearing. Simply put it was the vibration created by using a 3 inch backing plate without changing the counterweight. I even made a video of the modification I made; again it is a must with the 3 inch backing plate.

[@johnwauters8576]

I have 35 years of buffing cars and I'm a union iron worker

[@brarbaljeet4128]

well done bro perfect results

[@edruiz6364]

Good stuff there. I'm glad that I'm not the only one who uses the soap as a clay lube. I heard that it's bad for the clay bar, heck clay bars are cheap, who cares! I also have the same HF polisher as you but I definitely will buy one with more throw in the near future and keep the HF as a 3" polisher.

[@ohsochuck1875]

Thank you for the great info!

[@dessertman1181]

Great Video get yourself a detail cart so you don't have to lay your supplies down on the asphalt driveway. Again great video

[@CJR-se4dg]

Great video well explained. I gave up along time ago on washing or caring what my vehicle looks like. Look into buffpro you may enjoy there products but there expensive. But 20 minutes done

[@ricardojorgefilho4172]

I like this guy because hes not trying to sell you all this expensive shit like these other car detail channels.

[@robertbuck7186]

Nice simple explanation.. was shopping for a cheaper better rotary/oscillating polisher... I have struggled til this point with the specifics of why clay barring is important, what pad does what.. what do they mean by cutting, burning, polishing... and those darn swirl marks I made that I had to buff out by hand with the ligtest compound.. my arms would be soo tired after that... hopefully this method you taught will help me avoid those mistakes.

[@Doodfrumspace11]

Contaniments lol Once again another sick job! 🤘

[@91C4NVA]

I like your get it done, with good results attitude. I have watched to many videos of people that are over the top. Some videos I watch make me think I should sleep in a micro fiber sleeping bag and eat a special diet before I buff my car.

[@franksdetailing1651]

Badass video brotha. Great content and instruction... nice save on minute 3:35... haha I know how it feels to drop the clay bar and have to get a fresh one.

[@StaufferGarage]

Yep! Thanks for the kind words!

[@cewterskoot7877]

This is awesome bro thanks!

[@ryan_riffs]

nice vid and good timing, I've been wanting to do this to my car and never done it before. If the weather would cooperate!

[@_thacieng]

The comparison shot, gave this whole video meaning. I was starting to think this is all for nothing

[@therealsolo23]

Very informative and detailed video. Great job man! You really brought the life back into that car. Keep up the good work!

[@styldsteel1]

Thank you for explaining when to use a slower speed vs a higher speed for the buffing machine. Not to many videos explaining this. BTW? I read some of the comments below mine. I don't know why I tortured myself like this.

[@lauwe54]

Thanks so much great video and tips,just bought one of these machines so wish me luck,my old fiat punto mk1 is red also but has been in sun for long periods and paint is peeling off.

[@what_ever2076]

thank you for the tips , very helpful A+

[@ertatic3973]

I never used clay bar thought it was difficult but this is good to know

[@itin4265]

Excellent video!!!! Watched it twice, forget the haters on this thread. Car looks like new.

[@markheidema3699]

I have the same D.A. Polisher...works great for the $$

[@duncanpaisley5290]

Great video!! 👍👍

[@yik9990]

This looks so fun

[@OGsuethavandross]

Awesome video bro !

[@tamaralopez4244]

Awesome video!

[@leanghout9676]

Thanks Bro for all of your recommendations that such a useful tips

[@erniearambula3525]

The harbor freight backing plate can be converted to a rupes 5 inch plate and remove gear grease with a higher quality grease to smooth out vibration. I have a bauer DA polisher and it's great for learning and perfecting your skills.

[@katiecannon8186]

Such a cute car!

[@cisnerj]

very cool! nice job boss!

[@moran68]

Great job!

[@Benjamin-jm5tk]

I just bought a hf polisher and hex pads from Chemical guys , works amazing

[@david99340]

Benjamin 1 did you use the backing plate that came with it or get one from chemical guys ?

[@907441]

Yes, Harbor Freight DA Polisher is a good idea for beginner to prevent clear coat burn. When time goes you will master your field. Then you will purchase the real deal like FLEX or RUPES. Thanks, for sharing….

[@StaufferGarage]

Very true but for the budget minded and weekend warrior it still has the potential to give you great results! Used to have a porter cable and loved it but it got stolen and haven’t but the bullet to buy another yet

[@MrJohny8585]

Great Job man

[@theaprum1]

Nice job

[@trinadhkumar3068]

Thanks bro..I learned

[@818BigA]

That civic is clean 💪🏽

[@matthewbalok3793]

Great video way better than these professional detailers and their BS 30 minute videos. Quick and right to the point paint turned out way better than it was

[@megafamilytime8829]

Big 👍MEGA LIKE 👍 Greta video will do It on my car

[@StaufferGarage]

Thanks a lot!

[@megafamilytime8829]

Stauffer Garage 😬👍 ur welcome

[@theknow7557]

Nice job!

[@anthonycanales336]

Hi. The channel is awesome. I would like to see how you would tackle the problem that Chevrolet Avalanche owners face. Restoring the dark grey color to the cladding surrounding the Avalanche. I have a 2004 Avalanche and could use help getting the grey color restored. Thanks for listening!

[@bareeqautocare136]

Bravo en merci 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@shaimaa281]

He cleans cars like a pro

[@philsarkol6443]

Wow..for a 25 year old Honda with a repainted panel that was not done so well...I guess you got a good result. As I am picking up the challenge to do my own daily driver an almost 20 year old Ford focus wagon, as it is my first time at polishing. I just wanna make it shine better and get rid of that nasty swirl mark on my hood. Panther Black as it is..I just wanna make it shine!! Harbor freight might be the budget polisher I was looking for. Thx.

[@tomasznieborak4100]

Z calego serca blogoslawie synu