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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@pranavmossae5761]

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

[@BobScott-k3s]

That Civic Is Iconic...Keep it running!!

[@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?

[@brawdz31]

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

[@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

[@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

[@SuperMaxCarp]

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

[@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

[@RiggyRonnie]

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

[@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

[@billy33365]

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

[@machinesindetail4023]

Its Always so satisfying to see cars getting restored!!

[@kaips1674]

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

[@brandonbrown954]

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

[@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!

[@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! 👌🏽

[@ricardojorgefilho4172]

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

[@polishedperidot]

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

[@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

[@wdfaws8124]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@Evosol1]

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

[@davidbundesen5867]

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

[@erichannisick2742]

Good job of explaining the process!

[@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

[@princeyarlin]

This is the best I've seen so far

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@yamilmelendez2667]

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

[@rcarraturo]

Excellent job thanks for the good tips sir

[@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

[@bigmoe4712]

Very useful vid bro, keep up the great work!

[@tomasznieborak4100]

Z calego serca blogoslawie synu

[@markheidema3699]

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

[@GODSGIFT2780]

I love your choice of background music sir

[@jdisdetermined]

From personal experience I'd recommend you stay away from the HF pads if you're using their CE buffer with the included backing plate. The attachment surface of the pads is smaller than the plate, resulting in chewed up pads. There are fixes, like using tape around the plate edges, etc.. But spending another $10 for a proper plate will make everything go much smoother. I also notice a performance improvement using the smaller 5" plate and 5.5" pads. Smaller pad = smaller surface area and resistance = more defect removing torque out of the budget DA.. =) It has also been my experience that for anything other than light swirls, using a polish and/or foam pads just won't cut it. You need wool or microfiber pads, a dedicated heavy cut compound, high machine speed, heavy pressure and sloooow arm movement, something like 10 seconds per foot, in an alternate vertical and horizontal pattern. Check your work with a light after each panel. You will often need more than one application in bad areas. Also when done compounding, don't forget to do a full IPA spray and wipe down before you start to polish. =)

[@A.nasierkhan]

Thx for the advice mate!

[@NocturnalJag]

Well put. Thank you i noticed the same results.

[@jorgeochoa4038]

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

[@SaltwaterMesquiteManZ71]

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!

[@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

[@jrbeltre927]

Great video brother , big fan from Dominican Republic. Please do a step by step w/o skipping anything 2 step correction on a really trash paint please (pref BLK paint)

[@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!!!

[@katiecannon8186]

Such a cute car!

[@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.

[@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.

[@joshusqua7561]

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

[@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

[@nkyshaolin]

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

[@johnslawncaretips4103]

Yes sir while washing clay the same time saves time

[@KM-gh3ob]

Nice and easy video man ...well done

[@TycoTyrannus]

So I just did my car for the first time to remove swirl marks. Used a rubbing compound first then a polishing compound and wiped clean. Swirls are gone but I don't have a mirror shine when I look at the right angle in the light. It seems theres a lot of wax left behind even though I wiped it clean very well afterwards. While its smooth and great looking at a glance. I can tell theres still wax evenly spread on the hood. What did I do wrong please?

[@antoniocastro316]

Thanks for this

[@StaufferGarage]

No problem

[@itin4265]

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

[@karlclements7642]

Homemade front lip. Garden edging. 👌

[@StaufferGarage]

👍 straight up gangster

[@Carflip]

Stauffer Garage i just made my own lip and i screw it exactly how you did 👍😀 I didn't think anyone else would do it

[@TejasToolMan]

I did that too but at the radiator support, sure keeps the engine compartment a tad bit cleaner

[@danielmarjanovic9957]

Can I use this to apply polish compound and wax?

[@jankijan8004]

Thank you for the detailed video. In the description, there are a ton of products mentioned. Do I have to buy all of those? I have a 2009 Toyota Camry that has a LOT of oxidation or some sort of rough thingi on the roof and on the hood. Please mention only those products that I need. I have the washing liquids, hose, etc. All I want to know the main tools that I need to buy, not everything else that is mentioned in the description because that is a LOT of stuff.

[@shaimaa281]

He cleans cars like a pro

[@Smurf_typeR]

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 ?

[@jig1056]

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

[@StaufferGarage]

Thanks Mark!

[@amitparmar5288]

Check out AMMO NYC for a "pro" detailing method. Chris Fix it has a more thorough approach to prepping a car before polish. Also, use a mothers speed clay. Good for up to 20 cars and so fast to use.

[@StaufferGarage]

Love both of those guys! Ammonyc is on another level with his work!

[@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!

[@kaliprasadnayak7358]

Very good video . It’s awesome. I want to know about the buffing pads which you used in polishing .

[@StaufferGarage]

All the pads used are linked in the description box

[@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.

[@umarrauf9331]

I've been thinking of getting a buffer machine and polishing my car. its white and the paint is just a mess right now after being parked outside over last 8 months (dust, bird shit, and a few other things that eat my paint). You have a really good guide. I will use the info here. Thanks man.

[@gemfire419]

Hello. Very helpful video. I didn't hear any explanation for "re-spray". What is it and how do I know if I need it? Is it something that needs to be done on top of all the steps in the video or in place of?

[@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

[@sTypeS-dk7hr]

Awesome work! 👍

[@salvadordarmata175]

can i use regular meguire's polish with this polisher machine?

[@angusshano3166]

Top job bro! How often do you knead the wax though?

[@SAHABATBISNISPEMULA]

Nice Video I Like it

[@romazjob]

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

[@ericryan1681]

Great video. Trim restoration should be next. Used a few brands for trim restoration but never got great results.

[@ertatic3973]

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

[@nelsoncontreras2615]

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

[@sublovelows]

Love that civic

[@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.

[@johnwauters8576]

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

[@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.

[@zechriefle215]

I have a 93 lincoln towncar. It has small scratches, some sun damage, ECT... Would a professional polish make it look better? Someone told me polishing makes the car look duller? I really dont know. Would appreciate any feedback/insight from a professional. Thanks

[@StaufferGarage]

It certainly shouldn’t hurt! Polishing should only bring it back to life. Is the clear coat leaking and damaged?

[@raymondnoya5653]

Looking good

[@anthonypham8977]

good job nice looking good like new

[@moizsiddikio4]

I suggest when doing work we should remove our ring and should wear gloves so we don't damage the car by mistake.

[@jayroller7054]

Man I’m so fucking pissed! I scratched the shit out of my classic yesterday! When I walked past it, I accidentally bumped in to the fender and my pocket knife clip really fucked up my car! God fucking damn it I’m so pissed! Fuck fuck fuck!

[@furiouzzzz]

The first and fundamental mistake MOST polishers do is going with a fresh pad and a few drops of compound straight to the paint. it is a NO. You need to put 3-4 pea size drops and rub it in to the pad first then you go for the paint. The second thing that caught my attention is....too many passes. Do 3 passes check the progress do it again if needed.

[@StaufferGarage]

I agree with all you said, this is an old video when I first started and my process has improved substantially.

[@michaelmixon2479]

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

[@Justlawl]

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

[@_thacieng]

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

[@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

[@theaprum1]

Nice job

[@cisnerj]

very cool! nice job boss!