How To Use a Rotary Polisher! - Chemical Guys

[@MrRedex88]

I picked up the rotary in 1982, still using it today at my shop, it's an awesome tool to master, saves so much time.

[@ChemicalGuys]

😃 Happy detailing!

[@blitz119_]

Believe it or not from watching you tube I did my own car and it turned out really good!!

[@ChemicalGuys]

That's awesome!! Keep up the good work! - CG Nick

[@radreviewz9482]

Was the rotary not too hard to get used to?

[@blitz9117]

@@radreviewz9482 it wasn't impossible I practised on some old hoods about five times and just thought if I don't try now I never will so I just did it iwas impressed I'm still using the rotory

[@blitz9117]

@@ChemicalGuys by thanks Nick thank you!!!

[@radreviewz9482]

@@blitz9117 I should practice on something but what? If I can't get another hood.

[@1LON3WLF]

Awesome! Now bigger question. How do you repair or correct a skuff or scratch in a matte surface not plasti dip or vinyl wrap?

[@shivampatel1359]

Jaimy Fisher you can’t. You have to get it repainted. Polishing it will even the clear coat and give it a shine

[@3randilla]

Is it common to do paint/scratch cutting with rotary buffer then switching to DA for correcting swirls that the cutting process leaves behind?

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey there! Yes, that is totally fine to use a rotary for deeper imperfections and then refine with a dual action polisher. - CG Nick

[@niacal4nia]

A professional detailer once mentioned a 20-25 degree pad angle instead of flat to avoid getting circle marks.

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hello! Adding angle to the pad creates a hot spot on the edge of the pad which can cause holograms.

[@StephenCastelino]

Great video. You are a natural teacher!

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hi Stephen! Thanks so much for the incredible feedback, I really do appreciate that. Happy detailing!! - CG Nick

[@shelbywurzer8404]

You guys should do a video on decals. Like do you polish them, do you not polish them? What do you do? How do you car for decals on cars?

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey Shelby! Thanks for the suggestion! Typically you want to avoid polishing any type of decal of vinyl graphic because it could easily stain or peel as the polisher moves over it at a high speed. We recommend masking the area to prevent damage. - CG Nick

[@ljcruz127]

Will this polisher work for use on a 30' motorhome?

[@ChemicalGuys]

Absolutely!

[@chriswoodward47]

Which polisher would you recommend for the beginner

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey there! I recommend using a DA polisher such as the TORQX or TORQ 10FX for your first machine. www.chemicalguys.com/search?q=torq&lang=default

[@joshuak1804]

Isnt the pad with a hole in the centre for a da?

[@Teebi928S]

Thank you so much for that video education, I now realise where I went wrong. I decided to polish the car! 🤣

[@ChemicalGuys]

Thanks so much for tuning in!!

[@zZZSPARKZZz]

I can't keep my rotary flat at all? Any tips mine will just break my arm if I do?

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey there! It takes practice to work with a rotary, slight pad angle is enough for the machine to want to walk. I recommend using a soft finishing pad to get the feel of placing the machine on the paint, then try it again on the lowest speed setting with just the weight of your hand. You should be able to feel when the polisher is spinning flat on the surface, it feels like it will glide by itself you just need to simply guide it. - CG Nick

[@hirsch4650]

How much pressure do u use for buffing?

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey! When using a rotary polisher, the weight of the machine is all that's needed. Dual action and random orbital polishers require the weight of the machine and your hand plus a little bit more. Listen for the tone of the machine to change but ensure the pad still oscillates.

[@Avid40]

This may be a strange question but I have a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse and I have wing on the back of my car. There is very little space under the wing. How would I polish under the wing with a rotary polisher?

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hi there! Without removing the wing, it'll have to be hand polished. Check out the Orange Hex-Logic Hand Cutting Pad. - CG Nick www.chemicalguys.com/hex-logic-hand-polishing-applicator-pads---3-pack/BUFX_204.html

[@mccoymodelcars9117]

Avid40 some company’s like maxshine sell extension wand type things for rotary polishers almost like a flex shaft for a dermal, most come with polishing cones which are about 1 inch in diameter. If you have a dremal with a flex shaft a company known as detail division sells the cones individually

[@cocoyummy]

My man Nick happy detailing !

[@ChemicalGuys]

Thanks man, same to you!! - CG Nick

[@TheRequiemist]

Nice job but I'll stick to my DA for a while lol not ready for that level just yet

[@handyandysautomotiveservic2118]

never did any of this before, bought a rotary before I started watching videos like this. I'm diving in head first

[@TheRequiemist]

@@handyandysautomotiveservic2118 just be careful and keep the rotary polisher moving or you will burn the paint.

[@Ragnarok1881]

Do you increase the speed while having the rotary in motion or do you lift, increase speed and then back on the area?

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey Jc! Good question, if the machine is already rotating on the surface just bump up the speed to the desired setting rather than pulling it off of the paint. - CG Nick

[@richardseem7948]

great video nick.thanks a lot been waiting and u def delivered...👍👍

[@ChemicalGuys]

Glad you enjoyed the video Richard!! - CG Nick

[@ljcruz127]

How come when I polish my motorhome which is fiberglass/gel coat it doesn't come out like this? I'm frustrated. Or am I doing something wrong?

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey Larry! Use an Orange Hex-Logic Pad with V34 Hybrid Compound to remove oxidation and scratches.

[@pcruz3135]

This is very helpful. Keep posting videos with rotary polishers. Will 1000-1200 rpms will be ok to polish too? I live in a warmer area and not sure if that affects.

[@BlackbeardsDetailing]

Absolutely, it might take that little bit longer to get it to where you want it to be but better to make safe slow progress than go fast and damage your paint 👍

[@JRP4H4L]

Good info..still not ready to take the leap yet, so I will stick with hand polish/waxing. :)

[@KenyonPayne]

How long does it take to polish a car using rotary vs a the torq21 and torq10x? I have the 10fx and feel like I could use a bit more power

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey Kenyon! Thanks for your question. A rotary is much faster than any dual-action/random orbital polisher. You can almost cut your polishing time in half with a rotary but that depends on skill level and paint condition. - CG Nick kzbin.info/www/bejne/apKcZpptpKhjf6c

[@timford44]

I had a guy tell me that clay barring can wear through the clear coat. He said that you can only do it twice before possibly wearing through. Is this true?

[@danielc4800]

Tim Ford No. A clay bar is not going to wear through your clear coat. It just pulls out contaminants embedded in it. Only the machine polishing will remove a fine amount of your clear coat because scratches are little (some big and can go through the CC) imperfections made. Don’t worry about damaging anything while claying as long as you use some type of spray with ample amounts of lubrication

[@slumygoat]

Tim Ford completely and utterly garbage misinformation my friend, you can clay your vehicle w many varying methods many times with out leveling off any or minimal actual clearcoat. The only issue/problem that could occur is scratching or marring of the clear coat due to an improper claying method or the usage of a worn and contaminated clay bar, and systematically the more times you choose to clay a car the higher the chances of that occurring. But you could essentially clay your car each time you washed it if you wanted but that would be pretty pointless and time consuming not to mention a good wax or sealant treatment after a clay/ polish would negate you having to clay bar your vehicle again for quite some time all be it the weather/fallout conditions in which the car resides.

[@skiphalliwell151]

Can you polish with a d/a instead of a rotary?

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey Skip! Absolutely, using a DA is a great way to hone polishing skills while removing scratches and swirls. - CG Nick

[@robertmunguia250]

Nice! What was white pad for?

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey Robert! Use the White Hex-Logic Pad to further refine the finish with a final polish.

[@robertmunguia250]

@@ChemicalGuys cool, I just ordered kit with pad conditioner.

[@beeyatwo8ight58]

How do you know when to reduce and increase the RPM’s of the rotary tool when using a polish and sealant?

[@ChrisSmoove77]

Beeya Yonnie heat

[@brandonf2163]

It's all based on how fast you're comfortable moving.

[@isicks2k128]

Full speed? What rpm?

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey! Use speed to 3-4 and using very light pressure.

[@rolandchenier6213]

Great Video, for anyone out there Chemical Guys products is the way to go. Posted by Canadian Buyer

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey Roland! Glad to have you as part of the Chemical Guys family!!

[@kennygoodman7727]

At the end of the video you mention finishing up with some type of wax or ceramic coating. What would you suggest for fresh paint bc/cc. I've just wet sanded to 3000 and have stepped all the way thru to the V38. Whats next to protect it...again, just painted 2 weeks ago. Thanks!

[@kennygoodman7727]

Anybody have an opinion

[@BlackbeardsDetailing]

Hi Kenny, A polymer based sealant is simple and easy to apply. You sound like you've done a lot of good prep work so I'd personally recommend putting a ceramic coating on it. Have a look at any of big names like Gtechniq, CarPro, Gyeon etc as they all offer user friendly ceramic coatings 👌

[@AdamCanFly]

Check out Project Farm’s video on ceramic coatings.

[@richardseem7948]

Nick y don't u use wool pads or hybrid pad with rotary than finish down with v38?after 6 years ive been watching ur videos no one at shop doesnt.b well

[@ChemicalGuys]

Good question, from my experience a foam pad seems to have the best combination of cut and finish without creating an excessive amount of heat especially of newer, more sensitive modern paint. - CG Nick

[@brandonf2163]

@@ChemicalGuys wool pads generate way less heat than foam. That makes zero sense. Source - I grew up working in my parents professional detail shopn

[@fordmansvt]

Big fan and love all the vids! I just bought more pads this afternoon. I've gotta say you look like your a bit afraid of the rotary, personally I was a bit disappointed in the results. I feel like you didnt cut deep enough and maybe should have used V32 or applied a lot more pressure to really get at those defects. Was the paint really that bad or was the camera angle just a bit less then flattering? I've had amazing results with V32 and V34 with really bad paint and other then a lot of dusting which is annoying I like the cut. One more question, speaking of dusting how is it I manage to dust the whole car and you had very little dust? Am I using too much product?

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey Frank! Thanks so much for checking out the video and for your awesome feedback. We used V36 Cutting Polish which is a great base-line polish to remove swirls and scratches. Of course we could have used a more abrasive compound for more cut, which tend to dust(just the nature of compounds) but the paint on the hood of this 4Runner is so damaged that we would be chasing our tails trying to bring more clarity out of the paint. However it made a great candidate for proper technique and procedure when using a rotary polisher. There will be more in depth videos with thorough paint correction in the future so stay tuned. - Happy detailing! - CG Nick

[@puptread1]

Great Vid Maybe a silly question but are the cutting/polishing pads disposable after using once or can they be used another day on another car ?

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey! We recommend cleaning them with Pad Cleaner, it uses the natural cleansing power of citrus to wash and rejuvenate all foam, microfiber, and wool polishing pads, ensuring that pads last their longest and perform their best. www.chemicalguys.com/foam-and-wool-polishing-pad-cleaner/foam-wool-pad-cleaner.html

[@puptread1]

Thats brilliant and thanks for the link to your product 👍

[@reegs0]

Hey Nick I have a question, I was using my Torq Foam Cannon on my 2000 PSI 1.4 GPM gas pressure washer, and my suds aren’t coming out as thick as the videos shows. I thought it’s because the cannon was clogged so I followed the instructions to degrease it. I then thought it was the orifice; so I switched it out to a new one and still nothing. I’m even using proper dilution, I even added way more soap then water and still nothing.

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hi Rigo! Thanks for your question. I recommend using two or three ounces of your favorite soap and filling the rest of the canister with warm water to improve foaming action. 1.4 GPM is the minimum so it may not produce the same level of foam shown in the video since we use a 2.4 GPM unit.

[@andreasathanasiou6516]

Rotary machine💘💘.. I Think is the best.. If you work with it correct!!Excellent video with very helpful information!!.. Today i was finish another one car with full Chemical Guys protucts!.. Another one costumer from Cyprus Happy❤️🇨🇾❤️

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey Andreas! Thanks so much for sharing your awesome feedback. Glad to have you as part of the Chemical Guys family!!

[@cocoyummy]

How can I clean under carige without lifting the car

[@jlc9110]

Buy a undercarriage pressure washer attachment

[@charlesovermoyer4480]

Hose head on a stick

[@darrenwilliams192]

Go on amazon and check out under carriage water broom..

[@markmoore6264]

Great rotary video .

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey Mark! Glad you enjoyed the tutorial!! - CG Nick

[@SuperiorVideos12]

Interesting you don't use the old school method of putting the polish on the panel and scooping her up with the rotary from right to left

[@ChemicalGuys]

The old method of loading a bonnet or wool pad would fling compound/polish when you hit it at speed. This process is a little cleaner and insures that the product is evenly distributed.

[@ScotWalt858]

Nicely done. Thanks!

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey Scott! Thanks for tuning in!!

[@bigbone9525]

Shoutout from Chemical guys mauritius

[@ChemicalGuys]

Happy detailing!

[@bigbone9525]

We actually use dual action polishers together with Menzerna 400 and 3800 as cut and polish compounds so this video was a great way of shedding light on how the rotary works. Those two compounds you used are sold in the showroom but since we dont use those i never knew what they did. Great insightful video

[@mobius_6190]

You guys should’ve showed how to actually polish through body lines. Also I’ve noticed you go a bit across the gap at the end of the hood. Is that safe on it since there’s not that much paint/clear coat on there?

[@SuperiorVideos12]

Funny you upload this video today. I've been mastering the rotary for about 4 days now

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey Christopher! That's great, how's it coming along? - CG Nick

[@SuperiorVideos12]

@@ChemicalGuys slowly getting the hang of it! Very appreciative of yours along with all the other how to videos on Rotary Polishers that I've watched. Thanks!

[@maddymagesh5195]

I have a doubt that it is possible to use polish pad on rotary machine to get perfect results...

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey Maddy! It takes a lot of practice and patience to finish with a rotary but it is possible.

[@BlackbeardsDetailing]

It's certainly possible, however it does take patience and lot's of practice. Depending on the paint I'm working on I can get epic results with just the DA or rotary but more often than not I correct with the rotary then jewel with the DA 👍

[@SuperAceman007]

Fastest talker award winner here in this video.

[@ChemicalGuys]

😆

[@The_King_Of_Kings]

Why don’t you guys ever use an iron remover. I know you guys have one

[@williambriggs8189]

They clay bar…. An iron remover is liquid clay…

[@yal100]

Pick up a cheap junk car panel from your local junk yard or whereever, and go at it with no fear :)

[@ChemicalGuys]

Great suggestion! Hone your polishing skills without worrying about damaging a vehicle. - CG Nick

[@jrfexctr1436]

Can't purchase if you guys don't ever restock🤦‍♂️

[@Richardgg94]

* JRFevoX* BURN

[@jrfexctr1436]

@@Richardgg94 🌬🔥☻

[@ChemicalGuys]

Hey * JRFevoX*! Which product are you looking for?

[@carlosguerra6252]

Chemical Guys when are you guys going clean that dirty Mazda on the lift ? It looks bad in your videos having a dirty car in your shop.

[@sphdg]

Stfu

[@mccoymodelcars9117]

sphdg he’s right

[@sphdg]

@@mccoymodelcars9117 there business speaks for itself a dirty car in the shop isnt gonna taint there reputation

[@thomastrober2465]

Please clean up your dusty cars on and under the lift 😅 They were clean an sparkling when you started making videos in this location 😭