Paint Polishing by Hand VS Machine. What's Better?

[@95Jpollard]

It takes longer to do it by hand but honestly when it comes time to wax my truck I prefer to do it by hand. It's just an enjoyable time for me, just the repetition and flow of the movement takes my mind off everything and all my struggles and I'm just in the moment for those 5 hours. Thought about buying a rotary tool but never did because the results are pretty similar but using it would take away from the pleasure of doing it by hand. I'm sure it also feels more gratifying doing it by hand than doing it with the rotary too. Just my opinion for myself

[@chrisoo8998]

Yeh I got machines too but I know what you mean by hand more enjoyable

[@chazmuska]

How hard do you press on the paint when you do it by hand?

[@nathansobeck1077]

@@chazmuskau don’t need to press hard when applying wax. Although after it dries it might take some elbow grease to buff off

[@richardvacanti9428]

I also enjoy waxing by hand it’s almost therapeutic, especially if your car is clean, and in good shape

[@jeremyvelazquez8600]

With some music and a cold beer 🤙

[@mingthemerciless6855]

Doing both techniques has the same effect, pride in your car. Very satisfying.

[@kepler1175]

Love how you talked about why hand polishing changed, after this vid gonna watch all the studio videos.

[@John5ive]

Larry, I hope you don't get tired of hearing how great your videos are. I appreciate that you take the time to teach and show the differences between techniques

[@lotsuvfun]

The light artifact you see with the hand polishing method is due to the direction of polishing. The glare will always be perpendicular to the direction of the polish. If you want to test this smudge your phone camera with your finger vertically then point at a light and you'll see a horizontal light glare/artifact. Then repeat again horizontally and you'll notice a vertical glare. This is true for any direction you wipe. The machine mitigates this by obviously going in all directions both radially and vertical/horizontally. Also, I recently got hooked on your videos so I went out and bought a small detailing kit of my own, I detailed my car this past weekend and can't be happier with the results. Love your videos and the way you explain things! Subscribed!

[@giosanz6862]

I AM AFRAID OF USING THE MACHINE, I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH PRESSURE TO PUT SO I DON'T DAMAGE THE PAINT.. NICE VIDEO..

[@evolusd]

Watching this in Nov 2023, stoked at how far your channel has come. Best car care storyteller on YT!

[@NESherv]

I don't know what I'd do without the invaluable guidance and resources that you've put out there for us, Larry. If you opened a detailing school, I'd enroll in a heartbeat.

[@AviationAndFSX]

My God I've been waiting for years for this video and its finally out! And it was amazing, thanks for making things crystal clear once again Larry!

[@hamzah766]

Ammo NYC best at showing how to details Chrisfix best at showing how to vids about cars

[@DeeZeeGR]

Honestly those too are amazing at what they do

[@EIM2307]

With rebuilding wrecked cars GOONZQUAD are my heros!!

[@redeyedfreaks]

Artesian level cosmetic work vs mechanical maintenance from the most overqualified "DIY" guy ;)

[@kayzuchoyt3320]

Collab??

[@pookiepooh]

Chrisfix is an amateur though.

[@chuckwalla2967]

I went back to polishing/waxing by hand. Except for large flat surfaces like the hood, it's actually faster and easier doing it by hand. Way more maneuverable and accurate around mirrors, tight areas, curvatures and plastic trims you want to avoid.

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

Yes, definitely I remember the days when I helped my dad and grandfather compounding and polishing by hand. I still do it only on headlights or when out of electrical power. Thanks for your videos. Xoxo from Puerto Rico 👍🇵🇷

[@GoebelsDetailshop78]

Awesome video ammo, over the years I’ve learned a lot from watching you . I was the head detailer at Porsche in Destin Florida and I brought my skills to the dealership but I left Porsche to go full time with my mobile detailing business, a lot of my client have Porsche’s and I notice you love Porsche. But anyways lol I’m just ever were with my comment but keep uploading

[@hazindu]

I usually use a 4" pad for hand polishing around trim and other areas the 6" machine doesn't fit in well, and it gets pretty good results.

[@sparko2012]

Is it 4 inch polishing pad you use?

[@esschuele6336]

@@sparko2012 great question

[@sparko2012]

@@esschuele6336 something has been edited or deleted out of the thread.

[@drewski23_7]

2 step correction by hand?! You’re a legend Larry! And there’s now great entry level DA machines for under $200

[@fendergibs]

I like how you explain why things look different.

[@jimmieromero8181]

Buying a DA and hex pads were the best thing I ever did a long time ago.

[@rochsavoie8065]

Same ever since I got 5 inch da and a 3 inch da. I notice I was marring the paint on really soft paint by hand.

[@lockergr]

How did you learn to use it? All I have is KZbin helping me.

[@jimmieromero8181]

lockergr test panels and youtube. But you learn the right pad combination, compound polish combination, etc when you start to use it. The machine does the work pretty much other than putting light pressure. What you need to watch out for is how to tell when a compound or polish is done being used. Typically you look for a “flash” or haze in the product as you are using the DA

[@MrMarko302]

My God I've been waiting for years for this video and its finally out! And it was amazing, thanks for making things crystal clear once again Larry!

[@jacksoni349]

Perfect timing on this video. I have a 2019 Golf R in white and as I was changing my license plates (sitting next to the bumper) I noticed someone had definitely given my bumper a love tap. Luckily no dents/dings/scratches but definitely something to disturb the paint.

[@crBudgetWatches]

I always thought detailing my car was very tiresome and time consuming until I started looking at it as a good workout which is an added benefit.

[@dominiccah]

I literally have been searching for videos on this topic since a couple of days ago, and then you make it the newest video after a month 🙏

[@teslamr7333]

Congrats on the new facility. Its great to have you back!

[@maceldolaimy4944]

Great video like always larry. I just did my whole mustang by hand last week. TBH it was tedious, but I enjoyed spending time with the car while enhancing the paint. It doesn't get rid of all of the paint defect, like you said. But it enhanced the finish big time. Another benifit is knowing that I'm not gonna run the clear coat low and can to this once or twice a year.

[@LN-vs8yc]

Larry ive only started becoming interested in cleaning my car correctly in thd last year and i must say im no professional detailer but ive picked up a lot of professional tips from you... the fact that this content is free is amazing and the one of the reasons i watch you all the time. Keep up the fantastic work man😎

[@Justin666i]

Im having great results with a DeWalt 12v cordless, Amazon pads, and Turtle Wax conventional waxes including scratch remover and polishing compound. Actually, probably the best results short of paint or color correction via wet sanding or other methods. This is on a 18 year old vehicle with original paint. The product isn't as important as the process. You can get great results with cheap products.

[@Gringo74.]

Hello my brother, good morning, I hope you are very well in this quarantine that grieves us all so much, you are a genius, I love your work and I follow you in full, I congratulated you on your KZbin channel, I learn a lot with you. BIG hug from Argentina. GENIUS 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😁👍🏻

[@DanubisOFS]

Awesome video. Even thought I already knew that machine is better, the amount of details you put in your video and the quality is pretty nice and you always learn something new watching your videos.! Splendid job!

[@05AcuraRSXtypeS]

Larry, comon bro wash that polyepartic floor... You inspired me to build my dream garage. I had floor done after watching your garage video 30 times... Thank you for what you do. Cant wait for more videos out of your new studio. So happy for you.

[@solocamo3654]

I was afraid to be aggressive by hand and my results weren't great. But you put way more pressure by hand so I'll give it a go. Though I do have dual action polisher, it's just not ideal as it's a larger one.

[@deerussum2819]

Thanks Larry for talking a bit about the history of polishing as it relates to the changes in paint over the years. Good video for me as a newby to car detailing.

[@coreykononchuk]

Oh hell yeah Larry, very excited for you; that new facility looks fantastic!! I finally graduated from hand polishing to machine polishing after picking up a 6" DA recently; what a gamechanger!

[@jdisdetermined]

Welcome to the addiction.. there is no going back from here.. 😁👍✌

[@andreassakkas7234]

Thanks for another great video. The 3/4 hours I spend polishing/waxing by hand is therapeutic for me!

[@Yet_Another_Steve]

Thanks for the video, very helpful. Been looking at the machine polisher option, but I'm going to stay with hand polishing. The older I get (5 1/2 decades now) the less I like power tools for their ability to cause mayhem & injury in a very short space of time. Plus the use of muscle power keeps off those pounds that are increasingly happy to call me 'home'.

[@i.am.adrian]

Stoked to see that new facility and the build video for it, looks amazing!

[@rickbaker4571]

Great info as always. Thanks for bringing us along!!

[@wglenn174]

Clay works great in removing stuff stuck to your clear coat, even old wax, road grime- etc

[@allanknight843]

Damnit man, I’m so happy that you’re still on KZbin. For the last 8 yrs, I’ve owned a Tacoma. I just bought a 2020 Dodge Charger scatpack. Now, I’m all excited again about detailing my car. There are some guys on KZbin that know their stuff but no one has your raw talent and skill. Allan

[@thegodparents9621]

I could just imagine how epic his building is gonna be

[@joeg9339]

You should do a video on different brands of buffer/polisher machine. What to look for when buying one.

[@ShinyFenders]

Congrats on the new shop Larry, it looks amazing so far.

[@herrejossesdaniel6254]

I love your videos! so glad to hear that you will be publishing more videos sooner. I think we all understand that short break due to construction.

[@hendrikjan9116]

how did you know that i was thinking about doing it by hadn lol. awsome thing to see that you will come with an amazing workshop and vids every week =D

[@derekbemiss6614]

Great video as always! Thanks for the kind words. Can't wait to start playing in the new "Detailers Dream Building" !

[@sabrinasanders4741]

Man is it good to have you back on the air waves! Been needing my detailing fix. :)

[@iamjtbe]

Take your time on getting us videos! Worth it for the new place! Thanks for all your advice over the years.

[@AMMO-NYC]

Thank you I'm stressing out thinking about it

[@srilemobitelsrile8809]

@@AMMO-NYC Did you found solution for cooling computer room?

[@AMMO-NYC]

@@srilemobitelsrile8809 going to put an exhaust fan

[@everythingbutthekitchensin951]

That small glimpse of that future detail spot made me nuttt.

[@ejoautovideos]

Hand polishing is like cutting through steel with a butter knife. Great video, super informative! 👍

[@BKDDY]

If you want to do this yourself you might as well buy the machine. You can always sell the one you bought easily if you need the money or think you wont use it much.

[@andydionisio6593]

Great video, learned something which I can use to improve how I compound, polish and wax my car.

[@theearms6338]

We are rooting for you larry! Cannot wait to see the new building. Every detailer has that ultimate fantasy garage 😆

[@srilemobitelsrile8809]

He has another AMMO chanel where he shows new garage.

[@DASH-NZ]

Good to see you again.

[@Sir.NathanDrake]

Interested to see the difference between a battery powered and normal polishing machine. I don’t have easy access to a wall outlet. Love this video. I have performed the clay + 3 step process last year by hand. Clay, clean, polish and finish with wax. But was not happy enough after spending hours. I’m thinking to buy a machine and add the step to applying compound as well to be able to remove the big scratches now I have seen this video.

[@jessicabecause3717]

Same here, it's not that I dont want to use a polisher. It's that I simply can't. Don't have 500 dollars to cough up for a battery powered polisher yet either.

[@johnh4639]

Another great Vid. New setup looks ace 👍🏼

[@johnbrown3951]

A very interesting watch. I am passionate about detailing and would like to machine polish and even went for a lesson with a professional but didn't enjoy the process so gave up quite quickly which I kind of regret. I will maybe try it by hand on my own cars in the spring time as it is still snowing here in Scotland. Thanks for the inspiration to give it a go by hand as my cars could probably do with being clayed (gave that up as as well if not polishing after) as well rather than just using fallout remover & Tar & Glue remover plus a pre wax cleanser before my sealants and waxes.

[@CarsPaint]

Bro i just wanted to know how to best hand polish my car , there was way to much unessesary information and that caused me to leave the video and look for another , but thanks anyways , LOVE your restoration videos , those are the best 🙂

[@littlejohn-pi7kk]

My OCD in me can’t get over the missed area under the blue tape.

[@B_HarTz]

I don’t think it’s called ocd... might be called “having mental issues “ cause I didn’t even think about that

[@daas3715]

I don't think it's called either. I think it's called wanting to finish a job and doing it well.. or maybe I too have ocd but only when it comes to car paint perfection

[@kccodex8931]

Haaaaa that's funny, the car belongs to his father in law...maybe he'll just leave it. Can you live with that? Lol

[@Ladosligese]

ty .. same here :-s .. came to comments and .. voila here you where haha

[@diogonoel1740]

That makes you a perfectionist. And that is a toxic trait because you’re afraid of failing

[@user-pwfus]

I just use a very mild clay bar for removing contaminants then Pure Carnauba wax with amazing results, I find when using compounds it actually adds more scratches.

[@lockergr]

Do you then have a video about how to use a DA polisher, and which one is best for absolute beginners who have never seen anyone use one, except on KZbin? I was looking at the Griot's G9. What are the best compounds and polishes for total newbies? I don't have any background in this, but my paint looks like junk from sitting outside in the elements for 13 years and never having any type of decontamination, short of what I've done lately from learning about all of this teaching myself through KZbin videos. People like you are really helping us all out significantly. Thank you!

[@erwinjonesalumbro6926]

recommended channel. i do a lot of DIY on my car and you guide a lot. thanks and more vids ahead once your facility is ok

[@stuartsinclair6269]

Great video, but I only wash and polish by hand because it's more detailed, takes less paint layers off and more delicate. If you use a hand powered tool, you take off 0.3/0.4 of paint, while hand you don't take off nothing. Use less salty polish and wash, use the softest lint cloths to polish and buff up. That's my theory. Most car Showroom around the world still use hand wash and polish. Interesting to see this, well done....

[@johannkuhn5685]

Great video. But I have to say, you can (and nowadays do) get single stage urethane. So single stage paint can be just as hard as clearcoat. In fact I'm currently repainting my old car with single stage urethane.

[@ruslanmagerramov7003]

I tried to only polish my e39 touring because at this time i dont had a polisher and it took me about 2 days. I have to say that it was very hard to do, but the result was great.

[@BigHeadClan]

I've hand polished my entire car twice, it's about a 6-8 hour process and it's absolutely brutal. Picked up a rotary machine a year ago for $120 and it's down to 3-4 hours now it's far less exhausting. Results are pretty similar but I suspect its the size of the machine I'm using and how long I spend on the compounding/polishing steps.

[@surfmotor]

I am by no means a professional but I am a detail enthusiast. I have not gone up to a real DA but I do use the circular hand held ones you buy at Auto Zone. My truck has always been very well maintained since I bought it so I have never polished it. Just clay-bar and wax and now seal. I did do a polish job on my brothers older mazda. The paint was extremely neglected to almost pealing. I claybar, polished, then waxed. I was afraid to use the heavier compound. The car looks a million times better but It was like it was shinnying over a milky paint. It didn't have the clean new look like I was wanting. Maybe because I didn't use compound with a DA first?

[@aquatics117]

If you claybar then you should really polish after to remove the marring.

[@SteelRoninTT]

How about using a drill to polish? Not as good as a rotary, but better and faster than hand. There are so many 3 inch kits on amazon for less than 10$.

[@andrewcanella]

Be careful- this may burn your clear coat since it's not dual-action.

[@SteelRoninTT]

@@andrewcanella Of course, but it spins a lot slower than a rotary so it'll be a lot safer. Also meguiars have a dual action kit for drills if you wanna be even safer

[@sipzter]

You're such a wildman!! I love how into it you are. Been bringing it to us all for years - so Thank you. Be safe Stay well and can't wait to see your new facility.

[@kylemcatee503]

Obsessed with your videos man. Can’t wait for the new shop to be ready

[@briank.3539]

Hello and thank you for this video. I am of that "generation" that grew up being taught to compound, polish and wax by hand. Until I saw your video, I was going to do all my vehicles by hand, no longer. Questions: What DA is the best for doing all three stages? What size backing is suitable? What brands are worth their weight and which to stay away from? Do you recommend a cordless or corded DA? Thanks again for the video.

[@cupidstunt22]

Both Correct and finish with the mop Polish and wax by hand

[@lwwahlert]

Terrific explanation Larry.

[@GDavis49]

Surprised with the results from the hand polishing. Great tips.

[@testowykana1763]

I'm actually surprised, that it's possible to get such good result using regular microfiber cloth to polish the paint :O The only thing that I'm not really sure about is, that it might lead to uneven pressure in different areas, thus uneven cut of clearcoat, with some hotspots.

[@sunrise_sunshine]

Thank you for making this video, hope this will help me get rid off some small scratches from my new car.... any suggestion which handtool to buy and it would be great great if you make a video about complete detailing about car from washing, rubbing and waxing and shining the car in one video... if possible.

[@djstocks]

After watching all your vidieos i've decideed to use what Ive got a orbital sander with fine foam pads and some nufinish polish and sealant

[@michaelnguyen-kypreos1988]

Great vid and well explained iv learnt alot from this thankyou .cant help that im losing sleep over that tape mark in the middle hahah keep up with the vids

[@hassenfepher]

Larry. Post build videos of the facility build! These guys love machines. And they love taking care of machines. Let’s have some videos about the steps you go through to build. The kinds of utilities to Consider. The lighting. The lifts. I want all that. Subscribed to studio channel

[@hassenfepher]

Ooh! On the studio channel maybe you can do “Dream Garages” series. I bet you’ve met one or two rich old fucks with awesome garages.

[@sd-zj2dq]

always your videos are very informative and amazing

[@bako07prw]

I’m really sorry to hear that you lost you father 😔 You are great person stay strong my brother.

[@zackjack952]

Omg U gave me all the informations , that I was looking for thank you so so so much

[@wyattoneable]

Excellent information Larry.

[@JoshPiland]

Shop looks great!

[@mrburgermaster]

I used a fine hand polish on my whole car after claying the paint, and it took 5 hours. The finish was still worth it in the end, but I wish I had a machine.

[@sherepunjab5087]

use a normal drill which almost every house hold have that

[@Rolfbhag83]

Another banger video! Thanks man!

[@seansean8008]

great video and information. so glad I bought my polisher

[@AsapRockyOG]

Really great video and I love your explanation

[@christopherconkright1317]

I use a pad to compound and polish that has a handle on it. Plus it doesn't piss my neighbors off with the noise

[@lannyluckyj3227]

Can't wait to see the new place

[@Cartier_specialist]

Is it just me or has the quality of factory paint improved about 500% in the last 20 years but especially the last 15 years?

[@shawnmckenzie1786]

Nice job. Thanks. Good luck with the construction.

[@bondy284]

Many Thanks Larry👍Greetings from 🇦🇺

[@gregoryfranks7347]

I know this is a little off topic but I was just wondering if you had footage of the other two buildings in that extremely large barn find I emailed the lady she was very polite got back to me I was just wondering if you had planned on putting out any more footage I was a huge fan that was best video ever not just looking forward and hope to see some more thanks so much you do great detail work as well

[@thomashollander752]

I also prefer to do it by hand. I get a sense of what is going on with my cars paint and body by the feel it gives.

[@costasgt]

Even lifting and positioning the polisher is a workout for me...Great informative video as always!

[@alexander565]

Using a Da might be quicker and possible better result (it depends on the user), although to be honest i like doing it all by hand. It works for me relaxing

[@rafidalbotany1109]

The thing is it’s definitely possible to do a polish or compound by hand application but it’s gonna take so much longer compared to the machine I’m thinking of getting my car paint correct I have so many swirl marks and scratches

[@MarcG7424]

True compounding and waxing by hand can easily take up the whole day depending on a few things but the results are very satisfying even if it's not a100% perfect finish in my case it's very therapeutic no one bothers me everyone is afraid I will put them to work 😂

[@dustin3700]

I mean if you have a drill you also have a rotary, just need a cheap attachment and a pad. Also if you love learning about paint correction techniques, products and a bunch of tips check out "Apex Detail" channel. Vary quick to the point and vary useful info.

[@Ryan_H22]

I've hand polished my car twice with Meguiar's Ultimate Polish and a microfiber pad and it's SOOOOO much better than it was before. I'd like to get it machine polished sometime. To be honest I'm just no where near brave enough to take a machine to my car and risk the damage when I don't have the thousands of dollars to buy all the required equipment like a paint thickness gauge, air compressor, etc. Maybe someday.

[@TruBluLew23]

If it makes you feel better, just today (about 20 minutes ago i finished actually) I used a DA that i found on Amazon, a Black and Decker that was on sale. I used the Meguiar's Ultimate Polish just like you did and the difference between when i hand polished it about a month ago versus using the DA today was night and day. This was my first time using one and like you, I was a bit scared as well but after the first second of turning it on, the fear went away. I used a regular can of compressed air from Walmart and some pads I found on Amazon. You should definitely try it buddy, you won't regret it :)

[@Ryan_H22]

@@TruBluLew23 Thanks for the vote of confidence. I've spent some time today looking at DA's and researching about all the different colored foam pads. I'm thinking I may try my hand at polishing with a really slow cutting pad and the Ultimate Polish. Do you know what pad you used? Thanks!

[@TruBluLew23]

@@Ryan_H22 no prob! I actually used the polishing bonnet that came with machine. I bought separate pads but since it came with my machine, I figured I'd at least try it on the hood. Ended up working so well on the hood that I used it for the rest of the car. They were these: amzn.to/3dVhYxH

[@Ryan_H22]

@@TruBluLew23 Awesome! Thanks a ton for the help and link. I appreciate it!

[@nonotsanchez9186]

Most of the times, it's a case to case basis and depends on the condition of the car paint / top coat..

[@Grenyas]

I hand polished my LJ by hand. It made the black paint pop, but the deeper scratches remained. What annoyed me the most was the dried white residue left behind in the crows feet cracks. With the black paint, the crows feet cracks now really stand out :(

[@Truffel12]

Ooh thats good to know that single stage paint can be easily handpolished. Certain colours on the Porsche 993 are still single stage paint jobs.