Quality gloss for the workshop - why do you need a polisher?
To buff up the protective and attractive paint job on a car or motorbike, your job will be much easier with a polishing machine than applying polish by hand. A brief explanation on this tool’s various practical aspects and its uses should make your purchase decision easier.
What are the benefits of a polisher?
Polishers are ideal for breathing new life into painted surfaces. While the long-term effects of the elements, dust, sand and other substances bleaches paint over time, the surface can be made shiny and glossy again, restoring its protective function. Polishing can also tackle small scratches without having to apply new paint. Differences in construction, function and power dictate whether a tool is suitable for professional or home use.
What is the right speed for a polisher?
The revs of a car polisher or motorcycle polisher can be regulated by various speeds. To begin with, you should choose a low speed of under 1,000 revolutions per minute, so you can evenly distribute the polish. An excessively high speed, combined with pads that are too rough, is bad for the paint job.
The maximum speed for rotary polishers is 3,000 rpm, as the machine is more powerful than eccentric tools. An eccentric polisher can be set to over 6,000 rpm without any problems. The right speed depends on the size and hardness of the pads. To only achieve a polishing effect, you should begin with a low speed. With practice and patience, you’ll find the correct speed to achieve the best results.
What is an eccentric polishing machine?
Eccentric polishers use rotation as well as oscillation, which is a shaking movement of the polishing pad. This movement is based on the natural motions of hand application and uses a positive drive or centrifugal force. The eccentric polisher is less effective than a rotary tool, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The slower movements give you a chance to experiment. The surface’s temperature remains lower, which reduces the hologram effect - circular traces in the paint that are visible in the sun. These tools let beginners get used to the process. If you consistently come to the upper limit of your eccentric polisher’s abilities, you can swap to a rotary polisher.
What should a polisher be able to do?
A car polisher must be able to move a pad attached to the tool at various different speeds. The tool should be either battery-powered or mains-powered. Tools that get their power from a battery have many benefits as they are so flexible. Polishers should have a changeable plate to hold pads, made from fleece or leather, of various thicknesses and sizes. Some tools have useful safety features to ensure that the machine doesn’t turn itself on if the power cuts and then comes back on.
What pads do you need for a polisher?
When polishing by machine, you’ll need a replaceable add-on used to distribute the liquid polish or paste as it moves. If you’re just polishing, use soft pads to achieve your desired effect. If you want to repair a scratch, you’ll need a rougher pad so that the paint is moved to the effected area. This is necessary to optically break up the edges around the scratch, allowing it to fade.
The size is also important for the end result. When using a rotary tool, larger pads intensify the effect. When using an eccentric machine, the effect is increased by using smaller pads, as the oscillating effect is weakened. Good models will come with a variety of spare pads when you buy them.
What polish do you need for a polisher?
Polish is available as a liquid in bottles or as paste. Which is most effective at polishing is subjective. Different products are suitable for different paint finishes. Even the type of polish is important. Different substances are used in a high-gloss polish than a finishing polish. The requirements for the individual ingredients are a matter of taste. Whereas some swear by wax to freshen paint jobs, others swear by nanotechnology and acrylic seals. For the beginner, it’s best to use small packs of different products so you can find the right one.
How do you use a polisher?
Firstly, the vehicle should be thoroughly cleaned and all plastic parts, like window seals and plastic bumpers, should be removed. If the machine scuffs these, they’ll turn white. Then the polish should be evenly applied with a suitable pad or a clean cloth.
The polisher should be checked for any damage and started at a low speed. While polishing, it’s important to use large movements and not linger too long in corners or along edges. If they’re polished too much, they may look different to the rest of the surface area.
After polishing with the tool, use a soft, clean cloth for the finishing touch. This will tackle any outstanding unevenness. It doesn’t matter if you use the machine to polish cars or motorbikes.
What should you keep in mind when choosing a polisher?
Before buying a car or motorbike polisher, it’s worth finding reviews for specific polishers. You can only really establish a tool’s performance in practice. All the tools on your shortlist should have European testing certifications. Good tools usually come with a wide range of accessories that are included when you buy them. The plate and other accessories should be easy to change.
Making a decision
Beginners should opt for an eccentric polisher that comes with plenty of different pads and maybe even a polish sample. If you want to start polishing your car with a rotary polisher, you should look for a machine that guarantees low revs under 3,000 rpm. Even the tool’s noise level can play a role. If the tool is particularly loud, you’ll need ear protection.
The quality of the tool’s housing and accessories should also be checked. Good polishers should achieve a performance of at least 700 Watts and at least 2,000 rpm.