The short answer is “yes,” but it will take some work. Let’s start by clearing up a common misconception about dual action polishers.
When you see pros using one of these machines, they’re usually applying a heavy compound or an aggressive polish to remove severe oxidation and scratches from a vehicle’s finish. In other words, a dual-action polisher is challenging to burn the paint. Everything depends on compounds of aggressive polishes designed to cut hard, clear coat finishes. Using a product like this will make short work of your vehicle’s finish, but it may also damage or burn the paint.
Should I use polishes together with a dual action polisher?
It is a question that we get all the time. In general, it would be best not to use any polish whatsoever on a dual-action polisher. Abrasives are only meant to be used on the lowest speed setting and for a short time, no more than a few seconds.
Keep in mind that these tools were designed to buff off what is already down and get rid of light scuffs & scratches only. Therefore, using them together to apply new products can cause damage and poor results. For example, buffing new polish onto the paint can ‘burn’ it, causing damage due to excessive heat.
What can cause and how to avoid burning paint when using a dual action polisher?
- If the paint is terrible, it is better to use professional microfiber pads. They are much more efficient than wool pads when working with a dual-action polisher.
- It is possible to avoid burning the paint when using a low-speed setting and a finishing pad or another one that has already been proved effective.
- The shape of the pad itself is essential, as using a too rounded pad will not allow covering enough surface, and it may lead to paint burning.
- Another reason why paint burns when the user is working with a dual-action polisher could be because they work on one part of the car for too long or use a finishing pad on a small area. It is better to use another type of pad or increase the speed setting in both cases.
- The user should always pay attention to their working pattern and try to work as quickly as possible rather than waiting too long to complete one movement only once.
- When the hot pad is pressed onto the paint, this could lead to a raised, and orange peeled effect. This issue has several reasons: using a not clean pad, too high speed, too much pressure applied when working with a dual-action polisher, or removing all imperfections in one step only. The solution for this problem is that we should work with a hot pad of a slightly bigger size than the section of paint we want to work on. It will allow us to have enough time for this particular spot, and we won’t be able to burn it.
- Working on one area for too long could also lead to paint burning. While using a dual action polisher, we should follow the direction of the pad with an appropriate speed or direction. When we do not follow this rule, the pad will stay in one place for too long, which could lead to paint burning.
- The essential thing which should be done when working on a small area is that the user should reduce the speed setting of their dual action polisher and increase the distance between their hand and the paint.
- The user should always pay attention to small imperfections because it is elementary to cause paint burning while removing them with a reduced speed setting.
- It is also advised that the user starts working on new spots or smaller ones before dealing with more extensive surfaces. This way, they will get used to working with a dual-action polisher, and there is not much chance for them to cause paint burning.
- When the user is about to work on specific difficult spots, they should always choose a softer pad that will be efficient enough to remove them but at the same time gentle enough not to burn paint.
- The last piece of advice for avoiding paint burning while using a dual-action polisher is that the user should clean the surface before applying the medium. This way, the surface will be cleaner, and there is no need to press too hard when using a finishing pad on small areas.
