If you’re considering upgrading from good, old-fashioned elbow grease to an orbital polisher, we have great news for you. Many entry-level polishers are not only effective and affordable, but they’re even preferable for beginners who are learning to use a machine. With these polishers, if you accidentally push down too hard, the motor will stall a bit. This forgiving action doesn’t make them exactly foolproof, but having some margin for error is reassuring as you learn how to operate a machine and what types of pads and polishing compounds you need to get the job done right.

A pro-level, dual action polisher, on the other hand, is gear-driven and super-powerful, exactly what professional detailers prefer. But, in less experienced hands, this can create some issues with burning if the user applies too much pressure or leaves the polisher in the same spot for too long. If you’re a beginner, steer clear of these and go with a more affordable, user-friendly model.

Before polishing or waxing your car, you should always prep the surface first. Wash and dry the exterior and use a clay bar to remove any bonded contaminants from the clear coat.

Examine the finish all over your car. Pay close attention to the areas that take the most abuse from the sun and daily wear and tear that causes scratches. If the finish looks dull, scratched or swirled, it’s time to correct the paint.

Grab your orbital polisher, a medium-grade cutting pad and a polishing compound. If you’re still learning the ropes, we recommend Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Polish & Wax for paint correction. It’s a very user-friendly polish for beginners, and it has a built-in wax to combine two steps into one. Apply 4 dime-sized drops of compound to the pad of choice.

In time, you’ll develop your own technique for paint correction, but here’s a good process to start with:

Start by testing your cutting pad’s effectiveness on one small area of the car. Tap the area with the polishing pad to transfer some compound onto the car. Using the lowest setting, quickly spread the compound across a 12” x 12” area. Then, turn up your polisher to medium and slowly go over the area again. Apply only gentle pressure. The weight of the polisher itself may be enough to do the job. Finally, with the lightest pressure, make a third, fast pass perpendicular to your previous pass.

Wipe away the excess compound and check your work. If it could use more paint correction, switch to a more aggressive pad and follow the steps above again. If you’ve removed all the damage in the area, continue polishing, working in 2’ x 2’ sections, until you complete the entire car.

If you used an all-in-one polish and wax, your detailing job is done. If you used a single-action polishing or rubbing compound, follow it up with a sealant or a layer of wax to protect your beautifully, shiny finish. Our Hybrid Solutions Pro Flex Wax or Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating will do the trick nicely.