Me or the machine?

[Popey]

So I got a lend of my brother in-laws DA machine polisher. Nothing fancy, I would say about £40 worth. I also got some pads with it.

I started with a light compound, didn’t see any improvement. I then went as far as ver heavy cut compound but still no joy. I was working on a small section on a single panel so I could focus just on that area.

Any advice?

Things to consider…

Fully clay barred before.
Pads were slight bigger than backing plate.
No noticeable improvement other than more shine (still swirling).
DA machine was budget basement

[raymond.harper]

Are you trying to get scratches out or achieve a gloss finish?

[Popey]

Are you trying to get scratches out or achieve a gloss finish?

I want to remove swirls, and minor scratches. scratches and superficial. I did cause some when using clay bar, nothing that would worry me. I seen far worse be removed.

[raymond.harper]

You do have to take a bit of time, the lacquer is quite tough to cut. Faster speed may help but watch it doesn't get too hot. Watch a few videos on Youtube

[Popey]

You do have to take a bit of time, the lacquer is quite tough to cut. Faster speed may help but watch it doesn't get too hot. Watch a few videos on Youtube

No speed setting unfortunately

[True-Blue]

You do have to take a bit of time, the lacquer is quite tough to cut. Faster speed may help but watch it doesn't get too hot. Watch a few videos on Youtube

No speed setting unfortunately

Sounds like the machine, do you have a photo of it?

[tomscott]

Tbh I wouldn’t bother without buying a machine with speed variation.

Paint on the Z is incredibly hard, takes perseverance and a few passes. I’m no pro and wasn’t doing it continuously but took me a week of nights and a solid weekend to get something I was happy with.

[Popey]

Any recommendations for the following

DA Machine with and without a starting kit

Polish and pads

Anything more you recommend

[jock156]

Was there not a recent thread (this year) where a decent DA was being passed about free between members?

[Popey]

Was there not a recent thread (this year) where a decent DA was being passed about free between members?

The some good community spirit tight there!

Think I would rather have something to call my own and can take my time etc.

[raymond.harper]

You do have to take a bit of time, the lacquer is quite tough to cut. Faster speed may help but watch it doesn't get too hot. Watch a few videos on Youtube

No speed setting unfortunately

Sounds like the machine, do you have a photo of it?

this is my one, bought from Facebook Marketplace for £25, look under polisher.

[Nanu]

Most DA polishers are OK and can be bought second hand. Would suggest buying a set of pads new though

[tomscott]

I’ve got the meguires kit very good. The rupes is also high up there but they are all expensive considering the amount of times of potential use.

[True-Blue]

Was there not a recent thread (this year) where a decent DA was being passed about free between members?

The some good community spirit tight there!

Think I would rather have something to call my own and can take my time etc.

That was a Das 6 Pro, which was mine originally

[MarshMA10]

Definitely new pads. I have typically found the compound makes more difference than the machine. Be careful, but also use something aggressive enough for the result you’re after!