Want your car to turn heads on the streets of Los Angeles? A clean car is great, but a mirror-smooth finish is next-level. Enter the dual action polisher—your secret weapon for removing swirl marks, scratches, and dull paint. It’s powerful enough to restore shine but gentle enough that you won’t burn through your paint (unless you’re trying really, really hard to mess up).
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Follow this step-by-step guide to using a dual action polisher and get that flawless finish you’ve been dreaming of.
What You’ll Need
Dual action polisher (like a Griot's Garage G9 or a TORQ 10FX)
Polishing pads (foam pads for cutting, polishing, and finishing)
Car polish (choose based on your paint’s condition)
Microfiber towels
Painter’s tape (to protect trim and edges)
pH-balanced car wash soap
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Dual Action Polisher
Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Car
Start with a thorough wash using a pH-balanced car shampoo. Make sure your car is completely dry before moving to the next step.
Pro Tip: Use a clay bar to remove embedded contaminants—this ensures the polisher works directly on the paint, not dirt.
Step 2: Tape Off Sensitive Areas
Use painter’s tape to cover trim, plastic parts, and sharp edges. This prevents accidental damage and keeps polish from staining non-painted surfaces.
Step 3: Choose the Right Polishing Pad
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Cutting pad: For removing deep scratches and heavy swirl marks
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Polishing pad: For light scratches, swirl marks, and enhancing gloss
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Finishing pad: For applying final polish or sealant
Step 4: Apply Polish to the Pad
Apply 4-5 dime-sized drops of polish onto the pad. Don’t overdo it—less is more!
Step 5: Spread the Polish
Before turning on the polisher, spread the polish over a 2x2 foot section of the car. This prevents splattering when you start the machine.
Step 6: Start Polishing
Set the dual action polisher to a low speed (around speed 2-3) to spread the polish. Then, increase to a medium speed (around speed 4-5) and move the polisher in overlapping, straight-line passes—side to side, then up and down.
Pro Tip: Keep the polisher moving—staying in one spot too long can cause heat buildup, though it’s harder to damage paint with a dual action polisher.
Step 7: Wipe and Inspect
Once the polish becomes clear (usually after 3-4 passes), stop the machine and wipe the area with a clean microfiber towel. Inspect the paint—if defects remain, repeat the process.
Step 8: Repeat and Finish
Work panel by panel until the entire car is polished. For a mirror-like finish, use a finishing pad with a fine polish to add extra gloss.
Safety Tips
Don’t polish in direct sunlight—heat can cause the polish to dry too quickly.
Avoid pressing too hard—let the machine and polish do the work.
Final Thoughts
Mastering a dual action polisher is the key to achieving a professional-level shine—perfect for showing off your car in Los Angeles’ car culture. Too much hassle? Let the pros at WASH&WHIPS do the work for you! Contact us today for expert detailing services that’ll have your ride turning heads all over LA.
