Question about "palm polisher"

[ian760105]

We have a 6" palm polisher at home (my father-in-law brought it 9-10 years ago for like ~$30). And, my wife and I just brought a brand new Black Altima, and I want to go through the 5-step process with my new car. My wife think I should just use the old palm polisher for the paint cleaning (step 2 beside claying), polishing (step 3), and waxing (step 4), because I am a beginner and should not spend too much money (G110 is $215 in Canada) on this plus we are just students (thus, not much cash laying around for us to spend). However, I am just afraid, the palm polisher may hurt the paint if I don't know how to use it properly, which I probably would considering I am a "beginner".

What do you guys think? Is it really necessary to get G110? Or, am I okay with palm polisher, meaning that I won't hurt my paint with it? By the way, would the water pressure washer hurts the paint if spreads (more like shoots) too closely?

Thank you!! And, this is my first post!!

[Blueline]

Re: Question about "palm polisher"

If it is a random orbital polisher, it should be ok. You don't need the G110 unless you need major paint correction, which is unlikely with a new car. I have used a six inch orbital polisher on my new black car since day one, and it is great for applying polish (ColorX) . Saves the elbow. I do remove by hand though, as I found the polisher did not work well removing the haze, and I don't use it to apply my final wax coat. Just make sure it is a random orbital.

[greg0303]

Re: Question about "palm polisher"

Welcome to Meguiar's Online.

As said above, don't expect defect correctional ability but those polishers are suitable of cleaner/ polish and wax applications saving you some time and getting uniform coverage. Take advantage of Meguiar's newest technology - SMA (super micro abrasives) and choose this type of products.

As for below surface more serious defect removal (scratches, swirls, water spots, heavy oxidation) dual action polisher would be your best tool of choice.

[ian760105]

Re: Question about "palm polisher"

If it is a random orbital polisher, it should be ok. You don't need the G110 unless you need major paint correction, which is unlikely with a new car. I have used a six inch orbital polisher on my new black car since day one, and it is great for applying polish (ColorX) . Saves the elbow. I do remove by hand though, as I found the polisher did not work well removing the haze, and I don't use it to apply my final wax coat. Just make sure it is a random orbital.

Thanks for the response. The palm polisher we have is quite old, and I cannot find anything clearly stating it as random orbital polisher. Is it possible to tell if it's random orbital by its motion or by the pattern of the wax it applied? I tried the palm polisher on our old car, and if I turn it on without applying it on the car, the application pad wrapping around the orbiting head tends to spin off the polisher.

Also, using a palm polisher, I am not sure how hard should I press the polisher against the car. I am REALLY afraid it may cause swirls or scratches. Since I have to work the cleaner and polisher into the paint, should I press moderately against the car if I am applying cleaner (e.g. scratchX) and polisher (e.g. deep crystal polish)?

[ian760105]

Re: Question about "palm polisher"

Welcome to Meguiar's Online.

As said above, don't expect defect correctional ability but those polishers are suitable of cleaner/ polish and wax applications saving you some time and getting uniform coverage. Take advantage of Meguiar's newest technology - SMA (super micro abrasives) and choose this type of products.

As for below surface more serious defect removal (scratches, swirls, water spots, heavy oxidation) dual action polisher would be your best tool of choice.

So you mean the palm polisher could work removing fine swirls and scratches with cleaner like swirlX and scratchX or cleaner wax like Cleaner Wax and colorX? Since I need to work the cleaner and polish into the paint, would palm polisher be sufficient for that?

(Off topic) I am thinking about applying the ultimate compound to the old car, since it has tons of swirls, scratches, and oxidation. Is it possible to correct these using palm polisher with a strong product like the ultimate compound? Anyway, this is off topic, I shall try it out myself. Thanks for the response.

[ian760105]

Re: Question about "palm polisher"

My palm polisher looks like this

Do you think it's random orbital? I mean it's only ~$30. Can random orbital palm polisher be that cheap?

What type of bonnet should I choose for each step based on your experience?
Simoniz Microfibre Polishing Bonnet (Lint-free microfibre material is superior for wax removal and finish polishing)
Simoniz Wax Applicator Bonnet (100% terry cotton with a waterproof vinyl liner for applying wax)
Simoniz Foam Bonnets (Durable foam bonnet is designed for a swirl-free finish)
Simoniz Synthetic Wool Bonnet (Synthetic wool is designed for general polishing)
Simoniz Terry Bonnet (100% terry cotton is ideal for wax removal and finish polishing)

Thanks

[greg0303]

Re: Question about "palm polisher"

It all depends to workability/ hardness of your car paint.

Ultimate Compound is an aggressive product but type of car polisher, its set speed, buffing pad choice also play their role in overall performance. Of course going with more aggressive product and concentrating on smaller area to buff will bring you more correction ability. Some people were pretty successful using palm polishers on their cars.

I wouldn't use too much down pressure as those machines lack power and probably you're gonna completely stop it from rotating.

[OldSchoolDude]

Re: Question about "palm polisher"

If you use the right pad with it or bonnet and it's clean you won't or can't damage paint with it.
However, it won't remove swirls, well, maybe some that are very minor.
But with the new car it should help out.

[Blueline]

Re: Question about "palm polisher"

That polisher is similar to mine, and I only paid around $30.00. Turn it on and if the pad just spins, and there is no vibration, it is probably NOT a random orbital. Take the model and serial number and google it; you might find some info on it.
I use the Simonize 6" Wax Applicator Bonnet to apply, but use several good microfiber polishing towels to remove the wax. I tried the buffer with the Terry Bonnet to remove the wax but was not impressed.

[ian760105]

Re: Question about "palm polisher"

If you use the right pad with it or bonnet and it's clean you won't or can't damage paint with it.
However, it won't remove swirls, well, maybe some that are very minor.
But with the new car it should help out.

Thanks for the advice. However, my new car have some/few DISO (Dealer Installed Swirls Option) that I hope to remove. I will try the palm polisher first as long as it doesn't damage the paint.

[ian760105]

Re: Question about "palm polisher"

That polisher is similar to mine, and I only paid around $30.00. Turn it on and if the pad just spins, and there is no vibration, it is probably NOT a random orbital. Take the model and serial number and google it; you might find some info on it.
I use the Simonize 6" Wax Applicator Bonnet to apply, but use several good microfiber polishing towels to remove the wax. I tried the buffer with the Terry Bonnet to remove the wax but was not impressed.

I guess mine is random orbital, since it vibrate like crazy when I turn it on. I will google it when I get home. I will buy the Simonize 6" Wax Applicator Bonnet then. Thanks.