How to Polish Paint for beginners!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- No fancy polisher? No problem. No pad washer? Also not a problem. No experience polishing paint? Definitely not a problem.
This is a back to basics video on how to polish paint. First things first, you need to properly wash and decontaminate the paint. We did that already and you can see the video here: • Bare bones CERAMIC COA...
After that, all you ned is a palm sander. We found these for about $20, and they work great with our 5.5 inch yellow waffle pads. We also use Gold Standard Polish, and just a little bit of Rinseless Wash (we showcase the why in this video).
What do you think of this method?
-PRODUCTS USED-
RINSELESS WASH: bit.ly/Rinsele...
GOLD STANDARD POLISH: bit.ly/GoldSta...
GOLD STANDARD WAFFLE PAD: bit.ly/GoldSta...
POLISH REMOVAL TOWEL: bit.ly/NicksFa...
2nd Polish REMOVAL TOWEL: bit.ly/PlushBu...
(Optional)
GOLD STANDARD WOOL PAD: bit.ly/GoldSta...
ROTARY JEWELING PAD: bit.ly/RotaryJ...
PAD WASHER: bit.ly/PadWasher
Web site:diydetail.com/
Podcast:bit.ly/DIYDeta...
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#autodetailing #diydetail #yvanlacroix #carwash #claytowel #detailing #detalingtip #howtodetailacar #detailing101
![This JDM ratchet saved my build [Sunday Extras]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZV87R66pQtQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm a latecomer to the GS polish. As a pro I had a lot of old inventory to use up. Finally did the first whole vehicle yesterday and the product is an absolute winner. Zero dust, easy wipe-off, good balance of cut and finish, plays well with trim and gives true results without fillers. My new staple polish. 😎👍
Great to hear, thank you David!
@@diydetailofficial does the GS polish remove swirl markes and fine scratches? I guess I use more of a cutting pad then a polish pad? what would you recommend I purchase to remove swirls and light scratches and then a polish/wax?
The things I like about the DIY methods are A) One does not need a plethora of costly chemicals to detail a vehicle; B) one does not need to take out a personal loan for equipment acquisition; C) you guys are the epitome of "Keep it simple stupid!" procedures. Common sense takes the lead!
Kudos 👍🏻😁
Thanks for sharing
Everything he said
Great video guys. I like the idea of using rinseless wash to clean the pad between polishing sections. I've always used a stiff brush but there's no doubt that your method cleans the pad much better. Easy to do and the pad never gets clogged.
Thank you
Something I've been waiting to see! Polishing is something I overthink but its effects are spectacular!
Let's see the gold standard at its best!
Thank you
I am planning to do polishing with gold standard next weekend in my wife’s car to remove light scratches. So comes in at a perfect time.
Thank you, please share your results in our facebook group
bit.ly/DIYDetailFacebookGroup
@@diydetailofficial absolutely 👍
1. I love this garage as-is.
2. So thankful for DIY products, and the exposure tour they went on YT with - happy that guest spots got me to you!
Thank you.
Love these videos. I’ve never applied a wax or a coating to a car and have been watching a lot of your videos on it. I think I’m going to pick up this little palm sander, gold standard polish w/ waffle pad, and a stack when they become available.
Thanks
Same here !! A stack?
These keep it simple type videos for the weekend warrior are excellent.
It can get overwhelming hearing about all the expensive equipment and the myriad of products we “need” to keep care of our vehicles. This makes everything sound so much more accessible.
Im going to purchase some of your products not only because i’m convinced they are great products, but as a thank you for your excellent videos!
Thank you so much!
Great video guys, you don’t complicate the process for no reason like a lot do!
Thank you.
I have so many pads. This method is fantastic! One section, three passes or so, dunk, get the excess out, re/load the pad, continue. Genius!!! Thanks, Guys!
Thank you
@@diydetailofficial The Thanks belongs to You! 😃😎
I like this guys straightforward, no-nonsense approach to detail.
Honestly, this seems so much better than a normal long heavy polisher
It has its place
Love that you’re using inexpensive harbor freight tools here. You’re going after the right audience 👍🏼
Thank you!
I've been using my 10mm throw Ryobi machine with good results, converted it to hook & loop and it's been a game changer.
Good
One of the most critical things I’ve learned from you guys isn’t just cleaning the pad but also keeping the moisture in it when I am applying the polishing compound. That has completely changed my result when I polish now requiring a much less aggressive pad and for a much shorter period of time on the surface polishing. Thank you! 👍🏻
Thank you.
Guys, not only are your videos informative, but the humour takes it over the top! Could one use this same process and tools on a gel-coated boat? Cheers!
Yes
Brilliant tuition team DIY Detail 👏👏👏
Thank you! Cheers!
I’m building up courage to polish my cars, have never done it and still a bit scared to do so. Thanks for all the great videos!
You can do it!
Well done guys. You should rename the brand to Reality Garage. No need to obsess (if you know you know 😂) over having the best / most expensive tools in your garage to get great results when you detail.
#dontobsessjusthavefun
Thank you
Just a thought...have you ever did tests with your products on marine gel coat surfaces? I do alot of boats and would love to be the first on my lake to use it. Also would love to see maybe a boat polish video. Like ivan has said before with websites and posting, if you only post shiny cars it gets repetitive. I love yall's videos and ivan is a legend to me. But its always cars i see. Would be cool to see some other types of vehicles. Bet a plane would be fun too 😂. Anyway hello from georgia and look forward to more DIY content. Great job guys
We plan on have different vehicles on the channel
Thanks gents!
Thank you.
Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Well this is great information that we're able to dip the pad in water and get it cleaner. I did not know that and having less than 12 hours polishing as a beginner this helps. I think I used too much Sonax on a orange pad yesterday. I tried to clean it w a old kitchen brush but I don't think it did much. Temp was 93° for the high, humidity 81% here in FL. After I made the mistake of polishing my trunk, after doing two sections of the roof, I later noticed some white pittings. This was the 2nd time I did the trunk within a week. Its a practice vehicle in neglected shape but I didn't want to make it worse. I haven't found anyone address repair pitted white spots
Unfortunately not much you can do for those
Nice Video, Thanks!
Glad you liked it!
I just buffed my car for the first time using:
- BAUER 7.5 Amp 6 in. Long-Throw Random Orbit DA Polisher (replaced backing plate with 5" maxshine)
- A light cut 5" pad (poliwell brand from Amazon)
- Turtle Wax 53478 Hybrid Solutions Pro 1 and Done Compound Correct and Finish
- I used Turtle Wax Iron Remover and Nanoskin clay sponge to decontaminate before polishing
I only did a small area (trunk lid) and it came out OK (removed swirls and much of the light scratching), but as soon as I started to polish the surface of the pad turned pink (see linked pics). My car is a red 2017 lincoln mkz. I am concerned! From everything I studied prior to doing this (it is my first time paint correcting), there is no way I should have gone through the clearcoat -- I did about 4-5 passes on speed 4 with very little pressure. So where is the red color on the pad coming from??. I'm scared to do any more of the car without knowing what is going on. Is there an easy way to determine whether I burned through clearcoat?
Any ideas would be must appreciated!
Images: imgur.com/a/FoQy6bU
Your car has the RR paint code more than likely. It’s a candy colour, meaning tinted clear
@@diydetailofficial The paint code is R3, would it still be the case that it's tinted clearcoat (how do you tell)?
Yes, it’s a tinted clear
@@diydetailofficial thanks that's what I was hoping!
Absolutely love your guys content! Excited to try GS polish out!
Awesome! Thank you!
Love all your vids and have learned a lot. Video idea (could be a short) how to polish non flat surfaces and decals. I have a 2019 f250 and the hood is anything but flat. Also i don't know how to treat the fx4 decal.
We have a couple videos featuring Raptors
Awesome stuff as always!!
Keep up the good stuff 👌😎
Thanks! Will do!
That dial by the top of the handle near where the plug comes out is the speed adjuster. I don't know of any random orbital sander these days that doesn't have a speed adjuster. Harbor freight website lists the speed as 0-13,000rpm. Thanks for all you do, great content!
Thanks for the info!, the one we normally use is single speed
Fantastic Video wow! Amazing. Cant wait to get my pad and polish. Which speed should I use on my DA?
What DA do you have?
Great video, guys. I noticed a couple mentions of single speed on the machines but I’m sure I saw a variable speed thumb dial on the handle…
You are correct, the one we normally use is single speed
@@diydetailofficial The Bauer Random Orbit Sander in this video has Variable 6 speed control. Speed 5 sounds good to me. It's 14.99 today at H.F. I'm getting one. Thanks for simplifying getting my car to shine. BTW Your 5.5" pads are sold out.
When using a palm sander, should you remove the backing plate and take off the little rubber band thing that keeps it from free spinning? I thought I heard you mention that in another video.
Yes
Thank you both for the detailed demo/video on car polishing! I want to buy the same palm polisher you both used, but it is Not listed on your website. I saw you are launching new polishers in the Spring 2024. Will this palm polisher be available with the higher priced models? I will used this to polish my car only. Thank you for help.
No we will not have a palm sander available, they are available at all hardware stores
Bauer is from Harbor Freight. I got one last year after a video I saw Yvan and Nick do. I was amazed at how well this process worked. But I was removing the pad and dunking it in rinseless wash. This method of cleaning the pad is much better and less time consuming. Thanks Yvan and Nick!
Thank you
hope you guys see this! fell in love with the channel subbed and liked. question though, could i use the gold standard polish kit with just an orbital sander? red pad, yellow pad and wool?
is the orbital sander limited to just the yellow waffle?
Thanks, works with all pads
Hi,
Love your content... I'm trying to adopt all your methods, I'm just finding it hard to purchase your polishing machine here in Australia.
It’s on its way. I believe Car care co has a waiting list
Thanks for the usual great tips. Mind telling us which sanders you are using because most sander vibrate rather than spin?
Any one will do, but you need to pad brake
Any recommendations or tips for being as efficient as possible to clean headliner?
Thanks
Do not touch unless absolutely necessary. They are sensitive to pressure, heat and moisture. Lightly rub with a rinseless dampened towel is safe.
@@diydetailofficial thanks
I'll try that
Thank you.
Great video, yall are the very very few that do demos on a "entire" car, unlike taped off sections or door that's been removed. With that being said, I head you say your polish is "Trim / Molding" polisher, Does that mean it won't leave the usual "white" residue behind ? I have only seen a handful claiming that. I am not a detailer but want to keep detail as simple and most effieicent as possible. Looking for an all in one polish that is trim/mold safe (no taping). Thanks guys
DIY Detail Gold Standard Polish is definitely safe for trim.
A DIY wireless rotary polisher would be awesome to add to my wireless DA.
Possibility in the future for sure 👍
Great video guys. Given a palm sander has such a small throw, what would be the ideal rpm for one? I was thinking that since it's such a short throw you'd want a lower speed closer to 1000rpm like a rotary, but is there any thing to worry about with a 12000rpm palm sander?
10-13000 orbits per minute is ideal
Which towels from your site are you using in this video? Thanks for all the great videos!
POLISH REMOVAL TOWEL: bit.ly/NicksFavoriteGlassTowel
PLUSH BUFFING TOWEL: diydetail.com/collections/towels-wash-mitts/products/korean-plush-buffing-towels-black
I just took back a Bauer palm sander cause I didn't think it was right to use it didn't rotate like I thought it was supposed to. So I guess it would work.
Yes, it’s fine. If you remove the pad brake it will rotate.
Ivan would it be safer to use a spray bottle to wet the pad and less chance of someone dropping the polisher in the bucket? Super video,
It’s not just wetting, you need to dunk it
Another great video. Nick asked, but the question wasn't answered as to what constitutes a section pass? How many cycles of up/down and side to side do you do before cleaning the pad and starting on a new section?
On average 3
nice and simple
That’s the idea😃
Thanks for These fresh new ideas.
One question please, will the following also Work as a cleaning solution to dunk the Pads in:
Mixture of rags and riches and water or snappy Clean solution or mixture of Pad cleaner with water, or APC with water?
Thanks again
Liked and subscribed!
Yes, absolutely
Is it ok to use a different brand of rindless wash? I still have a whole new bottle left. OPT ,, Thanks for this video. Exactly what I’m looking for for my truck’s paint. You guys are interesting and fun to watch!!
You will need a surfactant based product to be effective.
@@diydetailofficial what’s a surface based? Sorry I don’t get the answer. Preferable to use DIY Polish with same product diy rinsless wash for compatibility in products?
@projet2907 a polymer based Rinseless like ONR doesn’t do well because it doesn’t cut through the oils of the polish. DIY Detail Rinseless Wash also contains surfactants that allow it to clean the pad better.
@@diydetailofficial Awesome. Thank you !!
I’m here for this one.
Thanks!
great value video!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video with one quesiton! If you drop the sander in the bucket of water, ....... How far should you run????
To the end of the plug to remove it from the outlet.
When are your polishers being released?
March 😎
Great content and instruction guys. Does the new red jewelling pad give a lot more gloss than the yellow waffle with fine finishing polishes
Yes it does
Should I polish the black trim with the Gold Standard polish if I plan on using something like Solution Finish or Lithium's Trim cubes?
Yes
Awesome video I bought this same palm sander but it has 5 speeds, which speed should I use for polishing with the gold standard polish and gold standard waffle pad?
Full speed
@@diydetailofficial thank you for your help, keep up the great work and the DIY Detail products are awesome
Can I use absolute rinse less wash instead? What size pad is needed for that specific palm sander?
5 inch pad. Polymer based Rinseless washes do not do well with pad washing
Awesome Vid as always, do you have the link or name of that specific polisher you used ?
It’s from harbour freight
@@diydetailofficial Thank you, looking forward to the DIY polishers!
Keep in mind folks don't polish your car every weekend every time you "polish" your microscopically removing clear coat keep that in mind.
Correct
Hi just purchased your rinceless wash can’t wait to try it, but I was wondering if it’s possible to use the pad and polish with a 5in dewalt DWE6423K random orbit sander?
Yes of course!
Do these tips only work with your products? Is it a good practice to polish a new car or does it just depend on the condition of the paint? Meaning is there a scenario where a new car doesn’t need to be polished at all? Thx
A light polish cleans the paint for better coating application
Having never used a polisher, this was a great tutorial. I would like to wait a purchase a polisher from you. Do you have an idea as to when you will be selling them?
I believe they've recently been saying March 2024!
@@Christian-ed5uc Thanks!
End of March
Good afternoon! What diy products would you recommend a diy enthusiast to buy in gallon vs 16oz bottle? Thank you very much!
DIY Detail Rinseless Wash
DIY Detail All Clean
DIY Detail Incredible Suds
DIY Detail Ceramic Gloss
DIY Detail Interior Clean & Protect
Hey I have a question about ceramic coating if I got it applied today and then when I got home there was some water spots that came from the mirror to go onto the coating and I used MEGUIAR'S Hybrid Ceramic (Spray) Wax to get it off because it was stuck on with a dry towel will this have ruined the ceramic coating the ceramic used was cougar ceramic coating 5 year and on the bottle is says to leave 30 minutes to cure before taking it in the elements which we did an hour and a half before taking it home so now I’m curious if me trying to get those spots off so it could cure in a garage did more harm than good?
You should be fine
i wish they sold smaller bottle of polish, like im only going to do it once every 5years and its going to go bad sitting in my shed for that long
Well stored it will last several years
Hi there thanks for the video! I noticed you said not to polish the matte black decal on the hood - I have shiny black vynl stripes on the hood of my mini that have some light micro scratches - would these be ok to use a polisher on?
Thank you
Yes
@ amazing thank you! Can I use the gold standard polish to bring back the shine on chrome trim pieces too? Cheers
Yes
Maybe a dumb question. But is it better to buy a cheap random orbit palm sander that doesn’t have built in dust extraction (suction)? Partly wondering if the suction is making more work for myself, as the added airflow maybe dries the pad faster. Or is it a non factor? But also curious if the suction would blast any contaminants back onto the paint possibly?
I’m sure I’m overthinking it all, but had to ask lol.
Makes no difference
couple of questions ,the ceramic coating you offer is a 9h or higher ceramic coating? Second is does your gold standard polish have any fillers? Thanks for the KT's
Yes they are 9h( 10h is marketing speak, the pencil hardness scale stops at 9h) . DIY Detail Gold Standard Polish is a pure abrasive with no fillers or protection
I let the dirty bucket sit for awhile with the polish and the grit guard. Can clean it off or would I risk scratching the paint with all the gunk from cleaning the pad? This is the bucket where you dry it out by spinning it.
Best not to reuse
Does the palm sander with 3mm throw stall look a regular DA polisher?
This looks like a good option for applying glazes and fine polish.
Not as much as some long stroke machines. Yes it’s actually a very good tool.
Question on the Subaru the black decal on the hood. Can that be polished or is it best not to polish that?
Best to avoid
What was the speed setting you used here on this sander during the polishing? Product page states it can run 0-13,000 OPM (there is a speed dial on the machine)
13,000
@@diydetailofficial many thanks again. Prepping for my spring car reset with DIY gold standard lineup
@mikev1766 Thank you.
@@diydetailofficial Just noticed something coming back to this video after watching some of your latest videos where you chatted about wiping off polish after vehicle is done vs per panel....here you waited until the very end to wipe all the polish off the vehicle correct? You can do that with Gold Standard!? If so, wow, that will change my workflow im putting together (also thank you for your continued replies to my almost constant questions leading up to my car reset; you guys are great)
can this be used for deeper scratches? can i use the gold standard polish system on a wool pad first on the palm sander? and then transition to the yellow waffle pad?
Yes, all of the above
For vehicles that have deeper scratches, swirls etc. can I use the gold standard with wool pad? Or do I need to use a heavy cut compound such as Koch chemie or rupes and the. Follow with the gold standard. I want to upgrade my equipment for this year
DIY Detail Gold Standard Polish with a wool pad is all you need.
Would you also use the gold standard polish on the windows to get them clean, free of water spots, and prepped for wax/coating, or does that require a different product?
Yes
What exact polisher is that that's being used?
A harbor freight sander
Is this an acceptable way to prep a new tesla for ceramic coating? Any decon wash or iron remover needed first?
You will need to decontaminate first, but yes
Ivan/Nick, For the Bauer sander polisher did you guys just leave the factory backing plate and just use your pads? I am just curious because I am new to polishing as well and want to make sure I buy the correct items from you. Also, I have a 2023 Honda Pilot Sport. it is white, so after I use the gold standard polish and the Bauer Sander/polisher can I go right to ceramic gloss?
Correct, just the wool or gold pad. Yes, DIY Detail Ceramic Gloss is great after DIY Detail Gold Standard Polish
@ after the polish do I have to do an ipa wipe or can I just remove with rinseless and a damp microfiber and apply the ceramic gloss?
@stevewillloseit7974 remove residue and apply
@@diydetailofficial thank you so much! Please never stop the informative videos!
Would the palm sander be effective on a older vehicle with lots of oxidation and swirls??
Yes, but it’s slower than a long stroke DA
I have a question, what if I am using a different kind of polish that has protection in it, let’s just say something like the Rupes Uno Advanced that has 1 year of protection in the polish, do you think if it is still a good idea to wash the pad like that, remove excess and then re-use again? I wonder if this compromises the protection by having a damp pad? What are your thoughts on this. Thanks
It doesn’t affect the polish or protection. That said instead of using a compromise of polishing and protection, here’s a way that will be just as quick, but will yield superior results and protection.
th-cam.com/video/RHyAiZZgWuc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Mz86gD8KdtCFiGW0
Could you hand polish with gold standard?
Yes
Could you use Quick Beads or Ceramic Gloss to protect your car after this procedure?
Yes you can , apply a spray of either to the surface after you wipe the DIY Detail Gold Standard Polish off with a rinseless dampened towel as a drying aid.
@@diydetailofficialthank you, your videos are incredibly helpful. I'm gona buy some of your stuff.
Can orbital sander do correction paint for light scracth ?
Yes
I recently got a Black & Decker 5" palm sander and tried polishing with the GSP and the yellow pad. I noticed there's a lot of flinging each time I start the machine on a panel. Should I spin for even longer to make the pad drier? Also the machine tends to wobble unless I really hold onto it, is it because of poor technique?
Make sure the pad can free spin
@@diydetailofficial Thank you, I'll give it another try after removing the pad brake
Nick, which Apple Watch Ultra band do you wear when detailing? Do you have a Bumper case on it? 🍎
It’s just the stock one that came with the watch I’m really not sure…
After using the Gold Standard Polish and wiping with the Rinseless Wash, is it okay to just leave as-is with no ceramic coating? Is there anything else that would need to go on top (wax, toppers, etc) of the GSP for a daily driver that's got a little age on it?
DIY Detail Gold Standard Polish has no protection, it’s a pure abrasive
Does the 5.5 inch waffle pad on the website fit the 5 inch backing plate? Why the extra .5inch? Beginner question, sorry.
Yes it’s for 5 inch backing plates, the extra is for safety close to edges
I believe you did a video before using the red pearl pad with this sander. Is this so, and what speed would u use with the red pad?
By the way, great video and thank you!
Full speed
Talking about those black decals, do you have a tutorial to learn how to bring them back to life?
Unfortunately it’s replacing them.
Maybe try Cerakote trim restorer. It last a long time vs typical trim restorers
My car is ceramic coated a year ago
I found some hard water spot and scratches
Is it okay to polish it?
How is the decontamination stage before polishing?
My car is black so i cant tell if theres a tar or iron dust?
But i can feel sands texture on the lower door panels
Polishing will damage the coating. Start by doing a full decontamination , DIY Detail Iron Remover , Perforated Synthetic Decontamination Towel , then use DIY Detail Water Spot Remover. Could be all you need.
Thanks for doing this video Ivan and Nick, i have a black and Decker oribital sander, i was wondering if i could use it to polish my Focus with, i also have Stjarnagloss Shara, now i only have to buy a pad and give it a go on some of my scratches.
Yes, may not be enough for scratches, but will definitely add gloss
@@diydetailofficial If that is all i get, i'll be happy with that! Thanks
Hi! Do I need an extra accessory for a pad to fit in a random orbital sander? Do I need some backing plate or adhesive for it to bond? Thanks!
The Velcro is fine
Thank you!
Guys what pad did you put on the polisher?! How heavy or fine cutting is it??
Our DIY Detail yellow pad. A good combination of cut and finish
Hello do you think this can remove very light swirling with the sander, and would the sander burn my paint easier rather than using a random orbital polisher??
It can remove swirling, and is one of least agressive tools
Are these sanders strong enough to remove pretty noticeable swirls if I were to use the wool pad first? And would I need to go over it again with the red jewling pad after or the yellow pad?
Or is the sander more just to clean up the paint and remove old protectants?
With the wool pad and a little patience, yes it will remove swirls. Only the yellow pad is necessary to clean up any haze left by the wool pad
Just to understand better, the priority to clean my pad after each use?
**Not every door, every use which means how many times in the door (for example).
I understood correctly?
Yes, never put clean polish on a dirty pad.
Can you use ONR instead for this method?
It doesn’t clean the pad as well, you will need to spray the pad with APC
I watch your videos and decided to buy some of your products to try out. Everything I wanted to buy is "SOLD OUT" ..... Gggrrrr
We are increasing our inventory levels 10X over the next few weeks
What about wiping off polish with ONR or Absolute rinseless wash? I ask because that's what I have currently.
Polymer based Rinseless washes are not as effective.
What can I use instead of rinseless wash and water to clean the pad? APC and water? Detergent and water?
Best to use DIY Detail Rinse Less Wash, others foam too much, water doesn’t cut through
Do you guys have a chart for speed settings for each different stroke length and for the intended purpose. I have a 21mm and an 8mm just trying to find out where a comparable setting would be for paint enhancement, or compounding heavier defects?
21mm, speed 2-3
8mm speed 3-4
Hey Yvan! What are your thoughts on hand polishing? Any advice? I don't have a polishing machine and I would like to leave the car with a polished (almost showroom-like) look without using the machine. AutoGlym Super Resin Polish is the one that I was looking at, would you recommend this one?
I’ve never tried that product. Hand polishing is a lot of work. You can use a basic random orbital sander , it’s safe, low cost, and much faster than by hand. Watch this How to Polish Paint for beginners! #detailing #polishing #paintcorrection #diydetail
th-cam.com/video/bdINJ-3Mc0U/w-d-xo.html
@@diydetailofficial Thank you!
I have ONR as my rinseless wash. I am not sure of yours but doesn’t ONR leave something behind and if it does won’t that affect coating application?
DIY Detail Rinse Less Wash leaves nothing behind