How much should I expect to pay for a machine polish?

[MrGTI6]

I bought a car at the beginning of the year and, as someone who doesn't usually worry too much about how a car looks, even I think the finish is appalling. It appears as though the previous owner tried polishing it blindfolded while being bummed by a gorilla. There's swirl marks galore and wax that hasn't been buffed off properly. It really does look awful!

I don't have the equipment nor the inclination to do it myself, so how much I should be expecting to pay roughly?

Thanks!

[MrGTI6]

Thanks, that's good to know. What exactly is the difference between a single-stage polish and a two-stage polish?

[V8covin]

MrGTI6 said:

Thanks, that's good to know. What exactly is the difference between a single-stage polish and a two-stage polish?

£150

[V8covin]

I'd do a 2-stage machine polish for circa £200 but I'm a bodyshop not a detailer

[MrGTI6]

V8covin said:

I'd do a 2-stage machine polish for circa £200 but I'm a bodyshop not a detailer

That would suit me! It's a 22-year-old car, not looking for perfection, I just want it to look presentable! Don't suppose you're anywhere near Kent by any chance?

[V8covin]

MrGTI6 said:

That would suit me! It's a 22-year-old car, not looking for perfection, I just want it to look presentable! Don't suppose you're anywhere near Kent by any chance?

No,Stoke mate.
You'll probably have to pay more being in the affluent south

[Trophy Husband]

MrGTI6 said:

tried polishing it blindfolded while being bummed by a gorilla.
Thanks!

Sorry can't help but this tickled me pink!

[Belle427]

Buy the kit and have a go, you can't do any damage with a DA polisher if your sensible.
Loads of good guides on you tube.

[steveo3002]

agree you can buy the polisher yourself then you have it for next time

dont get too sucked up by detaiiers 100 step £££ deals , you can get great results yourself

[stevemcs]

V8covin said:

I'd do a 2-stage machine polish for circa £200 but I'm a bodyshop not a detailer

Ah so likely to use 3m and not tears from an angel in a glitzy studio with a reveal cover

[V8covin]

stevemcs said:

Ah so likely to use 3m and not tears from an angel in a glitzy studio with a reveal cover

I'm all out of snake oil too

[MrGTI6]

Thanks for the responses, definitely worth looking into getting one and giving it a go myself. Even if I only ever use it once!

[Chubbyross]

MrGTI6 said:

Thanks for the responses, definitely worth looking into getting one and giving it a go myself. Even if I only ever use it once!

Definitely worth giving it a go. It’s rather therapeutic, not to mention highly addictive. It doesn’t cost a fortune to get started but can lead to spending big bucks within a year or two. I started out with a £100 DA polisher, a few pads and polishes. Within a year I ended up with three high-end polishers, dozens of pads, and friends and family queuing up for my services.

[steveo3002]

stevemcs said:

Ah so likely to use 3m and not tears from an angel in a glitzy studio with a reveal cover

1 hr polishing the car , 4 hrs taking pics for instagram

[Pastor Of Muppets]

An alternative..... I have seen some folks use a cordless drill with the polishing mop to good effect, if you have a drill all you
need is the pad.... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384173140724?hash=item5... ,some compound,
and you're off, job done for under 20 quid.

[curvature]

Pastor Of Muppets said:

An alternative..... I have seen some folks use a cordless drill with the polishing mop to good effect, if you have a drill all you
need is the pad.... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384173140724?hash=item5... ,some compound,
and you're off, job done for under 20 quid.

I wouldn't recommend this unless you know what you are doing, it is very easy to damage paintwork this way.

A DA polisher will stop moving if you put too much pressure on it where as the above mentioned drill is could wear through the lacquer before you realise.

I bought a DA the other year and it is money well spent. I only use a medium and fine pad and just recently bought some CARPRO Essense which is brilliant.

I got mine with a discount as below -

https://www.detailingworld.co.uk/forum/showthread....

[steveo3002]

id stay away from the drill attachments too

[Chubbyross]

If you want to do it properly get started with a DA or forced rotation DA. I got myself a cordless Flex forced action DA last year, along with the Flex PXE mini rotary and DA polisher. I’ve just finished a week-long 2-stage paint correction on my Boxster. I’m not a pro but it takes a long time to get to near perfection. Just watch any White Details video on YouTube to get an idea. Gratuitous photo inclusion...