I just purchased a 7 in. Dual Action Variable Speed Polisher (got away from my old orbital polisher that quit working) and I want to get rid of some swirl marks in my paint and make it shine. I was just wondering which pad (color and/or brand) you guys use for your trucks. Thanks.

 

Depends on how long it's been since the last buff and how deep the swirls are. The pad is only 50% of the equation, the chemical/compound is important too.

I've had the best luck with the Chemical Guys hexagon pads. For lot's of swirl I'd use a good cutting compound (McGuire's M105 for example) with the medium-heavy cut pad (orange) first. Then a second round with the white pad (medium-light) with McGuire's M205 polish. Finish with a coat of good wax with the finish pad (black). My truck is white- so it's very forgiving, but this process works well on my 02 Jeep GC with the patriot blue metallic paint as well.

Takes me an entire day to do the Mega Cab, but it's worth it. I use the Porter Cable 7424XP 6" sander/polisher as the tool.

 

Jona thanks, this is exactly what I have been looking for. I will follow your recommendations. What speed do you set your buffer? Also how many pads do you go through on your truck? I want to make one order. And by the way I have a canopy also that I will be polishing.

 

I have a painted to match fiberglass hard top on the bed too- just the flat one, not a topper.

One set of pads is all I need- but I do wash them out about half way through. After one wax- the white and orange are toast. I haven't replaced my black yet so I know it does at least two rounds.

Speed- I go full throttle on the polisher for the first two stages, cut it back to 5 out 6 for the final polish.