Which polisher to choose?

Choosing the right polisher is a crucial step for any car detailing enthusiast, whether you're an enthusiastic hobbyist or an emerging professional. If you have already developed your skills in deep cleaning, paint decontamination, and applying waxes/sealants, it may be time to move on to paint correction/polishing.

Types of Polishers: Rotary vs Orbital

There are two main types of polishers: rotary polishers and orbital (also called dual action) polishers. Rotary polishers are powerful but require precise handling, while orbital polishers are more beginner-friendly, offering a greater margin for error. Most of today's professionals will now prefer to work with orbital polishers, whereas at the time rotary polishers were popular.

Head movement:

Orbital polisher: Oscillating head movement, reducing the risk of swirls.

Rotary polisher: Rotary head movement, more aggressive but requiring expertise.

Heat generated:

Orbital polisher: Less heat generated thanks to its orbital movement.

Rotary Polisher: May generate more heat, requiring careful handling.

Rotation speed :

Generally, rotary and orbital polishers have a speed controller allowing you to adjust the speed of the disk rotation. Both types of polishers will achieve very similar rotational speeds, but the rotary polisher will generate heat more quickly.

In summary

The choice between an orbital and rotary polisher depends on experience, the level of correction required and the type of surface to be polished. It must be said that orbital polishers have become very powerful and therefore the use of rotary polishers becomes less essential than before.

Ask yourself Essential Questions

Before making your choice, ask yourself questions about the level of correction sought and the frequency of use. Understanding your needs will help you choose a suitable polisher.

Disc Size

Polishers are available in different disc sizes, such as 6in, 5in, 3in, 2in and 1in. A larger disc covers a larger area, but vehicles with complex curves sometimes require a smaller polisher for precise correction.

Recommendations Based on Your Budget ($)

Budget for one (1) polisher

Opt for a 5" orbital polisher (double action) for more precision in molding the vehicle shapes. You can also polish a complete vehicle without problem.

Budget for two (2) polishers

Choose a 6 inch orbital (double action) for the power and size of surface it can treat and a 3 inch orbital for curves and difficult places.

You won the Lotto:

In an ideal world, have polishers in all sizes to suit all situations. Choose wisely based on your budget and specific needs.

Discover our collection of polishers available at the Extra Net Center

If you need more details on the different polishers, do not hesitate to contact us via the Web or by telephone, we will be happy to assist you in purchasing polishers.