Polishers

Polishers are power tools for polishing paintwork, gelcoat and other hard surfaces with polishing compound and a polishing pad. A cordless polisher works without a mains cable. Polishers are used in car and boat repair shops, paint shops, joinery and hobby use.

Selection criteria

• Motion: a rotary polisher removes scratches effectively, while a dual action (DA) machine is easier to control and leaves fewer polishing marks.
• Backing plate size: an 80 mm plate suits small and curved surfaces, a 125–150 mm plate large flat surfaces.
• Speed control: several speeds allow the cutting, polishing and finishing stages with the same machine.
• Voltage: a 12V machine is light for precision work, an 18V machine has the stamina for larger surfaces.

Frequently asked questions about polishers

Which suits a beginner, a rotary or a dual action polisher? A dual action (DA) machine. Its motion heats the paintwork less, so the risk of burning the surface is lower. At what speed should polishing start? At a low speed so that the compound spreads evenly; the speed is increased only after that.