The best bodywork polishing tools

In the same way that there are several different tools one can use to cut wood, there are a number of different tools that can be used as a car polishing machine.

For those of you who take your car polishing seriously, there are, of course, dedicated tools for the job. However, there are others that can be adapted to the role if and when you want to – that makes them ideal for those of us who perhaps want to save money on a versatile tool or undertake other DIY jobs beyond car polishing.

Here, we'll canter through different car polishing tools and explain each one. By the end, you should have a sound understanding of them and, therefore, be able to make an informed decision about which one suits you best.

Just before we do, don't forget about polish. One of our favourite sets is from Menzerna consisting of heavy cutting compound, medium polish, and fine finishing polish. Alternatively, if you're looking for a single product, we recommend Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. Just don't forget to add a protective wax or sealant over it afterwards.

Types of polishing tools

In terms of dedicated polishers, there are two types: dual-action and rotary polishers. A rotary polisher is the type typically used by professionals in a panel beater’s to restore bodywork and paintwork. Like an angle grinder, a rotary polisher spins at a constant set speed. They’re very effective, but in the hands of a greenhorn, they can and do often cause damage to bodywork in the form of surface burns and buffer marks. We haven't included any rotary polishers here.

Dual-action polishers are much easier for DIYers to use. Like a random orbital sander, they oscillate instead, kind of like a very fast hand polishing movement. As such, they don’t run the risk of creating so much heat between the pad and bodywork like a rotary does, which means less chance of burns. They are smaller and lighter, too, which makes them easier to handle.

Having read up on the best polishing tools, don't forget to check out our comprehensive guide to polishing pads.

Dual Action Polishers

What you need to know about polishing tools

Why use a car polishing tool?

Like angle grinders or planers, polishing tools can seem a bit daunting to those of us who are unfamiliar with them. But with careful use, you'll learn to be comfortable with these surprisingly easy-to-use tools and as a consequence, they are a faster, easier alternative to polishing your entire car by hand.

That’s all there is to it.

Tips for using polishing tools

Clean and dry the car’s paint thoroughly beforehand.

Practice your technique on an inconspicuous test area first.

Add a small amount of polish to the pad and add some polish to the area of paint to be polished.

Switch the machine on to its slow setting at first, then hold the pad gently against the paint and spread the polish around a bit.

You can then increase the speed.

Don’t rush! In order to get an even gloss and shine on the paintwork, the pressure and speed need to be consistent.

Progressing in small areas at a time helps you remember what you’ve covered.

Buff each section until a haze forms. Sometimes this requires more than one go.

Turn off the machine before pulling the polisher away from the paintwork.

Remove the haze with a microfibre cloth.

Chris Williams is a Senior Product Writer for CAR, also working for Live For The Outdoors. An expert in camping and muscle cars, he spends most of his time up a mountain or laying rubber.

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