Do you need a rotary polisher? DIY Detail Podcast #85 

I know you guys don’t have a rotary cutting pad, but can you do a video doing a full cut and finish doing it on speed 1 with the rotary? Maybe use the purple wool pad from lake country?

So Yvan and Nick, Yes you can finish with a rotary. I've also used those old wool pads especially with lacquer paints. "Just dated myself" Like everything things keep evolving and if you don't stay up with the times you loose. I'll keep using my old trusty rotary but I'll never stop learning. A DA has it's place and I will use it when I need too. I learned from a master of the trade in a high end body shop. He always said "Kid DON'T fight the tool" Sound familiar? Have a great day and keep the videos coming.

Nice, I have been holding off on buying a rotary. I want the DIY rotary.❤❤

I have 3 vehicles just doing it for myself. I bought the DIY DA and a rotary, do you think I would need a 3 inch DA or even a cordless 1 and 2 inch ?

Too much negative hype around the rotary. Negative hype from those who lack that skill set. I learned to use a single speed rotary in the mid 90s. Wool bonnet tied on, here's some compound. Anything today is cake compared to that. When talking contours, rotary all day.

Can you use a rotary polisher on the lowest speed to apply the APP before coating?

A rotary polisher reminds me of a floor polisher in that you do not fight it and I could use my one hand and a few fingers without any force at all. Let me know if I am wrong.

What if a diy person has a low end Makita, or similar, single speed 700W rotary polisher. This type of cheap polisher have a pistol handle & a side handle. 😂😂 Regards.

Rotory all day . When I started a da was a guy downtown you probably didn't want to see. 35 yrs later I started playing with das . Now I have 4 different das and 5 different Rotorys . I have honestly struggled with the da and find myself continuity going back to my Rotory. Now at starting my 40th yr I'm pretty comfortable with either but still perfer the Rotory. I think it's probably easier for someone that is a few yrs in to go from a da to a rotory than a 40 yr guy go from a rotory to a da .

What’s the best way to remove DA haze? Also I hear you talk about training a lot how do we get the opportunity to spend 10 minutes or couple hours with you?

Im from the old school like ivan. I started with a rotary in 2000 i like da and rotary

On a DA polisher with the gold standard polish with the waffle pad Which setting should I use Remove Micromarring?

Excited to do “the stack” on my new car. It has ppf on the front as well. Should I polish after I do the clay towel and should I polish the ppf with the gold? Ppf is a week old.

Hey guys, I’m about to try my first paint correction on my white Mustang. I have a rotary already so I’m thinking about just using your technique with that. My car has pretty crazy swirls and scratches. You said use the red jeweling pad for finishing… what pad should I use for cutting with the rotary? Any brand? Also can I just use meguaires pro compound and finish? Thanks!!

What is speed 1. How many rpm’s. Mine goes lowest to 600 rpm

I think it would be beneficial if you guys did a quick video on what happens when you use a rotary improperly so we can see it happen in real time. I have no problem saying that I have been terrified to use a rotary because of all the doom and gloom out there about them.

Back in '93 when I started detailing, all we had in our shop was Black & Decker rotaries with big wool pads, and 4 steps of compounds that you could actually feel the grit in the initial steps. Basically liquid sandpaper....lol...you had to develop a really soft touch with those first couple steps. Then we used a clean big wool pad to buff off the hazed-over wax after hand applying. we still had to do a hand-buff afterward (with the softest terry cloth towel we could find) for a smooth shine. My, how times and techniques have changed...lol. Maybe it's nostalgia, but my pad tote always has at least one of those big wool pads (usually unused) kinda like a security blanket.

Excellent video on a controversial subject. In the end I say use what ever tool your more comfortable with. This reminds me of go kart racing where my engine made 19 horsepower and the top teams made 24 horsepower. I won some, lost more, and often set fastest lap in the race. The determining factor was egos. A lot of people cannot control their ego and over do it. I see the same trend in detailing too. Just stay within yourself. Thank you for a good video!

Can you do a wheels off wheel cleaning tutorial?

I’ve never used a rotary, only da’s up to this point but had great results with the processes and your products. I just bought a rotary and the red jeweling pad because the most gloss possible is what I want to achieve on my own car. I can see where that might not be important for some, but it’s a personal preference on how they want the finish. Thanks for the great conversation and content.

I'll say probably not, but if it looks as good as that DIY Detail "Bumble Bee" rotary, then why not!,

Here’s the thing. I get what you’re saying. But ppl who put some pressure and maybe do higher speeds with rotary, yes it leaves holograms. But that’s the point. We know it will leave holograms so we don’t sit there checking or worrying about creating holograms. Bc final step is DA finish. So I can cut a panel in 5 minutes where as, a DA alone will take 15 minutes. (I’m guesstimating). Now I’m talking about really messed up panels.

I used a rotary with the gold pad and polish today on a black truck with only a couple of passes to boost the gloss. The client freaked out over the results. I technically could have done a ton more correcting but the client didn't care. I adore my rotary.

Hey guys! Quick question: I was looking at a waterless wash concentrate and I'm basically down to Feynlab vs DIYDetail. Feynlab has strong wax, sealant, and traffic film removal properties.... Does yours have any strong wax removal properties? I don't want too harsh of a product in this case.. If I were in the USA, I would've gotten both of these but I have to buy through a third party which costs extra. I would appreciate your help in this regard. Thanks! P.s your waterless wash has a spray trigger in the pictures. Is it ready to use or in concentrated form?

Best finish ever is rotary... coming from the old makitas in the 80's to the lighter more balanced machines today they can't be beat... remember SPEED KILLS

Three questions: 1) RPMs or ergonomics: my workbench is Milwaukee (so I have many M18 batteries). The lowest RPM on the Milwaukee rotary is 600. Do you prefer Flex because of Flex’s ergonomics or its lower RPM? Is 600 RPM on the Milwaukee low enough? 2) I am doing only my cars (not a pro detailer). I don’t want to cut, except maybe the hood (light scratches). So my thinking is go with a rotary with yellow waffle pad and gold standard polish. And for the hood: should I do the yellow pad twice or use a cutting pad, and then the yellow waffle pad to polish? 3) You’ve already convinced me to get a rotary so what drives your recommendation in other videos that if you only get one tool you should get a DA? Thx!

Yvan you MUST go back to wearing your Oxford shirt and bow tie. It’s your signature look and exudes authority. 💯

I've been thinking of adding a rotary to my lineup, but I really want to go cordless. From a pure user experience level, is the Flex PE-150 the best cordless rotary around? How does the Milwaukee M18 rotary compare?

The only thing that’s unsafe about a Rotary Buffer (and all power tools)…….is the recalcitrantly ignorant user.

I've had many DA's and consistently struggle with pad stall and always having to learn to keep the head spinning. It's a PITA and takes the pleasure out of polishing. I've acquired a scrap boot lid and looking at a Flex rotary. DA's - don't get on with them!

If this is coming to Australia, please ask you know who, to keep the price attractive to us :)

I'm paint sprayer and been learned on rotary and fully love them. But have a 1 question here. Is it possible to do typical One STEP Polish? On DA it is super easy, just need to find compromise between cutt and finish level but with rotary is bit more difficult. We can do light cutting but there are alvays holograms after wipe down. Or you can do good finish but the medium scratches are still there. If you think is is possible can you make a video about that? You will be possible the first one on RU-vid. 👍

The Gold Standard system and 555 technique has a faster outcome that is superior for preserving clear coat than cutting with a rotary. The Gold Standard Hybrid Wool pad has a good durable life span too. To be clear, I am a rotary fan and I would rather use a rotary all day, every day. BUT consider: Many scratches not through the clear coat will come out with the rotary or DA. But you know those fine deep scratches on dark paint that even after you sand and polish them either with rotary or DA, they still show as white scratches? The Gold Standard system with the wool pad, 21mm+ DA and 555 method goes right down in there and makes them shiny with no sanding. It may take up to three 5 second try's, washing the pad and respraying Gold Standard polish each time. But the result is the overall thickness and integrity of the top harder layer of the clear-coat is maintained while the bottom of the scratch is shiny and no longer has the white appearance. (No expensive and now unnecessary clear coat repair stuff either.) Finishing: I regularly go from cutting with a CSI 8" wool on my rotary on slowest speed or Gold Standard Hybrid Wool on a 21mm DA, either one with Gold Standard polish, without wiping the polish off, directly to polishing with a damp 6" red jeweling rotary pad on a rotary. Again at the slowest speed of the rotary machine. The rotary has so much better gloss than the DA with it's inherent haze. However the yellow pad is firm (to help minimize DA haze) and has a good finish if you have only a DA. I don't use the yellow pad much because I find it faster and a better finish to do even one 50% overlap pass with wool pad on either a DA or rotary, and finish with the red rotary jeweling pad. Some times the Wool Hybrid on a DA is sufficient by itself. Also, you need the wool DA pad for the 555 technique on those white scratches, the yellow foam won't do it. The Gold Standard Polishing system just works if used as intended. Thank You Yvan, Nick & DIY DETAIL!

Look I love you guys. I've probably learned more about detailing in the last two months then I could have on my own screw ups to learn. But. You either do it Ivans way or your wrong. Many other channels I have watched beg to differ. I'm pretty confused with all the contradictions including your own video's. Ivan's explanation of wood should be a serious clue. He explained it clearly. So again total confusion.

When will the polisher be available? :)

If you have Gelcoat on a RV or Boat you sure do with oxidation. When your hands go number from a DA, your mind will change quick for those who only will use a DA.

I used a rotary yesterday for the first time after using a using a DA for the last 15 years. It was much easier to use than the DA and did the Job much quicker. I am just a hobbyist, but the rotary is my new favorite. My porter cable DA had so much vibration that my arms would "buzz" for a few minutes after turning it off. After watching your videos on the rotary, I picked up a used Mac cordless rotary from eBay. Used it with a wool buffing pad and gold standard polish to take marks out of the paint left by fender flares that I removed from my truck. Following Yvan's video instructions, everything was super easy, and no clear coat was harmed.

This video has made me want to get a rotary. I bought a da recently and have another cordless on the way but jow i definitely think ill get a rotary also. Thanks for the video

Are you guys gonna post the video of polishing the Audi? I’d like to see before and after. I have a rotary but it’s a 79 dollar deal from Harbor Freight. Bought it to learn with. Gonna order one from you guys when I can.

In my case, I also liked the rotary better. I'm just a weekend warrior and polished months ago. I bought 2 cheap polishers (SPTA) 5-6 inch 15mm DA and a 1-3 inch rotary. At first my plan was use the 5 inch DA on big areas and 3 inch rotary on small areas. Then I was REALLY having a hard time finishing using the DA on my soft black VERY finicky paint. The DA was always leaving a lot of haze and those hazes were not minor. They were more prominent on curves and contours. I was also using quality pads (Lake Country SDO pads) Even if I use the orange one instead of the blue (heavy polish pad) it was still leaving hazes. Also tried A LOT of chemical and pad combination ls but still I couldn't get it right. I was already getting REALLY frustrated. Then I watched one vid from papasmurf on also a soft black paint, he leveled down to a 8mm DA since 15mm was too aggressive. Then I tried to use my rotary paired with Rupes Fine (yellow) waffle pad and viola, perfect cut and finish. The DA also didn't cut the way I wanted. There were imperfections that weren't removed. Then my SPTA polisher broke, I tried to finish the unfinished parts with the DA again and it even burned through the paint on the edge of the side mirror (no pressure). The movement of the DA is really aggressive on the paint. Fast forward to today, I almost fully invested in a rotary polisher, both 5-7 inches and another 1-3 inches together with quality pads. Also got DIY Detail yellow waffle pad and the wool pad. Both are really of great quality. I thought at first it was the same as the Rupes fine waffle pad but DIY Detail was much harder, almost the same density as the blue SDO pad. Paint corrected 2 cars already with no hassle. I even went back to the side mirror where the DA burned through the paint, the rotary didn't burn through it. Take away for those planning to buy: Rent or try the rotary and DA and see first what you like before investing. Good thing I tried the cheap ones first because almost bought the Rupes Mk1 LH15 DA. I also got into the DA hype because it's more advanced. Only to find out in the end that I liked the rotary better. Better in tight spaces, contours and curves. I don't know who started that rotary is scary 😅

So with a rotary to cut the sanding marks out, do you keep the wool bonnet flat to the surface also, or can you NOT do that? Thanks a bunch

I am really on the fence about buying a rotary. I have a DA and very happy with it. However I have been watching a lot of your videos and seeing the effortless operation of using a rotary got me thinking should I have one? So I started looking around and found 3 that look pretty good and have good reviews. Also reasonably priced but should I own one that is the question.

When is the da going to be released an rotary on speed one an two fingers will give you way better results that dual action use the red pad from you guys an good to go i have a tuexdo black f150 looks like a black glass mirrior

Keep up your good works sir. I am new to the detailing world. I try grinder as polisher.too much speed.and I bought DA. Feel like i want to throw the machine.😅.now again I bought another FR and that was fun and nice.but still gear noise i can hear. Last tool i want to buy rotary. But i want small rotary.. Thanks for informative video.

Great video guys thank you I’ve been detailing since the early 90s and I’m still learning new things and I think paint technology has progressed so quickly that we have to react just the same way. I still believe heat is the enemy when I first started using a DA I would go balls to the wall and realize I’m swelling the paint. If there is such a thing today I go on the lowest speed I can love to master a rotary and the points that you both have said, I’m starting to think I should jump into that…. I just recently purchased an ISF, an ultrasonic blue. Unfortunately the previous owner had a ceramic coating, cquartz finest on the car and unfortunately he did not know how to maintain this resin based coating so I ended up Claying the car I grabbed my torque 10 fx with the orange hex logic pad and unfortunately I was out of perfect finish. I went down to my local O’Reillys. They actually had some old Maguires mirror glazed professional swirl remover 2.0 I ended up using that and I have to say I got that blue to 70% of where I want it again I went slow. I didn’t go crazy on the RPM because I know how Japanese paint is after that. I top coated with some ultra lock ,the car looks amazing. I hope to try the products you guys have, great video guys. Thanks.

can i use a rotary for the wool and gold pad ?

What is the weight of the rotary that you have coming out? What’s the RPM on speed 1 ? Regards, Tony

Hello Lads, Great video.👍 It is great to hear your views on finishing with the rotary. I am only an enthusiast with nothing like the experience of pros like your good selves. But, I too, favour the rotary for finishing and jewelling. It is definitely a technique that has been forgotten about. I have only been using one since the early 00s, but always use my trusty rotary with a Lake Country finishing pad and an old-school polish for jewelling. That polish is Menzerna P085rd. This combo always produces a really glossy finish.👍👍👍

Question: If i want to finish with the red jeweling pad with the rotary should I just leave the polish on the vehicle from the first step when i used the yellow waffle prior?

hye yvan, i like your video on rotary ! do you know if i can find RotaryJewelingPad and gold standard polish in France ? thanks. roro

I want to know Yvan's thoughts on the hand applied clear coats that people are trying to sell these days. Specifically the ones you see on Instagram.

The rotary is an amazing tool! I prefer it to the DA following Yvan’s methods of speed 1 with a damp pad using the LC pad washer. The final gloss you get with that and the red jeweling pad combo is 🔥🔥🔥🔥!

Do I need a rotary for the jeweling pad? Or DA would work just fine?

I’m excited, I’ve got 4 AIO jobs booked this week and I will be trying them using a rotary. Thanks brother.

Can not wait for these polishers to drop! Also are you releasing a long throw DA as well?

I want to get the rotary only as my first tool and I’m wondering if I cant use your wool pad to cut which is a good wool pad for cutting with a rotary?

How would you do a one step with just a DA then? And also, what combo would you use to finish with a DA?

If you only have a rotary, what speed for cutting using the DIY wool or gold wafle pad depending on the cut needed. I know its speed 1 for finishing with the red waffle pad.

Got a black Rs6 Gold standard helps for sure with wool pad but this paint is thrashed what would your suggestion be to go further

I just received my rotary 2h ago but I ordered the yellow pad and what goes with it

Hey guys Another great video ! I am buying a brand new Jaguar F-pace SVR and you have inspired me to try and ceramic coat it myself. I have never used a machine polisher before but I am a practical, hands on kind of guy and I am sure I would pick it up in no time at all. My plan is to use your products to wash and properly decontaminate the paint then use a rotary (Dewalt DCM849N-XJ) with your jewelling pad/ gold standard polish and finish with your 8 year coating. This is an £80k car. Am I mad and should I entrust the process to a professional ? Best regards Stan

I’d like to see a video of cutting and polishing with the rotary. Yellow pad for cutting and then the red.

First, thank you for the amazing support DIY offers through these valuable videos! My question is regarding a DA polisher with a jewel pad. I am new to polishing and my 2 year old Forester Wilderness has a very slight marring (no swirls) that you can only notice when you get close and depending on the light direction. As I would like to preserve as much as possible the paint, would you recommend using the yellow pad or start with the jewel pad? what polisher speed would that be ?

Y'all rock! I love the new shop! Name the new detail shop "Shawshank"!!

Hi guys are they coming to the UK please ? Love everything you do guys !!!

I love the battle of the rotary / DA

Can you finish with a palm sander instead of a big rotary after the DA?

Always

Can you make both types available in the UK please guys ?

What results would you get if you use the wool pad on rotary? would it still cut like the DA?

Can you do a video with 5year ceramic + 3 year graphene.

Is the rotary still sold out? When I try to buy it say’s “Cart Error: Variant can only be purchased with a selling plan”

So some one who only has access to a rotary can cut and finish? Speed one for both?

I used to use rotary when I was spray painter it's the best when we used to sand down then buff I feel it used to have more pop with the rotary. I'll addmit sometimes I used to struggle with finishing up

I prefer rotary over DA it’s a lot funner and has better finish

Would be good to see half a panel polished with the DA and half with the Rotary. Would it be noticeable to us watching on YT?

I like my rotary.

What are your thoughts on cutting with a longthrow DA and then finishing with a rotary? Will this strategy mitigate the DA haze? I have some classic cars that have decent paint but need correction to remove swirls and minor oxidation.

When will you have a rotary for sale?

Nick, You said the Rotary you were going to offer would be on sale now as of this Podcast or soon....What you didn't state is what the cost will be. In my world, Details matter!

I say yes! First

so i love the idea of learning to get around with a rotary. When you say speed one, are they all generally in the same RPM range? The rotary i would go with is the makita 9237C and its rpm is 600 on speed one then 900 on speed 2. I mainly do paint enhancements anymore as i am getting so many new vehicles to enhance and coat.

Can we use a microfiber pad with rotary?

When are you coming out with the DIY rotary?

Rotary every time for me,your Rotary looks a decent machine

Can’t wait to stay toon

When are you gonna restock? Because I went on your website to buy some pads and Some materials and they're all sold out

I have the Milwaukee rotary and DA but have yet to use them….planning on starting to put on ceramic coatings in combination with my current details….but I really would like to train with these guys

Hi guys, I don't have a rotary. Both my polishes are DA's so was wondering if I should use my 8mm for finishing instead of the 15mm long throw for a cleaner finish. Appreciate the help

This is a great honest video....I'm old school but it will always be rotary for me. I guess there's a place for the DA orbital but I believe it's in the weekend warriors tool cabinet...not in the older pro's cabinet. Honestly I've never given the DA a fair chance...I just don't see any reason to....if it ain't broke don't fix it. Thanks for video

Depends.

I wood buy it ,no hesitations !!!

Ready

I was all set to buy a DA polisher until I saw this video. I'm just a weekend washer. The problem is that I have arthritis in both hands. I think I would be able to better control a rotary polisher as opposed to a vibrating DA. I wish you had them in stock.

Is it ok to use the yellow waffle pad to remove the light swirls? If yes, what speed (I’ve the gold liquid and rinsless wash)

Is the Rotary coming anytime soon?

Gold Standard is the way!

I say yes!it would be amazing to get my hands on the diy detail rotary 😎 Any eta?😎

I'm old school and I will tell you a rotory buffer with wool pad is still very necessary for older stubborn paints

You guys are the best! Thanks for sharing your wisdom!