Is there a difference between orbital and variable speed polishers???? Do you recommend going to a professional detailer to get rid of those swirl marks and scratch marks because I can't seem to get rid of them by using wax and I used zymol which got rid of the swirl marks but not the scratch marks. Also about how much would I have to pay for a professional detail job?

 

I use the Porter Cable 7424 variable polisher. Variable is safer for the car. I paid about $115 for it. Easy to use. You will easily pay $150 for a good detail job.

2003 Black Coupe
Premium Package, Aero package, 35% Tint

 

only plan on it if you are willing to spend the money and do it yourself. while the polisher will only be about $100, you also have to take into account chemicals/pads/etc. going cheap, this can run you another $100, if you get crazy w/ it it can go up to about $500.

 

Just do it by hand, it's a great cardio workout, I wore my heart rate monitor one time to see, and damn, it was rivaling my gym workouts, couldn't believe it!


Brilliant Silver/Graphite '04 Sedan/5AT

 

According to Sal Zaino's method, here's what I bought: Z1, Z2, Z6, Z7, and applicator pad=$40. Blue DAWN=$1. LARGE 100% cotton towel=$5. Bucket, sponge, chamois=$20. Additional: 303 Aerospace Protectant (tires, interior, and leather)=$10. Labor=DIY. Total: $76.00

Alot less than $100 polisher, $150 detail, and not even close to $500, even if you get crazy.


2K4 G35S 6MT, Diamond Graphite/Graphite, Premium Pkg
2K2 GS300 5AT SportDesign, Millenium Silver/Black

 

The only time I used a polisher was on an '87 F-150 I had, it was the old type metallic paint with no clearcoat, you really had to polish that vehicle, the exposed metal flakes would oxidize, I love clearcoat!!! And you are right, why spend $500 on this stuff, you don't have to anymore!!


Brilliant Silver/Graphite '04 Sedan/5AT

 

the problem w/ sal zaino's method is that you will never *remove* the scratches, it hides them. there was even a point in time when he had told me to use 3M swirl mark remover to get rid of those scratches that z5 wasn't hiding. if you want to remove them as per the original poster, you'll need a machine.