  Dual Action Porter Cable 7424 Polishing Guide
Dual action polishers like the Porter Cable 7424 and Makita BO6040 can provide exceptional results in a reduced amount of time, making them ideal for enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their effort. The main purpose of dual action polishers is to remove paint imperfections, and the shortened learning curve of the machine makes it an ideal choice for beginners. Dual action machines are easier to operate than circular polishers and should give you safe practice before moving on to circular polishing. As always, we encourage you to watch professionals in your area to learn as much as you can. The more you expose yourself to your art, the more details you will absorb. In conclusion, dual action polishers are a great tool for removing minor imperfections and swirls without the risk of accidental damage – a perfect selection for the entry-level hobbyist. In the section that follows, we will explain the dual action polisher and its purpose.
What is a dual action polisher?
Humankind has long researched methods to hide blemishes in all kinds of things. From make-up to touch-up paint, there is an extensive history in the search for visual perfection. The last 50 years of automotive industry may contain some of the greatest leaps and bounds in this field, and one of the best tools to apply these scientific breakthroughs with is a circular polisher. A dual action polisher spins on a central spindle, like a circular polisher, but this spindle rotates around an eccentric offset. This offset produces an erratic motion that prevents the machine from burning the paint. The evenness and repetition of this orbital motion makes it possible to level the clear coat around a scratch - rendering it invisible.
Although dual action polishers lack the power to penetrate scratches that have surpassed the clear coat, the level of safety they guarantee cannot be overlooked. There are two dual action polishers you will hear the professionals chatting about in their garages, in magazines and in online forums: Porter Cable 7424 6’’ Variable Speed Polisher, and the Makita BO6040 Polisher. These names represent the best you can get, and are the efficient tools of the automotive elite. If you want to make a name for yourself with your detailing work, take pride in your work and use these machines.
What accessories do I need?
You will need a backing plate in order to use your polisher. It probably came with a 5” or 6” plate. The backing plate has a hook and loop material on the bottom of it to hold foam pads in place as you polish.
You will also need an assortment of foam pads. Pads come in five varieties: cutting, light cutting, polishing, finishing and final finishing foam. Try to acquire a pad that is 1.5’’ larger than your backing plate, for example: For a 5” backing plate, you need 6.5” pads. For a 6” backing plate, you need 7.5” pads. Below are the pads and their intended uses:
Cutting Pad: The roughest pad available, it will aid you in the removal of heavily oxidized, scratched, and swirled areas. Always use it in combination with swirl removers and other compounds to correct tough abrasions.
Light Cutting Pad: This is a basic all-purpose pad suitable for the removal of swirls and light oxidation. Use this pad with polishes and swirl removers. This is our most popular pad.
Polishing Pad: This is the pad to use for polish application because of its light cutting power. Use this pad with any pre-wax cleaner, microfine polish, or cleaner wax.
Finishing Pad: Use this pad to buff, or apply glazes and sealants.
Final Finishing Pad: The name may seem redundant, but it is the best pad to use during final buffing. You’ll find it very soft and suitable for applying a glaze.
Optional accessories include a lambswool leveling pad and bonnets. Lambswool pads level badly pitted and damaged paint. They also serve as a cushion under a terry or microfiber bonnet. Bonnets are used for final buffing.
How do I polish out swirls and scratches?
You have learned wealth of information regarding dual action polishers, and you’re probably ready to try your hand at restoring a vehicle to its factory-fresh finish. Detail work is an art, and you must strive for perfection to succeed. A great piece of advice is this: “Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better.” -Sir Henry Royce. With that bit of inspiration, we leave you with the processes that will help you correct all manner of automotive imperfections.
I. Compounding
- Use the cutting pad or light cutting pad when applying a compound. Compounds may be labeled as such, or they may be labeled as swirl removers. Choose a light cutting pad and a fine swirl remover for light to moderate imperfections and a heavier cut swirl remover and cutting pad for moderate to severe blemishes. Always start with the light cutting pad and fine swirl remover. Upgrade to the cutting pad if necessary.
- Apply compound in three 3” lines around the outer edge of the pad. Put the pad onto the surface to be compounded and turn the machine on at the lowest speed to avoid splatter. As it spreads over the section, gradually increase your speed. Do not exceed 4,500 OPM. Work in a figure eight pattern no more than 2 feet wide. Work the compound in well and keep the pad moving at all times.
- When your compound begins to dry, turn off the machine and lift it off the paint. Buff away the residue with a soft, microfiber towel and inspect your results. If you are not satisfied, repeat the process with the same compound or a more aggressive compound. If you still see no results, upgrade to the cutting pad.
- It is not necessary to compound your entire vehicle. Work on the problem areas only and stay away from corners and edges where the paint is thinner.
Compounding may leave a light haze. This is normal. Polishing will remove the haze and restore the shine.
II. Polishing
- Use a polishing pad with a finishing polish or a pre-wax cleaner. This step refines your paint after compounding and restores the shine to dull paint.
- It may be helpful to mist the pad with water or a quick detailer to make application easier.
- Apply polish in three 3” lines around outer edge of pad. Place pad onto surface and turn the machine on a low speed. Gradually increase the speed as you spread the polish in a figure eight pattern. Work in 2' x 2' areas. When the polish begins to dry, turn off the machine.
- Check your work by wiping the area with a microfiber towel. If it is still hazy, continue polishing. If it is glossy, move on to finishing.
III. Finishing
- Use the finishing pad to apply your favorite wax or sealant.
- Apply the product to your pad and work at a low speed. Cover the surface evenly. Depending on the product’s instructions, you may apply it to one section at a time or to the whole vehicle before buffing it off by hand or using a bonnet.
With practice, this process becomes much easier. If you find your paint imperfections are more serious than you thought, you may want to consider a circular polisher.
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