To Purchase Random Orbital Polisher or not?

[harlan]

HI- Just purchased a 2011 A4 Avant (meteor gray pearlescent) with 8,000 miles on it. Purchased collinite marque d' elegance wax to use from you folks and some other products as well. Hadn't thought of buying a random orbital polisher, but now thinking it might be a good idea. Do you recommend one over hand polishing and waxing and if so, is a random orbital compatible with the Collinite wax? As the car only has 8,000 miles and the paint job is in great condition I thought my initial effort would just be a wax job. Any other recommendations?
Thanks for the advice (BTW the sonaz wheel cleaner and Einsett Cockpit are awesome products).

[Stereodude]

I couldn't imagine polishing by hand. For applying wax I don't think a random orbital is necessary.

[FLASHMSTRC]

While not necessary, certainly makes life easier!

[A62TURBO]

Get a PC orbital and the new AutoScrub, amazing!!!

[helix139]

Griots > PC

[maga4]

I would say it is worth it - I have the Griot's that I got from Phil and it works great. Can't really hurt anything with it, plus it saves a ton of time. Definitely worth the money in my opinion, especially if you value your time at all. Either way, nice find with the A4!

[Crucible35]

I have the PC and have to say it works wonders over hand application/removal. It;s a very solid tool.
I have meteor grey as well and it can be a bit of a pain to keep the swirlies and minor imperfections from showing.
If I could do it all over again, I would give it a light polish followed by a sealant (Menz Power Lock is my fave) and then top it with a coat (or ten) of the collonite. Probably should clay the finish before the polish but this should prevent the fine scratches you will see over time......

[A62TURBO]

Griots < PC

Fixed that for you [;)]

[Borti]

For any type of polishing I would recommend a Random Orbital. Waxing is easy enough to do by hand, but a RO makes waxing ten times faster and its easier to work the wax into the paint. Makes removing a breeze too.

[AKPS4]

Using the random orbital to you still wipe off polish/wax with a towel or do you just use it up until the material is not visible?

Sorry, never waxed before or used a random orbital

[kickr]

Using the random orbital to you still wipe off polish/wax with a towel or do you just use it up until the material is not visible?

Sorry, never waxed before or used a random orbital

A polish or compound you want to work in properly to achieve the best results. You would look for high transparency, especially in products that require for you to break down the abbrasives. Anything left after you are done with the buffer you would wipe off. In a wax application on the other hand, you do covering circular motions to allow for good coverage. You wait for a visible haze, which allows you to better view what area you have covered and a haze indicates that the wax residue can be removed.

[AKPS4]

Thanks! That's helps for sure. Look forward to waxing up the car soon

[helix139]

Fixed that for you [;)]

How do your figure? The Griots polisher is more powerful and has a lifetime warranty

[Borti]

Using the random orbital to you still wipe off polish/wax with a towel or do you just use it up until the material is not visible?

Sorry, never waxed before or used a random orbital

Yeah, my post was misleading. For Polish - you need to work it into the paint until you get clarity (i.e. it's all used up).

For wax, you just want even and FULL coverage. So two passes over the same area is fine. No need to do several passes. Simply make sure you have hit every cm2 of panel.