Waxing a car is often thought of as a slow and labor-intensive process, but it isn’t. These six great car waxes and polishes can speed up the waxing process.
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Buffing, waxing, and polishing a car are all parts of the detailing process that have traditionally been done by hand. While some purists still prefer the manual process, there’s no denying that electric polishers (also known as buffing machines) make the job easier and produce superior results. While car polish and wax are different substances, the same machine (called an orbital polisher or random orbital polisher) can be used for both types of work.
Car polish is a mild abrasive liquid that is applied before waxing to make the paintwork smooth and shiny. Car wax is a waterproof substance, either natural or synthetic, that is applied to the body of a car to form a protective coating over the paint and clear coat. After waxing, excess wax must be removed. That’s where car wax and polish come in. Here are the six best polishes/polishes.
This dual-action random orbital polisher ($70) is one of the most durable and sturdy tools in its class. Its rugged construction and high power set it apart from other models, and this Amazon reviewer confirms: “Great price, great polishing results. Sturdy construction, plenty of power.” The three included foam pads are best for polishing, so if waxing is your goal, pack a good wax polishing pad.
The problem with many car polishing/waxing/buffing machines is their weight, which can lead to significant arm and hand fatigue and soreness after long hours of polishing. That’s why this one from Black & Decker ($34) made the list. It’s lightweight (just over 5 pounds) and has two handles, making it lighter, more comfortable, and easier to maneuver than many other options. Invest in a set of foam and wool pads to handle the polishing and waxing tasks.
If you’re tired of polishing your car by hand but don’t want to spend money on a dedicated polisher/sander, this kit from Meguiar’s ($54) might be for you.
Designed to work with a cordless drill, this polishing attachment costs just $55 and is one of the most cost-effective ways to mechanize the car polishing process. The foam pad that comes with this accessory is best used for polishing or waxing, not for buffing. When it’s time to buff away excess dried wax on your car, do it quickly and inexpensively: wrap a microfiber cloth around the new foam applicator, secure it with a rubber band, and buff away.
If you need a powerful polisher, the Torq Orbital Polisher ($160) is a great choice. It comes with a variety of polishing pads and polishes. This polisher has a very wide speed range, from 2,800 to 7,800 RPM, which can significantly reduce the time it takes to polish.
Easy transport, precise speed control, and an oversized 7-inch guide rail make this Makita tool ($216) a standout. It comes with a large, durable canvas bag for storing and transporting the tools, so you can easily and conveniently take the complete polishing and sanding kit with you wherever you need it. Reviewers were especially impressed with the variable speed: “With [this] Makita, you’ll find that the speed control is very precise, no matter how much pressure you apply (these machines have a lot of torque).”
The two velvet sponges included with the device are great for polishing, but if you want to use this tool to apply car wax or polish, you’ll need to purchase the foam pad.
If you polish your car often and are tired of buying polishing pads, cloths, and sponges individually, this kit from PoliWell ($100) is one of the most complete on the market. The kit includes a dual-action polisher, side handle, D-handle, wrench, Allen key, two carbon brushes, five polishing pads, a sanding disc, two hood cleaning pads, a car wash mitt, a microfiber cloth, a car wash sponge, a pair of work gloves, earplugs, and a tool bag—yum!
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