For two decades, I’ve been immersed in the world of car paint correction and polishing, working on close to 5,000 vehicles. Over this time, I’ve experimented with a wide array of Car Polishing Power Tools, from traditional rotary polishers to more modern systems. While I still occasionally use a 200mm rotary polisher (like a Hitachi or Makita) with a twisted wool pad for tackling severely damaged paint, for the vast majority of polishing tasks, one tool stands head and shoulders above the rest.
That tool is the Cyclo twin head polisher. My personal Cyclo, a robust 110V model that I’ve been running through a step-down transformer (from 240V mains) for over 15 years, has never faltered. Its enduring performance and consistent results are a testament to its quality.
The key to the Cyclo’s effectiveness lies in its 8mm orbit. This orbit size is perfectly calibrated: large enough to provide effective cutting power when needed for paint correction, yet refined enough to consistently deliver a swirl-free finish during polishing. It strikes an ideal balance, making paint correction work barely slower than with a rotary polisher, but offering significantly more control and gradual refinement. In all my years of use, and considering the often-challenging paint conditions I encounter, I’ve only buffed through the clear coat twice with this machine – a remarkable testament to its control and predictability.
Forget about clay bars for most cars unless you are dealing with extreme industrial fallout or neglected vehicles. With the advancements in polishing pad technology, clay bars have become largely unnecessary for routine decontamination. Modern polishing pads effectively remove surface contaminants during the polishing process itself.
To maximize the Cyclo polisher’s versatility, I recommend using a set of three different foam pads. While I personally use locally manufactured pads, genuine Cyclo pads are also excellent, albeit potentially more expensive depending on location. Other reputable brands offer quality alternatives as well. The essential set includes: a firm or hard pad for the initial cutting stage, a medium hardness pad for general polishing, and a soft foam pad for the final finishing stage. Pair these pads with high-quality compounds and polishes. For the cutting stage, I’ve found 3D Extra Cut compound to be highly effective, and certain Meguiar’s products are also excellent choices. For the subsequent polishing stages, I prefer Gelson T47 for lighter colored vehicles and T57 for darker colors. These polymer polishes not only eliminate even the finest scratches but also provide a level of protection that surpasses traditional waxes, approaching ceramic coatings in durability, without the complexities associated with ceramic application. In fact, I’ve completely moved away from using wax. Waxes simply don’t offer the longevity or the same level of gloss and protection compared to a quality polymer polish.
