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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Car Polishers

Machine polishing transforms paint—swirls, scratches, oxidation, gone. We compared dual-action polishers from beginner-safe to pro-grade—finding what corrects paint and what just scares beginners.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

Porter-Cable

7424XP Dual Action Polisher

4.6 (12,345 reviews)

The polisher that started the DIY detailing movement. Dual action means you literally cannot burn through paint. Perfect for learning correction and waxing.

Type

Dual Action (DA)

Speed

2500-6800 OPM

Orbit

5/16"

Backing Plate

Pros

✓ The original DA polisher
✓ Beginner-friendly
✓ Can't burn paint

Cons

✗ Entry-level power
✗ Vibration
✗ Fixed speed

$150

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
7424XP Dual Action Polisher Best Porter-Cable	4.6	$150	View
G9 6" Dual Action Polisher Griot's Garage	4.7	$199	View
6" Orbital Car Polisher Value AVID POWER	4.3	$60	View
TORQ 22D Random Orbital Polisher Chemical Guys	4.4	$130	View
Variable Speed Polisher DeWalt	4.2	$85	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Porter-Cable

7424XP Dual Action Polisher

4.6 (12,345 reviews)

The polisher that started the DIY detailing movement. Dual action means you literally cannot burn through paint. Perfect for learning correction and waxing.

Type

Dual Action (DA)

Speed

2500-6800 OPM

Orbit

5/16"

Backing Plate

Pros

✓ The original DA polisher
✓ Beginner-friendly
✓ Can't burn paint

Cons

✗ Entry-level power
✗ Vibration
✗ Fixed speed

$150

View on Amazon

Premium Pick

Griot's Garage

G9 6" Dual Action Polisher

4.7 (5,678 reviews)

Griot's took everything good about the Porter-Cable and fixed the complaints. More power, less vibration, better control. The detailer's upgrade choice.

Type

Dual Action

Speed

2000-7200 OPM

Orbit

21mm

Motor

850W

Pros

✓ Powerful motor
✓ Low vibration
✓ Variable speed

Cons

✗ Pricey
✗ Learning curve for power
✗ Heavy

$199

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Best Value

AVID POWER

6" Orbital Car Polisher

4.3 (23,456 reviews)

A $60 DA polisher that gets you started. Includes pads, so you can actually use it out of the box. Won't last forever, but great for learning without big investment.

Type

Dual Action

Speed

1500-6800 OPM

Kit

Pads included

Power

700W

Pros

✓ Incredible value
✓ Variable speed
✓ Includes pads

Cons

✗ Lower quality motor
✗ More vibration
✗ Will need replacement eventually

$60

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Chemical Guys

TORQ 22D Random Orbital Polisher

4.4 (8,765 reviews)

The bigger 22mm throw cuts faster than standard DA polishers. Bridges the gap between beginner-friendly and rotary power. For when you want more correction.

Type

Dual Action

Throw

22mm

Speed

2800-5200 OPM

Cord

10ft

Pros

✓ 22mm throw (aggressive)
✓ Good correction capability
✓ Variable speed

Cons

✗ Can be too aggressive for beginners
✗ Vibration at high speeds
✗ Mid-tier quality

$130

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Budget Pick

DeWalt

Variable Speed Polisher

4.2 (15,678 reviews)

A rotary buffer for those who want real cutting power. WARNING: This can burn paint. For experienced users or those willing to learn carefully on practice panels.

Type

Rotary buffer

Speed

0-3500 RPM

Pad Size

Variable

Power

Full rotary

Pros

✓ DeWalt quality
✓ Variable speed
✓ Durable

Cons

✗ Not a true DA
✗ Can burn paint
✗ More technique required

$85

View on Amazon

Buying Guide: How to Choose Car Polishers

How to Choose a Car Polisher

Machine polishing transforms paint. Swirl marks, light scratches, oxidation—gone. But the wrong tool can make things worse. Here's how to choose safely.

Types of Polishers

Dual Action (DA)
Oscillates and rotates simultaneously
- Very safe—almost impossible to burn paint
- Great for beginners through advanced
- Less cutting power than rotary

Rotary
- Spins in one direction only
- Maximum cutting power
- CAN burn through paint if misused
- For experienced users only

### For Beginners: Start with DA

Dual action polishers are forgiving. The random orbit prevents paint burn. You can hold in one spot and the worst that happens is you waste time. This is what you want.

### Throw Size Matters

Throw = how far the pad orbits

- 8-12mm: Gentle, finishing work
- 15mm: Standard all-around
- 21mm+: More aggressive correction

Bigger throw = faster correction but more technique required.

### The Pad Matters More Than the Machine

The pad/compound combination determines 90% of results. A mediocre polisher with great pads outperforms a great polisher with cheap pads. Budget for quality pads.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Polishers

Can I burn through paint with a DA polisher?

Extremely unlikely. The dual action orbit prevents heat buildup. You'd have to try very hard to damage paint. That's why they're recommended for beginners. Rotary buffers, however, can definitely burn through.

What pads and compounds do I need?

Start with three pads: cutting (firm), polishing (medium), finishing (soft). Match with compound: heavy cut, polish, and sealant/wax. Many brands sell kits. Meguiar's and Chemical Guys make good beginner sets.

How do I know which compound to use?

Start with the least aggressive option. If it's not removing defects, step up. Most cars need only a polish and finishing compound. Heavy cutting compound is for seriously neglected paint.

Do I need to clay bar before polishing?

Yes. Clay removes bonded contamination that polishing can't. If you skip claying, you'll drag contaminants around with the polisher and create more scratches. Wash, clay, then polish.

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