Learn how to remove swirls, scratches, and oxidation using your circular polisher, also known as a rotary polisher. This guide will explain what Edge pads should be used for each step of the detailing process and we'll give you our top recommendations of swirl removers, polishes, and last step products.

The Edge 2000 System offers a lot of options. Here's a rundown of the features and the pads..

Beyond just size and wavy or flat, you now have to choose what type of foam will work on the vehicle at hand. Here are your choices:

	Black Heavy Cutting DuraFoam 8 inch Pad This is the most aggressive pad and is used for restoration of badly pitted, oxidized paint finishes. It is designed to cut through damaged paint in preparation for refinishing. The black pad should not be used on new or like-new finishes.
	Yellow Cutting DuraFoam 8 Inch Pad This pad is aggressive, and will cut through deep surface marks and swirls. They work well on heavy oxidation and pitted finishes, and will remove wet sand scratches without causing burning.
	Green Medium Cutting DuraFoam 8 Inch Pad This pad is useful for light oxidation and moderate to severe swirls and imperfections. This pad will yield amazing results on older vehicles, and should be used on vehicles with moderate swirls and imperfections. Add a compound or pre-wax cleaner for a flawless finish on base coats.
	Blue Finishing DuraFoam 8 Inch Pad This pad is great for everyday use. It will leave surface areas scratch-free and smooth while still removing light swirls and imperfections. Use with wax and polish to apply a fine gloss. Safe on clear coats.
	White Ultrafine Polishing DuraFoam 8 Inch Pad This ultra-smooth polishing pad contains 80 pores per inch, allowing for fine polishing which creates a bold, crystalline gloss Use this pad to apply waxes, polishes and sealants. Safe on clear coats.
	Red LSP DuraFoam 8 Inch Pad The red pad is softer than the white pad, which makes it perfect for new car finishes. Apply last step products, like waxes, sealants and glazes without fear of abrasion. The red pad also makes layering products easier. Apply multiple coats of your favorite wax or sealant with the red lsp foam pad, only from Autogeek.
	Edge 2K Drive Adapter 5/8 Inch Thread  The Edge 2000 Quick-Connect Adaptor fits the PorterCable 7428, Makita 9227, and Dewalt 849. It is made of chrome-plated machined brass with a spring-loaded HexLoc anchor that's compatible with all Edge 2000 pads.
	The Edge 3000 Industrial Adapter with 5/8" Thread The Edge 3000 Industrial Adapter is designed for heavy duty, industrial buffing applications. It’s unconditionally guaranteed for life! The Edge 3000 Industrial Adapter features a pull back positive locking connection similar to an air hose quick connect.

The following is a general guide to polishing. It will take you from compounding to polishing to finishing. If your paint problems do not require compounding, skip to polishing. If you’re not sure, start with polishing. Always take the least aggressive approach first! If you don’t get the desired results from polishing, then use a swirl remover and light cutting pad.

The pads pictured at the beginning of each section indicate what pads can be used to perform the job described. The flat pads and the wave pads are interchangeable.

Please note:  If your fingernail catches the scratch or swirl, it will require painting and must be repaired by a professional. Attempting to remove deep blemishes like this could result in cutting down to the primer, which would be an expensive repair.
 

I. Compounding & Swirl Removal

Compounding involves using the most aggressive type of swirl remover, called a compound. Swirl removers can range from light to heavy. The application is the same.

1. In the picture to the right, this is a serious case of swirls. Choose a green medium cutting pad and a swirl remover such as Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover 3.0 or XMT Intermediate Swirl Remover #3.

2. Apply a circle of swirl remover around the edge of  the pad. Some will say apply a quarter size amount. You can even apply it directly to the paint. Ultimately you're going to spread it around so how the swirl remover gets on the paint is up to you. Spread the swirl remover over a small section  (about 2 x 2 sq. ft.) with the polisher turned off to prevent sling.

3. Set the maximum speed at 1500 RPM. Turn the polisher on and work the swirl remover in a side to side, overlapping motion. Move slowly to give the abrasives time to work. KEEP THE POLISHER MOVING AT ALL TIMES.

4. When the swirl remover turns to a transparent film, the abrasives have broken down. Turn off the machine and lift it off the paint. Buff away the residue with a soft, Cobra Microfiber Towel and inspect your results. If you are not satisfied, repeat the process with the same product or a more aggressive compound (like XMT Heavy Duty Swirl Remover #4). If you still see no results, upgrade to the cutting pad. 

* If you used a compound, a light haze or dullness is normal. The next step will restore the gloss.

II. Polishing

Polishing improves the smoothness and gloss of the paint. Use a finishing polish if you’ve just compounded or if the paint just needs a boost. Examples are Pinnacle Advanced Finishing Polish or XMT Ultra Fine Swirl Remover #1. If your vehicle is in great shape and you did not need to polish or compound, use Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion or XMT Carnauba Finishing Glaze to enhance the gloss without abrasives.

2. Set the maximum speed to about 1000 RPM. You're not trying to cut. You're just trying to burnish the paint to a high gloss. Work in a side to side, overlapping motion until the polish turns clear.

3. Buff with a Cobra Microfiber Towel and check your results. If you can still see some haze, repeat the process. This time, be sure that the abrasives are fully broken down before you buff.

III. Finishing

You're nearing the finish line. Just a couple more steps will make your vehicle glow. Follow up your finishing polish or prewax cleanser with a wax or sealant. Application of any of these products will be as follows. 

2. Set the speed to 1000 RPM. You do not need speed to apply nonabrasive products. Spread the product over the paint until its sufficiently covered. There are no abrasives to break down. You are just trying to get even coverage.

3. Buff off the product with a Cobra Microfiber Towel.

Detailing Tips:

• The polisher will do the work for you. There's no need to apply pressure.
• Pad and product selection is not an exact science. The severity of the imperfections, the cut of the pad, and the aggressiveness of the product all factor into the final results. Don't be afraid to experiment.
• Start with the least aggressive method first. Go to a more aggressive pad or polish only if necessary.