Do I need a new DA polisher?

I have tinkered with detailing for years on various vehicles I’ve owned and family. I like to try new and different products, with my newest undertaking being ceramic coating. I own a 6 inch 1st gen Griotts DA, and just recently purchased one of their 3 inch with the intention of doing a paint correction on our vehicles in prep for the coating. But, after reading a few articles, everyone seems to agree that the old 6 inch is not powerful enough for paint correction and should be used for polish/wax application only. This has left me confused and doubting that I have the correct tool for the job. I’ve heard good reviews about the Max Shine, and of course I’m familiar with Rupes, but wondering if I’m gonna have to dish out more money to get a different machine, or if I can do what I need with the old Griott.
Would appreciate info and feedback from those in the know....

 

The Griots 6" (and 3") is more than adequate for paint correction. You have the tools you need. Abrasive technology has come a long way in the last few years. And with the newer "thin" pads, you can do amazing things with the Griots machines.

People used to say the Griots 3" was underpowered. Try it with the new Boss pads and you can correct paint to your hearts content.

Get yourself some of the new Griots Boss pads (or Lake Country Thin Pro) and have fun. On daily drivers, I don't use anything but cleaner/sealants anymore. Often called all-in-ones (AIO's). McKee's 360, your Griots 3 and 6, and some Boss pads... you'll have your vehicles looking better than new.

FYI- the GG6 works MUCH better with a 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads than it does with the 6" backing plate that comes with the machine. The smaller pads are MUCH more efficient when it comes to removing swirls.

 

If doing coatings... yeah you're gonna want to polish. But I still think your machines will be more than adequate with thin pads... Assuming you just have run of the mill wash/dry induced swirls.

 

Saying that any machine is "not powerful enough" is somewhat misleading. Truth be told, one can "correct" paint by hand. The only problem is that it will take you far more time than if you used any machine. I should also add that the results with a machine are generally more consistent too. The advantage of a "more powerful" machine is that it will do more correction in less time.

As has already been said, the machines you have should be more than adequate for occasional detailing.

 

On second thought... you said a 1st generation GG6. I guess I'm not familiar with that one. Sounds old. Still, I think with today's modern abrasives, some Boss pads, and a little patience, you'll do just fine with the tools you have (especially on Toyota paint). The thin pads... it's pretty amazing how much more efficient they make the polisher.

 

NM..
It is a first generation polisher, which I’m not sure but I believe is a rebranded porter cable. This thing actually has a attachment for a hose to remove dust! I don’t even remember how long ago I purchased it, but it has served me ok up to now. I have used it for light corrections, but i did notice when polishing my old/now my sons 2006 Tacoma, which is outdoors 24/7 parked near trees, that it had difficulty removing some staining, even with more aggressive compounds.
I used to enjoy nothing better than spending a whole day just detailing a vehicle, but as I get older, and my joints get more sore, I’m looking for ways to work smarter. I just don’t have the time also to seal and wax every few months, aka why I am looking into coatings. The idea of 2 to 3 years of protection with reduced maintenance really appeals to me. And who knows, maybe some improved equipment will rekindle the detailing spark.

 

Too Stroked...
I used to do everything by hand. Received my first Craftsman orbital buffer as a gift from my wife close to 30 years ago (which still works...both my wife and the buffer ...lol) and thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I still use it on occasion to remove wax and sealants. But the idea of trying to completely correct one by hand makes me want to drive to the nearest shop for a new paint job. Half a day running the DA and I have to peel my fingers off the machine. Too many years of factory work and martial arts have left me with osteoarthritis in both hands. Getting old sucks....

 

Is it true that down the road as the ceramic wears off the only way to remove it is sand it off or is this anything to worry about?

 

I don’t think you would have to sand it off. It’s a coating that bonds with the paint, but it’s gonna wear just like anything else. The one I’m going to use allows it has 2 to 3years of protection with maintenance washings and silica sprays every couple of months. But then again, I haven’t used it before, so you may want to ask someone who has dealt with it before.....

 

Well, the Porter Cable still sells like crazy. As mentioned, less powerful machines just take more time. Simple as that.

I got a new GG6 about a year ago. It's an incredibly powerful machine. It's not a Cadillac, like a Rupes. It's more like a Mac truck. It knocks out swirls in no time. But it's loud and a handful (at full speed). I'm sure a Rupes would be more pleasant in the hand.

In the end, it's all about what you're willing to spend. I'd try some thin pads on a 5.5" backing plate with your Griots. If it doesn't get you where you want to be, maybe a new Griots 6 would. And you'll already have the 5.5" backing plate and Boss pads.

But if you have the funds and like nice stuff, go for the Cadillac. I've heard that Rupes works best as a system. Rupes machine, Rupes pads, and Rupes polishes. Not sure you can get there under $450. That one's up to you. AG does run some good sales.

 

There are some professional coatings that require sanding. Consumers coatings can be polished off.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'd never do any serious correction (of a whole vehicle) by hand. Theoretically though, one could do it. I'm 62 and I'm too old for that kind of therapy. I have a relatively new Griot's that I only use for light correction. I have a Flex 3401 that's my go to machine. I also have a DeWalt rotary for really serious correction - and boats. As for getting old, I always say that I have no problem getting older. I just refuse to get old.

 

The issue with the 6.5 in pads is they just take longer to paint correct because of the size.

The issue with the 3 inch is it takes longer to do because the pad is so small XD

Can’t you just get a different backing plate for the polisher?

I didn’t realize some polishers were 1 size only. Mine I just put a different size backing plate and I’m good to go.

 

I wouldn’t say that is true. It really comes down to the machine. My porter cable takes longer than my Flex 3401. Not to mention the Flex won’t vibrate my arms off.

 

Haha the first time I ever polished my truck with my Porter Cable I was fresh out of my sling from rotator cuff surgery.
SOB does vibrate like hell XD.
I was hurtin for certain.

 

When I purchased and started using my GG6 the PC was down graded to 3.5" pads.

 

Try the 3" Boss pads or lake country thin pros on the PC. You'll be amazed at the power to correct paint. But pay attention. It's a different animal with the thin pads.

 

Been really busy and hadn’t checked on this post in over a week. Thanks to all who replied with advice.

Just as an update....
I decided to give the MaxShine polisher a try. It has good reviews and was under $200, so I worked a couple of extra hours and ordered it, AND a GG 3 inch for the hard to reach areas. BUT....in the mean time, I thought I would put some fresh grease in the old GG 6 inch and change out the brushes. So I get the polisher out of my cleaning cabinet....and the bottom of the box flies open with the polisher goes smashing into my garage floor, breaking the polishing pad! After some colorful language, I decide to call the company and see if I can get a replacement pad. Customer service asks when I bought the machine...I tell them not sure, but at least 10 years ago. Did I buy it directly from them? Yes. They look back through purchase history and told me it was purchased in 2006. Has it ever been replaced? No. Service rep tells me to hang on....comes back on the line and tells me they will send a return label, just box it it up and send it back, pay the difference between it and a new machine ($20 + S/H) and they will send out a new one. I really thought he was kidding. Shipped it out first of this week and I’m waiting on them to bill me the difference. Really made me decide where I will be getting any future supplies for car care....

 

Griots customer service is first rate. Hard to find a company anymore that treats customers like this. I've read LOTS of posts just like yours over the years.

Get a Griots polisher, if it breaks, give em a call and they'll make it right. And it'll be quick and easy. Thanks for sharing your experience. For the weekend/hobby detailers (like most of us), the Griots 6" and 3" polishers are a great choice. Combined with the new Boss thin pads, they make polishing fun and easy.