More DA or rotary... Please!

[CCVirginia]

I am looking for a little advise on correction and then polish & wax, this is for home use on a couple of cars. One (07 Camry) has some bad scratches, dings and issues, the other (05 Suburban) has less severe scratches but is also neglected. Mostly I have used cheap hand polishers.

So, should I use a DA or Rotary? It sounds like for most of what I need the DA is fine but it may not be sufficient for the more severe problems. On the other hand, the Rotary takes more skill and may not be as good for the final finish. As this is for home, buying 2 (or something very expensive) is not practical. Could I use the DA and then work the scratches by hand or would I be better learning how to use a rotary? I do expect I will touchup paint a few areas that are scratched through prior to doing this.

I don't need perfect and expect that some of the scratches will not come out. I don't expect showroom new, just a good looking ride.

Thanks!

[rms64]

My vote is solidly on the side of the DA. You can do some pretty amazing things in terms of correction with the right product combinations and technique, at considerably less risk (practicaly none) of damaging your paint as opposed to the rotary.

Just my $.02 - I am sure others will chime in too!

[Evan.J]

I would go with the DA and the Megs Microfiber Correction system. That will be a great combo for heavy defects removal and safe to use!

[BradsDetailing]

I would go DA as well

[rmagnus]

DA GG w/ MF pads if you are on a budget

DA Flex 3401 w/ smaller backing plate and any pads you want. Expensive but you won't look back.

Rotaries are sweet but for a one polisher do all the DA is the way to go.

[CCVirginia]

I'm going to give the DA & Meg Microfiber correction system a try. I also ordered some sandpaper in case there are some problems that this can't get out - hope I don't need it.
Thanks for the advise!

[statusdetailing]

Not that it can't be done, but sanding marks can be very difficult to remove with a DA.

[hernandez.art13]

I'm going to give the DA & Meg Microfiber correction system a try. I also ordered some sandpaper in case there are some problems that this can't get out - hope I don't need it.
Thanks for the advise!

If the DA does not correct whatever you are trying to fix, my advice to you is either call a Real Local Detailer or just live with it, but do not use wet sand paper on your car.

It requires skill/technique to wet sand one's car.

And if you burn through your paint, it will need to be repainted, which is costly.

Good Luck!

(Pictures)

[hernandez.art13]

If I had to rate machine skill level I would say.

Meguiar's/PC/Griots - beginner
Flex/Rupes - medium
Dewalt/Makita - advanced

Paint correction can be done with all machines, if the skill is there.

Of course some will be faster or slower depends on the machine.

This is just my opinion.
Note: Constructive criticism is ok, trolls stay away.

[Evan.J]

I'm going to give the DA & Meg Microfiber correction system a try. I also ordered some sandpaper in case there are some problems that this can't get out - hope I don't need it.
Thanks for the advise!

What grit did u go with?

Are you planning on damp sanding with the DA or by hand?

I know the DA MF system can pull out 3000 grit that was machine sanded in.