What is Dual Action polishing and what products do I need for this? In this article you can read all about Dual Action polishing and the required materials. We also give you a step-by-step plan to get started right away!
Dual Action polishing, also called eccentric polishing, is the most common way to polish surfaces.
A Dual Action polisher offers two distinct polishing actions: a spinning or rotating action (the tool spins a pad in a circle) and a oscillating action (the tool spins a pad in an off-centre or random circular motion). This is called an eccentric stroke or, because of the double motion, Dual Action. Two major advantages of eccentric polishing are its easy operation and low heat generation. So you don't have to be an experienced polisher and you don't have to be afraid of damaging the paint due to the heat.
Dual Action polishing is a different technique than rotary polishing. The biggest advantage of Dual Action polishing is that anyone can polish without leaving holograms. Holograms are circular scratches caused by careless or improper machine polishing.
Dual Action polishing is a little slower than rotary polishing, but because you only have to follow 2 steps (instead of 3 steps), the end result is achieved just as quickly. Dual Action polishing reduces the risk of 'polishing' outer corners, burning the paint or other defects. This makes Dual Action polishing very suitable for the professional who wants the highest quality. Moreover, due to the low risk, even beginners can easily use this system.
| Dual Action polishing | Rotary polishing |
| Dual Action polishing is slower | Rotary polishing is faster |
| Less risk of removing the coat entirely and burning through the paint | Faster build-up of heat and friction |
| More refined finish without hazing | Often leaves hazing |
| 2 steps (can often be done in 1 step) | 2-3 steps |
For professional polishing results, Dual Action polishing requires different polishing machines, pads and polishing pastes than rotary polishing. View the suitable products for Dual Action polishing below.
The following polishing machines are suitable for polishing according to the Dual Action technique. These eccentric rotating polishers are also known as Dual Action polishers. We supply these polishing machines as a deluxe polishing set. This set not only contains the polishing machine, but also the correct polishing paste, polishing pads, polishing cloths and a sturdy bag to store the machine!
Using the right polishing pads is necessary for Dual Action polishing. In fact, polishing pads for Dual Action differ from pads for rotary polishing. Polishing pads for Dual Action polishing are trapezoidal in shape and have an open-cell structure (you can blow through them). Some polishers have an extractor that draws air through the sponge to cool it down. Polishing pads for rotary polishing are rectangular and have a closed-cell structure.
The following polishing pads are suitable for Dual Action polishing:
With the right Dual Action polishing paste you will achieve the best end result. Dual Action polishing pastes contain less binder and more abrasive compared to pastes for rotary polishing. Binder also regulates cooling. Dual Action polishing requires less cooling on the surface, but more in the sponge.
Rupes' Dual Action polishes are specifically designed for Dual Action polishing. The high performance polishing paste is formulated so that the paste has a fast action without risk of holograms. Rupes polishing pastes are available in the following varieties:
Use the following step-by-step plan to restore a surface to a beautiful shine through Dual Action polishing.
In this step you restore the surface from weathering, sanding scratches (P2000 and P3000) and user scratches. In addition, you apply a nice shine to the surface.
For this step, use Rupes DA-Coarse compound in combination with the blue wool pad.
In the second step, you are going to polish the surface to a high gloss without getting holograms. So a perfect finish!
For this step, use Rupes DA-Fine compound in combination with the yellow foam pad.
Follow these steps until you achieve the desired high-gloss result. Polish the surface with a microfibre cloth. If necessary protect the surface with a polishing wax.
Do you have questions about this polishing technique? We are happy to advise you on Dual Action polishing so that your project will be a success! Feel free to contact our customer service!
Do you have a specific question? Call one of our specialists for free advice +3185 0220090
