After the initial rotary + wool pass, the surface is free of deep scratches, but it is left with microscopic haze or cutting marks. At restoreLab, we treat this as an intermediate condition that requires a two-stage stabilization process.
Second Pass: Smoothing the Cut Pattern
The goal of this stage is to reduce the working marks left by wool, preparing the clear coat for the final gloss. This dramatically reduces the amount of time the dual action (DA) polisher needs on the next step.
- Speed: 1.7–1.9
- Pressure: Around 12 kg
- Time: 30–50 seconds per 40×40 cm section using a horizontal "snake pattern"
- Important: Refresh add-on plastic trim pieces (moldings, covers) carefully, without excessive pressure, since the clear coat layer there is minimal.
| Equipment | Rotary polisher (Makita 9237CB) + yellow foam pad (for example, Rupes 130 mm). |
| Compound | Medium-cut polishing compound. |
Third Pass: Final Stabilization (The Scalpel)
Here we use a dual action (DA) polisher to bring the clear coat into a "space-grade" finish — perfectly clear, with zero holograms.
- Pressure: 0–1 kg (the machine works under its own weight)
- Speed: Maximum (6), as long as the pad lies flat against the panel
- Coverage area: A DA allows you to work larger sections at once (up to 80×80 cm)
- Movement pattern: 2–3 repetitions of horizontal and vertical "snake patterns" over 60–90 seconds
| Equipment | Large dual action (DA) polisher (for example, FLEX XFE 7-15) + soft yellow or white foam pad. |
| Compound | Finishing polish. |
Working Protocol for Solid Black Paint and Acrylic
Solid black non-metallic paint and acrylic finishes are the most demanding materials in our lab.
Holograms are the fingerprints of an amateur. True gloss appears only when the clear coat becomes optically level and fully stabilized.
| Acrylic | During polishing, the pads will take on the color of the vehicle because the pigment is mixed into the coating. This is normal — just clean the pads more frequently with household soap. |
| Solid Black | If the standard combination still leaves holograms, the protocol changes: replace the finishing pad every 2–3 panels, reduce the DA speed to 2–3 and shorten the working cycle to 15–20 seconds. In extreme cases, use a primer polish (CarPro Essence) and ultra-soft white pads. |