Random Orbital vs. Dual Action Polisher: Which Is For You?

You might be wondering the difference between a random orbital polisher and a dual action polisher. Right?

Both of these types of machines use spinning pads to polish your car’s paint, but they work in different ways.

A random orbital polisher has an off-center spindle that causes the pad to orbit around the center as it spins. This motion creates a random pattern that helps to avoid swirl marks.

A dual-action polisher has a spindle in the center of the pad. This machine oscillates as it spins, meaning that the pad moves side to side in addition to spinning around. The goal of this motion is also to help reduce swirl marks.

Another differences between random orbital polisher and dual action polisher are speed. Random orbital polisher works between 1800RPM and 7000RPM while dual polisher works between 1500-6800 RPM.

Random Orbital vs. Dual Action Polisher (Quick Comparison Chart)

Random Orbital Polisher Dual Action Polisher
Purposes – Speed up a full detail
– Restore mirror shine
– Remove scratches, swirls, and defects
– Bring out the deep gloss and luster of any paint color
– Polish
– Reappear the shine of cars.
– Remove swirls, scratches, and defects from all painted vehicles.
– Sand wood or metal.
Dimension ‎20.1 x 8.7 x 8.4 inches
‎14.6 x 7.5 x 6 inches
Maximum Power 700w 600w
Key features Moves in two directions Circular motion combined with the spinning
Safety Easy to use and is safe as well Has easy to use features and is generally safe
Manageability/Flexibility Flexible and can flawlessly handle car waxing, polishing, and sanding. It’s also easy to adjust speed, and anyone can use it. Easy to adjust manually and has a variable speed
Check Price Check Price

Random Orbital vs. Dual Action: Detailed Comparison

1. Features and Functions

The random orbital polisher has a dual-mode feature that makes it perfect for a couple of polishing tasks. Its major functions include polishing, buffing, and waxing applications. Provided you can handle and use it appropriately, it often produces the best results. 

Commonly known as the DA, the Dual Action Polisher is a machine that combines two functions, specifically when it comes to motion. It is a user-friendly polisher and cannot cut or damage the paint. If you want to improve the appearance of scratches, then this might be the polisher you need to use. 

2. Motion/Speed

Random orbital polishers rotate at a speed of between 1800RPM and 7000RPM. Unlike the dual polisher, the random orbital polisher rotates due to the momentum that the speed creates. You should also note that the pattern of motion is purely random hence the name. 

Dual polisher moves in a circular motion on the head. It spins on its central spindle just like the earth on its axis. The spinning produces irregular jigging motions that will help reduce the chances of damage and heat as a result of excess friction. When it comes to speed, the dual action polisher operates at a speed of about 1500-6800 RPM. Also, while it is strong, it might not be a perfect one if your vehicle has deep scratches. It is, however, a perfect option if you want to improve the appearance of scratches. 

3. Price

You will find a wide array of random orbital polishers. Each of them is priced differently. You might have to make a comparison to find one that best fits your budget. You will find some going for as low as $69 to as high as $180

Prices vary from time to time and also depending on the brand you want. Please, note that there are different types of dual-action polishers. With that said, the approximate price of a dual polisher on Amazon is $69.99. You might get a slightly higher or less figure, but it should be around that amount for a good polisher. 

4. Pros & Cons

There are pros and cons to both of these types of machines. Random orbital polishers can be a bit more forgiving if you mistake while polishing because the random orbit helps hide any swirls. Dual-action polishers are more aggressive, so they can quickly remove scratches and swirls. However, if you’re not careful, you can easily create more swirls with a dual-action polisher.

Best Random Orbital Polisher

Random Orbital Polisher

Random Orbital Polisher

Pros

  • It has a removable and adjustable handle with a rubber grip for ease of handling while using it
  • You can change the backing plate
  • It’s easy to use especially for beginners 
  • It is highly durable and powerful for deep scratches 

Cons

  • It is a little bit heavy and noisier compared to other types of polishers 

Best Dual Action Polisher

Dual Action Polisher

Dual Action Polisher

Pros

  • It’s easy to control in both horizontal as well as vertical panels
  • It’s effective in the removal of light imperfections or scratches on your vehicle
  • It has speed control to allow you to control the speed to suit your application
  • Easy to operate gets the job done quickly 
  • Has an adjustable handle for comfortable and perfect grip  

Cons

  • Generally, not a good option if you are looking to remove deep paint defects on your vehicle.


Random Orbital vs. Dual Action: Which Is for You?

A random orbital polisher is the best car polisher for beginners. You should also use this polisher if you’d like to sand off any old paint in your vehicle, so you apply a new coating. It will help you achieve a smooth and perfect finish.

For an experienced detailer or DIY, a dual-action polisher is more suitable. It will do the job perfectly and more quickly. 


Frequently Asked Question(FAQs)

Is There a Difference Between a Buffer and a Polisher?

Yes, a buffer modifies or improves the look or natural car paint/clear coat. It is normally used together with car waxing compounds. On the other hand, a polisher helps in the evening our car scratches or imperfections. 

What Speed Should You Buff a Car at?

If you want to get a perfect finish, make sure that your RPMs are within moderate levels that are neither too high nor low. More precisely, speeds ranging between 2000RPM to 2500RPM are okay, but as you finish, you should slow down to about 1100RPM

Note that even if you have the best polisher and other requirements, buffing at the wrong speed will spoil everything. At the very least, you will end up with an uneven finish or miss to achieve a perfect look. 

Are Dual Action Polishers Safe?

Provided you are using appropriate chemicals and pads, a dual-action polisher will always be safe. It won’t create any swirl marks or burn the paint even if you are doing the work yourself for the first time. But bear in mind that as usual, it takes practice to perfect the art of buffing and polishing. 

How Do You Wax A Car With an Orbital Polisher?

There are different ways you can wax your car with an orbital polisher. If you, however, want to get the best results, then the best method to wax your car is to put a few drops (about four) on the polishing pad and applying it in a sweeping motion, preferably at low pressure. Do so throughout the parts you want to polish each time to make sure that it is even and cover fully. 

Can You Burn Paint with a Dual Action Polisher?

No, since most dual action polishers are safe and have a low likelihood of causing damage. Why is that the case? Well, dual-action polishers do not produce high amounts of heat that can burn the paint as is the case with other polishers such as rotary polishers. Simply put, dual-action polishers will only remove swirls and scratches to improve the appearance. 

Read more: CLEANING LEATHER CAR SEATS WITH SOAP AND WATER


Comments

2 responses to “Random Orbital vs. Dual Action Polisher: Which Is For You?”

  1. Kevin J York Avatar
    Kevin J York

    it is 2021, I just purchased a 2017 and the previous owner did not take care of it. Pearl blizzard paint! There is a lot of contamination in the paint. A clay bar only did so much. I am unsure of the next step. Cleaner? Compound? there seems to be some water spots… and some colored (tan/yellow/orange/brown) contamination too. maybe some tar too. There is no real mention of rotary polishers and compounding. Looking for more information on what to use to bring back this amazing paint and get the full depth and shine out of it.

    1. Hi Kevin,
      In this case, I think DA polisher will work. On a 2017 model year or newer, if you go in order of severity, start with a mild cleaner, a medium cleaner, and finally an aggressive compound. If it is older than that, the mild cleaner would likely not be enough to get out most of the larger contaminants, so a medium cleaner or a medium followed by a mild cleaner would be more appropriate. For most paints, going from mild to aggressive does work well to remove all visible contamination. Even after compounding, some contamination can remain so you may have to go back in with a polishing shampoo or polish. Polish is less aggressive than the compounds, making it easier to remove afterward if more paint correction is still needed. You can always try different combinations of cleaners or compounds to see which works best on your own car’s paint. As with everything about detailing, trial and error are your best friend.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *