If you're in the automotive detailing industry you have probably heard about the RUPES products. On the higher-end of course, but these products rival any in the industry and are used by professionals nationwide in order to ensure a quality product to the end user. The RUPES DA (Dual Action) system is a tool worth considering due to its easy to grasp nature for beginners and advanced paint correction professionals alike. Take a closer look at what makes this system stand out.
What is the RUPES DA System?
The RUPES DA system utilizes a dual-action polisher, some may know as a random orbital polisher. This style of polisher integrates both rotary and orbital movements. This dual-action mechanism strikes a perfect balance between aggressive paint correction and gentle polishing, minimizing the risk of swirl marks and heat damage. The result is a smooth finish that enhances any painted or finished surface.
The RUPES DA system was created to address common challenges in automotive detailing, specifically in the areas of paint correction and polishing. Some of the key reasons included enhancing efficiency, improving results, making paint correction more user friendly, as well as reducing the risk of damaging vehicles. The DA system is all about aligning pads with compounds, lets take a closer look at pads below.
The Importance of Pad Colors
One of the standout features of the RUPES DA system is its color-coded pad system. RUPES has 3 types of pads: microfiber which is the most coarse in the lineup, Wool which is right under that, and foam which is the least coarse but sometimes the most versatile. Each pad style is color coded to signify a different level of aggressiveness based on the pad. So for example a blue microfiber pad is on the top end of aggression, the yellow wool is right in the middle, and the white foam pads are on the bottom end of aggression. The pad color breakdown is as follows;
- Blue Pads: The most aggressive color pads in the lineup, blue pads are designed for heavy cutting and aggressive paint correction They are designed to tackle significant defects and scratches, making them ideal for restoring heavily damaged surfaces. This is your last chance before a wet sanding effort may be needed.
- Light Blue Pads: Used primarily for polishing and finishing, intermediate light blue pads provide a finer touch. They are excellent for removing light swirls and enhancing the overall gloss of the paint. ONLY OFFERED IN FOAM PADS as of 8-31-2024.
- Yellow Pads: These pads offer medium cutting capabilities and are perfect for general polishing tasks. They strike a balance between cutting power and finishing finesse, making them versatile for a variety of detailing needs. The yellow pads are where it is recommended to start with one-steps and any test-spotting.
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White Pads: These are the go-to choice for final finishing or applying glazes and sealants. They help achieve a high-gloss, showroom-quality finish that highlights the paint’s depth and clarity.
Matching Polishes with Pads
To achieve optimal results, it’s crucial to pair the right polish with the appropriate pad, here the colors mean the same with the only discrepancy being The Uno Series which is a polish series that has finishing agents or no-finishing agents:
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Coarse/Heavy Cut Polishes: XC2 and DA Coarse round out the lineup. Best used with blue or yellow pads, these polishes are formulated to address deep scratches and significant defects. Their abrasive nature ensures effective correction of more severe paint issues.
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Medium Cut Polishes: DA Fine is ideal for use with yellow or white pads, this polish offer a balanced approach to cutting and polishing. They are suitable for moderate defects and provide a versatile solution for various detailing tasks.
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Fine Polishes/Finishing Polishes: The Uno Series (Advanced, Protect, & Pure) when paired with any pads, focus on refining the finish and enhancing gloss. They are less abrasive and designed to deliver a smooth, high-quality final appearance. Uno pure is what you would use in any multi-step paint correction BEFORE a ceramic coating. Not coating the vehicle? Look into the protection offered by Uno Protect or Advanced.
The Sum Up
The RUPES DA system stands out for its innovative approach to automotive detailing. With its dual-action polisher and color-coded pad system, it simplifies the process of paint correction and finishing, making it accessible to both professionals and newbies. By understanding the purpose of each pad and polish, you can achieve the results that every professional strives for.
