I have used DA's for years and polish my cars twice a year, I also do friends cars as I find it relaxing. It’s a day’s job. I did a detailing course a couple of years ago and it’s a simple job but the more skill you have the quicker and simpler it is.
I use a rotary now as it’s quicker and has a better finish but you have to be brave. With a DA you won’t do any damage unless you do something monumentally daft. I do have a guide to using a DA if anyone wants it. PM me and I’ll send it over.
My recommendation for very basic kit is: Pads, I use Hexlogic pads as ive found them to last well and not clog up and menzerna polish - but there are loads and they are much of a muchness. I now have 8+ pads types, all sorts or brands of polish and shelves of bits as it becomes obsessive quickly.
Green pads in both sizes for light to medium medium polish (menzerna 2500/3000)
Orange polish for cutting (menzerna 500)
Black pads for sealant and wax, I don’t tend to use fillers though
3M blue tape
Very basically clean and clay the car. Tape off edges shut lines or parts you do not want to polish then prime the pad with detailing spray or water, add 4 pea sized globs of polish and smear on the panel (2ftx2ft at a time) then start the DA at speed 2 and then when the polish is over the panel then crank to 5. move up and down the panel crossing half over where you have been before until the polish become clear or greasy, then the polish has broken down. If it does not go greasy it won’t work at all. Then carry on for a couple of mins, Wipe and check for scratches. When you turn the DA off always leave the pad on the panel until its stops, if you dont it may fly off and then you may touch the panel with the velcro, not good. If they are still deep maybe try the coarser polish - always start with the mildest polish you have as unless you have a paint thickness machine you don’t know what you have to work with.
Maybe if we have a few people interested and Newton is happy I will also offer my services as his assistant (not in a dress mind - twirl etc), im happy to meet one day if im around to help if i can, you will want a beer after doing a full car..
There is nothing like taking a panel full of tiny scratches to glass finish, very satisfying