Last Updated July 23, 2026
Dr. Beasley’s Chief Education Officer Mike Phillips and his trusted video expert Yancy Martinez hosted another live detailing class this week covering how to remove holograms when polishing automotive paint. For those who don’t know — holograms are a unique type of scratch pattern with a 3D appearance, and they’re caused by improper use of a rotary buffer. Poor technique, low quality wool pads and/or outdated abrasive technology are the most ways people can cause holograms with a rotary buffer.
⚠️ Before You Start Polishing…
Paint correction feels intimidating until you understand the process. Our beginner’s guide to car polishing breaks down how to remove swirls and defects safely.
Go to Decision GuideFor the demonstration Mike used a 1978 AMC Pacer (remember the Mirthmobile from Wayne’s World?) riddled with holograms, likely from a detailer that failed to follow-up with a foam pad polishing step after using a rotary polisher with a wool pad. During the class Mike provided some valuable tips on the best way to maneuver a rotary polisher and wool pad over the paint and how to get inside tricky small areas like vents. Plus, as always, there was plenty of audience interaction and an in-depth Q&A at the end.
Check out the stream recording below:
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