Authorized Rupes Dealer

Rupes Polishers, Pads & Compounds —
Italian Engineering for Flawless Paint

Rupes is the gold standard in machine polishing. From the original BigFoot random orbital that changed the industry to the compact Nano iBrid for tight spaces, every Rupes tool is engineered in Italy for one thing: defect-free paint correction with less effort. Auto Care Genius is an authorized dealer carrying the full Rupes lineup — polishers, backing plates, foam and microfiber pads, compounds, and polishes — all backed by genuine warranty and detailer support.

Rupes PolisherRupes DA PolisherRupes BigFootRupes NanoRupes Polishing PadsRupes Compounds
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Why Rupes

Why Professional Detailers Choose Rupes

Rupes didn't just build polishers — they invented the dual-action random orbital concept that the entire industry now uses. The BigFoot platform delivers true random orbital motion with enough throw to correct paint without the risk of burning through clear coat. The result is hologram-free finishes that used to require rotary skill, now achievable by enthusiasts and professionals alike. Every Rupes machine is built in Italy with brushless motors, precision bearings, and ergonomic designs that reduce fatigue during multi-hour correction sessions. Their color-coded pad and compound system (yellow for coarse, blue for fine, white for ultra-fine) means you always know exactly which combination to reach for.

  • Patented BigFoot random orbital motion eliminates holograms
  • Variable orbit throws (12mm, 15mm, 21mm) for every correction level
  • Brushless motors run cooler with longer tool life
  • Color-coded pad and compound system takes the guesswork out

How to Build Your Rupes Setup

Whether you're a first-time buyer or expanding your kit, here's the proven approach to choosing the right Rupes tools for your work.

Pick Your Polisher Size

The BigFoot Mark III (15mm or 21mm orbit) handles 90% of paint correction work on hoods, roofs, doors, and trunks. For tight areas like A-pillars, mirrors, and bumper edges, add a Nano iBrid. Most professionals run both.

Match Pads to the Job

Rupes color-codes everything. Yellow foam or microfiber pads are aggressive for heavy defects. Blue pads are the all-rounder for moderate correction. White pads are ultra-fine for finishing and jeweling. Start with a pad kit to cover all scenarios.

Pair with Rupes Compounds

Rupes compounds are engineered specifically for their pads. DA Coarse with a yellow pad for heavy cut, DA Fine with a blue pad for one-step correction, and Keramik or Uno Protect for finishing. The system works because each compound's abrasive technology matches the pad's foam density.

Prep, Correct, Protect

Decontaminate the paint (wash, iron remover, clay bar), then correct with your Rupes system panel by panel under good lighting. After correction, wipe down with IPA and apply your chosen protection — ceramic coating, sealant, or wax. The Rupes system handles the hardest part.

Rupes Polisher Comparison

The LHR 15 is the most versatile polisher in the Rupes lineup and the one we recommend for most detailers. The 21mm orbit cuts faster on large panels, while the Nano handles everything the big machines can't reach.

Type
Rupes BigFoot LHR 15 Mark III RecommendedYesYesYesYesYes
Rupes BigFoot LHR 21 Mark III YesYesYesPartialYes
Rupes Nano iBrid HLR 75 PartialPartialYesYesYes
Griots G9 (Competitor) PartialYesYesYesPartial
MaxShine M15 Pro (Competitor) PartialYesYesYesPartial

Rupes Pro Tips

Advice from professional paint correction specialists to help you get the most out of your Rupes tools.

Pro Tip

Speed Settings Matter

Don't run at max speed for every job. Rupes polishers perform best at speed 3-4 for finishing and 4-5 for cutting. Higher speeds generate more heat without proportionally more correction. Let the pad and compound do the work — the machine just moves them.

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Pro Tip

Clean Pads Every Panel

Clogged pads lose cutting ability and generate heat. Use a pad conditioning brush or compressed air after each panel to remove spent compound and paint residue. A clean pad cuts twice as fast as a loaded one and leaves a better finish.

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Pro Tip

Inspect Under Direct Light

Use an LED inspection light after every section pass. Swirl marks, holograms, and micro-marring are invisible under ambient lighting but obvious under a focused beam at 30-45 degrees. Correct under the light, not under overhead fluorescents.

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FAQ

Rupes FAQ

Common questions about Rupes polishers, pads, compounds, and how to build the right setup for your paint correction work.

The Rupes BigFoot LHR 15 Mark III is the best starting point. The 15mm orbit provides enough cutting power to correct moderate defects while being forgiving enough that you won't burn through clear coat. It's the most popular polisher among both beginners and professionals for a reason — it handles about 90% of paint correction work on its own.
The number refers to the orbit throw in millimeters. The LHR 21 has a larger 21mm orbit that moves the pad in a wider pattern, generating more cut per pass. This makes it faster on large, flat panels like hoods and roofs. The LHR 15's tighter 15mm orbit offers more control and better finishing capability. Most professionals own both — the 21 for speed on big panels and the 15 for doors, fenders, and areas that need a finer touch.
If you do any correction work on A-pillars, side mirrors, bumper contours, spoiler edges, or interior piano black trim, then yes. The full-size BigFoot machines physically cannot reach these areas. The Nano iBrid (available corded or cordless) uses small 1-inch to 3-inch pads to correct tight spots with the same Rupes random orbital quality. It's not a replacement for a full-size polisher, but it completes the system.
Technically yes — any pad with the right backing plate diameter will fit. However, Rupes pads are specifically engineered to match their machines' orbit patterns, motor torque, and compounds. Using third-party pads won't damage the machine, but you may not get the same correction results or finish quality. For best results, stick with Rupes pads or high-quality alternatives that match the same density specs.
Yes. Auto Care Genius is an authorized Rupes dealer, which means every Rupes product purchased from us comes with the full manufacturer warranty. We carry genuine Rupes polishers, pads, compounds, backing plates, and accessories — no gray market or unauthorized imports.
Rupes designs their compounds to work as a system with their pads. DA Coarse compound with a yellow (coarse) pad for heavy defect removal. DA Fine compound with a blue (fine) pad for moderate correction and one-step work. Keramik Gloss compound with a white (ultra-fine) pad for final finishing. Uno Protect is a polish-and-sealant hybrid for the final step. You can use other brands' compounds, but the Rupes system is optimized to work together.

Customer Reviews

What Detailers Are Saying About Rupes

Real feedback from customers who use Rupes tools sourced from Auto Care Genius.

★★★★★

"Switched from a budget DA to the Rupes LHR 15 Mark III and the difference is night and day. Zero holograms, way less arm fatigue, and the finish quality is on another level. Should have bought it years ago."

★★★★★

"I run both the 21 and the Nano iBrid on every correction job. The 21 eats through defects on hoods and roofs, and the Nano handles everything else. ACG had both in stock and shipped same week."

★★★★★

"First time doing paint correction and the Rupes system made it approachable. The color-coded pads and compounds took the guesswork out. ACG team helped me pick the right setup for my car."