Highspeed buff and polish
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 0
From: I Hate Tourists FL
Highspeed buff and polish
I have some minor surface scratches in the clear coat that I cant seem to get out by hand. How hard is it to Highspeed buff and then polish. What equip. do I need and what kindof polish to use to smooth everything out with. What do I need to watch out for? TIA
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,890
Likes: 1
From: Bismarck North Dakota
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (FSTRNU)
Not trying to tell you what to do, this is just a thought. If you have never touched a speed buffer before, I wouldn't recommend you practice on your Vette, especially since you have a dark color. You could make more scratches and swirl marks and even burn the paint. Try to find lesser car to grind on.
That said, the tools you would need is a 7 inch variable speed polisher like this..... http://www.mytoolstore.com/milwauke/5540.html. Then go to a body shop and ask them to show you what kind of pads they use to remove scratches. You will also need a foam pad to polish out the swirlmarks you will leave when you buff out the scratches in step one. Then apply a coat of wax by hand for a shine. Over the counter polishes and waxes will work fine. Sit back with one of these, :cheers: and admire your work.
That said, the tools you would need is a 7 inch variable speed polisher like this..... http://www.mytoolstore.com/milwauke/5540.html. Then go to a body shop and ask them to show you what kind of pads they use to remove scratches. You will also need a foam pad to polish out the swirlmarks you will leave when you buff out the scratches in step one. Then apply a coat of wax by hand for a shine. Over the counter polishes and waxes will work fine. Sit back with one of these, :cheers: and admire your work.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 14,299
Likes: 3
From: S. Florida
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (rainsux89)
I wouldn't recommend you practice on your Vette, especially since you have a dark color. You could make more scratches and swirl marks and even burn the paint. Try to find lesser car to grind on. .
The pads do make a large difference. If you go to a body or detailing shop, ask the guy to show you what they use, and how they get out scratches. In some cases they have to wet sand them out. It is not a job for a novice, that's the reason it can cost several hundred dollars.
Good luck :cheers:
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 0
From: I Hate Tourists FL
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (Z Factor)
So I should pay someone to do it for me? There are several small swirl marks over the car but nothing severly deep. I have never touched a high speed buffer just the orbital buffer for applying wax. Its just these small things are starting to add up to really annoy the hell out of me.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 14,299
Likes: 3
From: S. Florida
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (FSTRNU)
Yes, if I were inexperienced, I would pay a professional to do it.
Once you get the cars paint exactly the best it can be, then you can do all the cleaning/waxing yourself.
Just a little tip. Most of these bodyshop/detail places have one guy do it. They aren't the most highly paid people, and typically do work on the side. Approach them when their co-workers aren't around and let them know your interested in paying cash, under the table. They will typically accept, and do the job (with the same materials, skill, etc) for half the price.
Good luck :cheers:
Once you get the cars paint exactly the best it can be, then you can do all the cleaning/waxing yourself.
Just a little tip. Most of these bodyshop/detail places have one guy do it. They aren't the most highly paid people, and typically do work on the side. Approach them when their co-workers aren't around and let them know your interested in paying cash, under the table. They will typically accept, and do the job (with the same materials, skill, etc) for half the price.
Good luck :cheers:
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 596
Likes: 0
From: Tollhouse Ca
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (FSTRNU)
I did my 84 (black) and 94 (dark metallic red) with no problems.
To cut I used a 7" rotary with a loop pile type pad and 3M Fine Cut. After that I used a foam waffle pad and 3M swirl remover to get the few swirls I had out.
Finally I applied wax with my 6" random orbital and buffed it off with my 10" random orbital. It ain't rocket science :D
As far as the buffers I barely spent over $100 for all three. I got the 7" rotary at Harbor Freight for $49 .. they carry two versions of the Chicago brand so make sure you get the one with the hook and loop type arbor. They sell pricier brands if you're so inclined.
I got my 6" at Sears for about $20 .. the 10" you can get just about anywhere for $20-$30.
I like 3M products because they are easy to work with and do a good job .. you can buy the stuff at Kragen, Pep Boys or a 3M dealer. The pads you almost have to get at a detail supplier.
All this said, if you only have a few minor surface scratches you should be able to get those out by hand.
Beware of detail shops if you decide to have it done! They are not all equal.
To cut I used a 7" rotary with a loop pile type pad and 3M Fine Cut. After that I used a foam waffle pad and 3M swirl remover to get the few swirls I had out.
Finally I applied wax with my 6" random orbital and buffed it off with my 10" random orbital. It ain't rocket science :D
As far as the buffers I barely spent over $100 for all three. I got the 7" rotary at Harbor Freight for $49 .. they carry two versions of the Chicago brand so make sure you get the one with the hook and loop type arbor. They sell pricier brands if you're so inclined.
I got my 6" at Sears for about $20 .. the 10" you can get just about anywhere for $20-$30.
I like 3M products because they are easy to work with and do a good job .. you can buy the stuff at Kragen, Pep Boys or a 3M dealer. The pads you almost have to get at a detail supplier.
All this said, if you only have a few minor surface scratches you should be able to get those out by hand.
Beware of detail shops if you decide to have it done! They are not all equal.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (FSTRNU)
I agree that if you're not experienced with a high speed buffer you don't want to experiment with your Vette. I zipped off many edges when I was learning to use one :bb It takes a lot of experience to master it. :yesnod:
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 92
Likes: 1
From: Salt lake City Utah
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (Z Factor)
Just a little tip. Most of these bodyshop/detail places have one guy do it. They aren't the most highly paid people, and typically do work on the side. Approach them when their co-workers aren't around and let them know your interested in paying cash, under the table. They will typically accept, and do the job (with the same materials, skill, etc) for half the price.
Good luck :cheers:
Good luck :cheers:
Ive talked to several pro detailers that I found in the phone book and most have very good garantees on there work.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,097
Likes: 0
From: High Plains Drifter Fayetteville, AR
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (Utahvette)
not trying to step on any toes but if you choose this route and he screws it up(on accident or otherwise) your sol :( .
Ive talked to several pro detailers that I found in the phone book and most have very good garantees on there work.
J :seeya
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette Hill PA
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (FSTRNU)
Actually, you can do this (even if you are a novice) if you use the right device. The Porter Cable random orbital (about $120 in Lowes) is perfect for this work.
The best sight on the Web on detailing is http://www.autopia.com. I like the Meguires products (and you will find that others on Autopia do as well) to get the swirls out.
I agree with the other comments -- the right pads are VERY important. In any event, you will find all of the information you need at Autopia (and quite a bit more). If you want to really get carried away, you can end up spending more than $500 on chemicals and equipment, so be CAREFUL and have fun.
Brian
:yesnod: :flag :chevy
The best sight on the Web on detailing is http://www.autopia.com. I like the Meguires products (and you will find that others on Autopia do as well) to get the swirls out.
I agree with the other comments -- the right pads are VERY important. In any event, you will find all of the information you need at Autopia (and quite a bit more). If you want to really get carried away, you can end up spending more than $500 on chemicals and equipment, so be CAREFUL and have fun.
Brian
:yesnod: :flag :chevy
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (bman2232)
Actually, you can do this (even if you are a novice) if you use the right device. The Porter Cable random orbital (about $120 in Lowes) is perfect for this work.
However in the hands of someone with experience, using a high-speed buffer can be an excellent tool to remove scratches and/or oxidation. So it really depends on your specific application to determine what tool will do the best the best job for you :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 14,577
Likes: 0
From: Michigan in the summer, Florida the rest of the time
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'11
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (FSTRNU)
I had mine done here in Ohio for $110 -- they guy who did it came highly recommended from the show car crowd.
For that money, I'd never consider learning on my Vette.
Brad
For that money, I'd never consider learning on my Vette.
Brad
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,890
Likes: 1
From: Bismarck North Dakota
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (TA)
Save your money, orbitals won't remove scratches or oxidation like a high speed buffer will. Orbitals should be used apply chemicals only after a high speed treatment. The wax should then be applied by hand.
When I was detailing cars, I used 1600 RPM on the high speed buffer. That speed would take care of any and all of the scratches I faced. Anymore than that and you multiply the risk of burning the paint. Ask me how I know, oops sorry I burned your ML320's bumper mister. :eek: :blueangel:
When I was detailing cars, I used 1600 RPM on the high speed buffer. That speed would take care of any and all of the scratches I faced. Anymore than that and you multiply the risk of burning the paint. Ask me how I know, oops sorry I burned your ML320's bumper mister. :eek: :blueangel:
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 0
From: Hampton Georgia
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (rainsux89)
Save your money, orbitals won't remove scratches or oxidation like a high speed buffer will. Orbitals should be used apply chemicals only after a high speed treatment.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (paintdaddy)
As you can see, there are as many opinions on this subject as there posts. I would check out some websites on the subject and then decide. Most corvette owners spend a lot of money on their cars. The appearance of the finish is no place to cut corners. Even though I take care of my own, I would not hesitate to hire a pro at a fair price to make it better from time to time. :thumbs:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,097
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati Oh
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (FSTRNU)
I use the porter cable 7424 6" random orbital polisher ($120) and am very happy with it. Also the most important thing is the pads, and I got them from http://www.properautocare.com/bespadkitfor.html ($50 for three pads.) If you have another car to practice on, I highly recommend doing it yourself. For the price of paying someone one time, you can buy the equipment to do it and use again and again. I have not used it on the vette yet, as I'm going to practice one more time on the Lexus first (its also black). I've used it 4 times already, and originally started on my truck first (no problems, but if I did mess up while practicing it wouldn't have bothered me). As stated before its not rocket science. Good Luck. :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 3
From: atlanta ga
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (all4c4lt4)
dont do it. take it to a professional. you can do enough damage with a high speed buffer that you will have to paint the car. let the body shop do this.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 5
From: CASTLE ROCK CO
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (bman2232)
Hey Brian.
"""The best sight on the Web on detailing is http://www.autopia.com."""
Wanna give us that site again? Are we supposed to use dental tools on our vettes?
:lol:
"""The best sight on the Web on detailing is http://www.autopia.com."""
Wanna give us that site again? Are we supposed to use dental tools on our vettes?
:lol:
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,094
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
Re: Highspeed buff and polish (OleDog)
Hey Brian.
"""The best sight on the Web on detailing is http://www.autopia.com."""
Wanna give us that site again? Are we supposed to use dental tools on our vettes?
:lol:
"""The best sight on the Web on detailing is http://www.autopia.com."""
Wanna give us that site again? Are we supposed to use dental tools on our vettes?
:lol:
