Buffing vette?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,464
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From: Modesto CA
Buffing vette?
Has anyone tried this before? My friend (who is a professional car detailer) told me that if I buffed my car, it would get rid of the "swirls" in the paint, and it would make it look 10x better. Anyone done this before? I think my uncle has an ORBITAL buffer, is that what I need to use?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
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St. Jude Donor '12
Re: Buffing vette? (TIMSPEED)
I have one and have used it on the hood and the swirl marks are less pronounced.
Be very careful, use one of the liquid swirl removers. I used Mequires and the hood came out looking much better. If I rubbed my hand across the hood after using a good wax it was very rough to the touch. After using the buffer and the swirl remover it felt very smooth.
Some tips, keep the pad you use slightly damp so you don't burn a hole in the clearcoat. Keep the buffer moving all the time. I used a foam pad to apply the product and a soft white towel to remove it (did not use the buffer to apply the wax, etc. You could if you wanted) Use a small buffer for the doors and rear deck, the 8"+ buffers are too big to do a good job.
Hope this helps
Be very careful, use one of the liquid swirl removers. I used Mequires and the hood came out looking much better. If I rubbed my hand across the hood after using a good wax it was very rough to the touch. After using the buffer and the swirl remover it felt very smooth.
Some tips, keep the pad you use slightly damp so you don't burn a hole in the clearcoat. Keep the buffer moving all the time. I used a foam pad to apply the product and a soft white towel to remove it (did not use the buffer to apply the wax, etc. You could if you wanted) Use a small buffer for the doors and rear deck, the 8"+ buffers are too big to do a good job.
Hope this helps
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 1
From: Fishkill NY
Re: Buffing vette? (TIMSPEED)
I have done this MANY times. Use Race Glaze Leveling Compound http://www.mr-shine.com and a buffing machine. It coomes out like glass and ALL the swirl marks will be gone!! I have done all my cars with this stuff.......
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,524
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From: Sacramento CA
Re: Buffing vette? (TIMSPEED)
A high speed buffer should only be used by someone who knows how to use it! Other wise it can be a very costly experiance. If you have bad water spots and or really faded paint the High speed buffer is the answer. If you just need to richen the paint color an orbital works great without the risk.
THE HIGH SPEED BUFFERS ARE WHAT PUTS THE SWIRLS IN YOUR PAINT.
If you have them and just want to get rid of the swirls us the orbital.
To do the job correctly you will need a couple different products
You need a paint cleaner and the go over it with a nice coat of 100%Carnuba Wax
:yesnod:
Race Glaze is a very good product as stated above!
[Modified by blk91, 9:11 AM 12/28/2001]
THE HIGH SPEED BUFFERS ARE WHAT PUTS THE SWIRLS IN YOUR PAINT.
If you have them and just want to get rid of the swirls us the orbital.
To do the job correctly you will need a couple different products
You need a paint cleaner and the go over it with a nice coat of 100%Carnuba Wax
:yesnod:
Race Glaze is a very good product as stated above!
[Modified by blk91, 9:11 AM 12/28/2001]
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Re: Buffing vette? (fourthrail)
If you're looking to buy a buffer, look for a 'random orbit' buffer. These are said to be impossible to burn the finish because the buffer is constantly changing its pattern.
Although, I'm sure if someone really applied a lot of pressure to a specific area, you could damage the paint. Remember - with the orbital buffer, you let the buffer do all of the work. You're just there to guide it around the car.
Although, I'm sure if someone really applied a lot of pressure to a specific area, you could damage the paint. Remember - with the orbital buffer, you let the buffer do all of the work. You're just there to guide it around the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,178
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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Re: Buffing vette? (86VetteBill)
i say tell him to do it. Professionals go through a training on black cars to actually become professionals, black is the toughest to detail because its the one that imperfections show on the most. I wouldnt do it myself for anything.
[Modified by vader86, 5:12 PM 12/28/2001]
[Modified by vader86, 5:12 PM 12/28/2001]
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,395
Likes: 4
From: Anderson, IN
Re: Buffing vette? (vader86)
I would caution you to not try it if you are not experienced at this type of thing. I have done many cars and boats, there were some learning experiences:eek:, I'm glad I didn't have to pay for it!
If you must do it, stay away from the panel edges, winshield wipers (remove them?), antennas, door handles, badges etc. Depending on the buffer, it will remove those items or promote their early R&R.
If you must do it, stay away from the panel edges, winshield wipers (remove them?), antennas, door handles, badges etc. Depending on the buffer, it will remove those items or promote their early R&R.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge LA
Re: Buffing vette? (Jack Boelte)
Try this http://www.griotsgarage.com. Expensive but good. Note color of car in sig. it has no swirl marks.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Columbus oh
Re: Buffing vette? (MaxPower)
Leave power buffing to pros. I have a body shop so I know. Ive seen people destroy their paint jobs in just a few mins. If your paint isnt dead on the surface, I get rid of swirls with hand application of Turtle Wax Swirl Remover. Comes in green pint plastic bottle with red cap and says 'Swirl Remover' on it. Should get rid of 90% of them. Also can get professional glazes at auto body supply shops to put on by hand or polisher. 3M makes one called Final Finish.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Re: Buffing vette? (TIMSPEED)
Come on up and I'll fix your swirls for ya.
A couple coats of Z5, and you'll be set. The Zaino will last 6 months and it will be all you need.
You don't want to take abrasives to your paint unless you absolutely have to.
And you don't want to use a carnuba wax unless you want to have to wax your car every couple of weeks. Stick to a polish like Zaino or Liquid Glass.
[Modified by Smash, 2:39 PM 12/28/2001]
A couple coats of Z5, and you'll be set. The Zaino will last 6 months and it will be all you need.
You don't want to take abrasives to your paint unless you absolutely have to.
And you don't want to use a carnuba wax unless you want to have to wax your car every couple of weeks. Stick to a polish like Zaino or Liquid Glass.
[Modified by Smash, 2:39 PM 12/28/2001]
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Spartanburg s.c.
Re: Buffing vette? (TIMSPEED)
Having buffed 100's of car's..I have to tell ya...if you have never done it many times before>>>>LEAVE IT ALONE!!!!!!! 3-M makes a good light compound followed by a real good wash job....then mirror glaze swirl remover with buffer>>>>>another good wash job....Final>>>Dura-gloss wax>>>>>>Don't worry about it for 2 years...just another doze of dura-gloss every 3-6 months.... :D :D :D :D :D :D
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
Re: Buffing vette? (1991C4)
Try mequires #9 .. swirl remover. I borrowed a buddies VERY nice rotary buffer and it worked great. Followed up with a couple of different things after that and it really helped.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 8,512
Likes: 3
From: Memphis, Tn
Re: Buffing vette? (TIMSPEED)
If you feel that you just Have to do this yourself, go get a hood from a junkyard, or a bent hood/fender/door from a body shop. The body shop will probably just give it to you (they throw them away). Practice on this first. Burn the paint on purpose so you know what it looks like. Burning the paint is especially easy to do on corners. Go to a body shop paint supply store and talk to the people about how to do it, and what products you need. They are usually very knowledgeable and helpful. As posted above, you can ruin your paint job with a high speed buffer in just a few seconds if you don't know what your doing. Good luck
Racer
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 475
Likes: 0
From: Sellersburg Florida
Re: Buffing vette? (85 Dave)
Do you understand there is a difference between a high speed buffer and a orbital buffer? The high speed is what is used by the pro's or highly skilled do-it-yourselfers. Yes the high speed buffer will leave swirls or burn paint when not used correctly. Most all car owners should only use the orbital buffer, they can not burn the finish, leave swirl marks etc. They just reduce the elbow grease pain. You can apply and remove all of your favorite waxes/polishes with a orbital buffer. Just changes your bonnets often or when you switch waxes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 7,760
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From: Lost in the mountains of TN
Re: Buffing vette? (CROOZN)
Depending on the type of swirl marks you are talking about will determine which buffer to use. A high speed buffer will leave swirl marks from coarse compounds. The finer compounds you progress to the better it will look. If the marks you have are from using a high speed buffer and seem to move as you move around the car (kind of like a hologram) then you should use an orbital. If the swirls look more like scratches you will need a high speed buffer.
Last year I had to repaint a quarter panel on my 86. This is a somewhat of a different situation than yours though. I had to start with a completely dull finish:
Then after 3 stages of buffing with:
1. Heavy compound w/heavy wheel
2. Polishing compound w/polishing wheel
3. Finishing compound w/foam wheel
Then to a hand wash and hand glaze:
High speed buffing is not for the timid. If you end up having to go the high speed route get some practice in first as suggested above. You can very easily damage the paint. Be careful :cheers:
Last year I had to repaint a quarter panel on my 86. This is a somewhat of a different situation than yours though. I had to start with a completely dull finish:
Then after 3 stages of buffing with:
1. Heavy compound w/heavy wheel
2. Polishing compound w/polishing wheel
3. Finishing compound w/foam wheel
Then to a hand wash and hand glaze:
High speed buffing is not for the timid. If you end up having to go the high speed route get some practice in first as suggested above. You can very easily damage the paint. Be careful :cheers:
