I have always detailed my car by hand, however, it becomes a real pain after a while. I don't know much about using orbital buffers etc. I have a few questions:

1) What kind of buffer/polisher to buy?
2) What type of pads to use/buy?
3) What is the process using a buffer? i.e. application? removal? etc?
4) anything else I should know/ask?

This is may be a simple question and an annoying post for some of you car care buffs, but I really don't know :) Any advice? Thanks!

 

Forgot to preface this by saying I really don't see a need to use a buffer unless you are doing swirl removal, etc. One exception is to use a gray pad and Meguiars #7 Show Car Glaze - see below.

I would buy the Porter Cable 7424 buffer here:
http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...eff+1076249042

It includes the velcro backing plate and 6in counterweight.

Then a few gray, white and yellow pads from:

http://www.properautocare.com/porcabac.html

For products, I recommend:
3M Swirl Mark Remover (for dark cars in your case)
http://www.autogeek.net/3mperswirmar.html

Meguiars #83 Dual Action Cleaner Polish
http://www.autogeek.net/megdualaccle.html

Also, while not an abrasive polish, if you're not using Zaino, Meguiars #7 Show Car Glaze works very well using the Porter Cable and a gray pad. Top with Souveran or similar and it works great. Using #7 by hand really sucks.

The 3M SMR works very well for very minor swirling/scratching - i.e. towel scratching. Anything more than very minor marring, or water spots, you're better off trying Meguiars DACP.

Typically I use the 3M with a white pad and the surface is back to perfect again. Sometimes you need a bit more and can try it with the yellow pad. Any more serious problems call for DACP with the yellow pad. I like to follow up with the 3M and white pad after DACP - sometimes DACP can leave a little hazing or visible marring in the finish.

As for the actual application, with 3M SMR, I leave the PC on 4 and work it in with light pressure. You can watch it break down from a gray polish to a clear oily liquid. Once that happens, I wipe it off using:

http://www.autogeek.net/cobdettowinb.html

These towels are really great.

For DACP, I start with the PC at 3.5 or 4, and work up to 5 or so as it breaks down. Sometimes it takes a while. The break-down process is similar to SMR, but takes a bit more work. I then follow up with the SMR to clear up any hazing, etc.


If you're using a carnauba wax, you're ready to go straight to it.

Also, if you get any streaking or smearing while trying to remove the 3M or Meguiars, I like to use Meguiars Final Inspection.

http://www.autogeek.net/meg34finin.html


If you're using Zaino, get a spray bottle filled with 50/50 isopropyl alcohol and distilled water, and wipe the car down using one of those towels.


Here's the results after 3M SMR and some Zaino:




[Modified by DsC5, 7:17 PM 2/7/2004]

 

:crazy: Just a question is this an IVY League thing. :nopity

 

:skep:

I'd be more concerned with the details my signature below. :p: :steering:

 

You two should race for pink slips :thumbs: Time for a s/c for the Z :jester

 

Quote: buffer/polisher help


~One mans opinion / observation~

PC Accessories

PC Usage

Definitive PC Thread

Detailer's Dream: Porter Cable Random Orbital Buffer

~Hope this helps~


Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/

justadumbarchitect * so i question everything*

 

It seems that you can't re-name hyperlinks on this forum, so I've added the full version...

Quote: buffer/polisher help


~One mans opinion / observation~

PC Accessories http://www.autopia.org/forums/showth...threadid=14421

PC Usage http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums...1430487&page=1

Definitive PC Thread http://www.autopia.org/forums/showth...threadid=14421

Detailer's Dream: Porter Cable Random Orbital Buffer http://www.roadfly.org/magazine/7/po..._buffer.1.html

~Hope this helps~


Experience unshared; is knowledge wasted…/

justadumbarchitect * so i question everything*

 

Porter Cable 7424 :yesnod: :yesnod: http://www.coastaltool.com or http://www.autogeek.net (couponcode corvetteforum saves another 10% off)