"Yep, took the paint off down to the primer."
"That sucker scratched the paint up so bad I had to get a paint job!"
You may have heard a friend or neighbor tell the tale of how he ruined his car's paint job by using a car buffer.
While there may be some truth to the tales, the fact of the matter is that many people are unjustifiably afraid to take the leap from hand waxing to using an electric car buffer.
Let's take a look at the facts:
There are several different types of electric car buffers on the market today. One we'll discuss in detail, the other we'll discount by saying its use is best left to the professionals. This article is geared toward the Average Joe rather than the car professional.
High-speed car buffer - This is the big, bad boy you may have heard about in the
horror stories. Actually, in the hands of a trained and
experienced detailer, this is the machine that can
give the very finest results. Like the kind of incredible
finishes you see at car shows. But its high RPMs can easily
cause paint to soften with heat and mar if used
incorrectly.While this type of car buffer is great for
removal of heavy scratching and oxidation, its best left
in the hands of a professional.
finishes you see at car shows. But its high RPMs can easily
cause paint to soften with heat and mar if used
incorrectly.While this type of car buffer is great for
removal of heavy scratching and oxidation, its best left
in the hands of a professional.
Orbital car buffer - This car buffer uses a slow circular rotation at the same time
it rotates in orbital fashion. This simulates hand waxing,
it rotates in orbital fashion. This simulates hand waxing,
but only much more rapidly.
- It's faster and easier than hand waxing.
- It uses less wax than hand waxing.
- Achieves an even, streak-free look.
- Can quickly remove swirls and minor
oxidation.
oxidation.
- Doesn't require much experience to master
technique.
Cons:
- Can be dangerous if you use cord model and
the ground is wet. (Cordless models are
available)
available)
- Not effective in fixing badly damaged paint,
swirls or deep scratches.
swirls or deep scratches.
There are several different types of orbital car
buffers on the market today. Cost can range from
under $40 to upward of $300 depending on brand and
size. Bear in mind that larger models like a 10" car
buffer won't be able to reach into the small areas
between trim. A 6" mini orbital car buffer can get
into small areas, but might take a little more time to
use, comparatively. In addition, consider the ease
of a mini car buffer designed for one-hand
operation.
buffers on the market today. Cost can range from
under $40 to upward of $300 depending on brand and
size. Bear in mind that larger models like a 10" car
buffer won't be able to reach into the small areas
between trim. A 6" mini orbital car buffer can get
into small areas, but might take a little more time to
use, comparatively. In addition, consider the ease
of a mini car buffer designed for one-hand
operation.
Some caution is advised when looking at cheaper
models. Read "the fine print" before buying because
often the cheap orbital car buffer is recommended
for wax application only. It doesn't have the power
to polish.
models. Read "the fine print" before buying because
often the cheap orbital car buffer is recommended
for wax application only. It doesn't have the power
to polish.
Some popular orbital car buffer models to consider:
The 6" Porter Cable 7424XP Dual Action Polisher.
It's easy to use and is the choice of many
amateur and professional detailers.
Prices range around $120.
amateur and professional detailers.
Prices range around $120.
Meguiar's Dual Action 6" Polisher G110v2. A little
pricier than the Porter Cable 7424XP, but still
affordable at around $150.
affordable at around $150.
While there's something to be said by the way of speed for orbital car buffers, hand waxing is a time-honored way of waxing a car. Let's look more closely at why.
Hand Waxing - This was and maybe still is you father's and your
grandfather's way to wax a car. It's old-school. It still
is the method preferred by many car owners.
Pros:
- What's not to love? A nice Saturday afternoon
spent waxing your car. iPod on or off listening
the birds or neighbors as you work. No noisy
car buffer motor to disturb the peace.
- Hand waxing is quieter than even the
quietest electric car buffer.
- It's more relaxing, too. A real nice experience.
- There's no risk of ruining your finish at all.
- Cost is only your time.
Cons:
- Takes more time and effort than an electric
car buffer.
- Can leave streaks more than an electric car
buffer.
- Not as effective in fixing badly damaged paint,
micro-marring scuffs or light scratches
as electric car buffer.
The bottom line:
In a word - "time". Time is the very biggest difference between hand waxing and using an electric car buffer.
If you only have one car or have a whole afternoon to spare, hand waxing is a great way to go. At the same time, you shouldn't be afraid to use an orbital car buffer. They're not the boogie man. Most people are very happy with the results of these machines. They're fairly fool-proof and can achieve superior results if you're willing to shell out a few bucks.
Next: Using a Clay Bar
Car wax related cons and pros made me so curios about car waxing and I will try to do waxing carefully as each cons affect my pocket.
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