How to Buff a White Paint Job That Is Old

Keep your car in good condition with proper maintenance.

Over time, you’ll notice the paint job on your vehicle will get dull as it is exposed to environmental elements. One way to get your car back to excellent condition is to repaint it. However, if you want to save some money, you can buff the paint job. Applying rubbing compound to the vehicle can help buff an old paint job and restore its shine.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton cloth
• Soap water (1 gallon water, 1 ounce of mild dish detergent)
• Bucket
• 1500-grit piece of sandpaper
• 2000-grit piece of sandpaper
• Microfiber cloth

Instructions

1. Wash the entire surface of your vehicle with a cotton cloth and soapy water. Remove any visible dirt stains. Rinse the car with clean, running water. Pour out the dirty water used to wash the car.

2. Prepare another bucket of soapy water. Dip a 1500-grit piece of sandpaper into the water, and apply the damp sandpaper to a section of the car. Use small circular movements to scrub the surface. Start at the top of your vehicle and work your way down. Keep applying water to the sandpaper as it dries.

3. Replace the 1500-grit sandpaper with a 2000-grit piece of sandpaper after you have scrubbed the entire car. Use the 2000-grit sandpaper to go over the surface again. Continue using small circular movements, and keep the sandpaper moist.

4. Rinse any remaining soap residue off the vehicle using clean, running water. Dry it using a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the paint.

5. Apply rubbing compound to a clean, microfiber cloth. Work the rubbing compound against the surface using small circular movements. Start at the top of the vehicle and work your way down. Apply more rubbing compound to the cloth when necessary.

6. Allow the vehicle to sit for at least five minutes after you have applied a coat of rubbing compound. Remove the rubbing compound with a clean, microfiber cloth. Use circular movements when buffing off the rubbing compound.

7. Prepare another bucket of soap water. Wash the entire surface of the car using a clean cloth and soapy water. Rinse off your vehicle with clean, running water. Dry it using a clean, microfiber cloth.

References

• Caswell Inc.: An Introduction to Buffing & Polishing
• GM Tips: Tech Tips Buffing vs. Polishing
• DC Car Care: "Surprise! Before You Can Wax, You Must Polish