How to Buff a Car

When washing your car, remember to make it shine and a good wax application only goes so far. You must buff that polish to perfection. While you are at it, rub out any scratches as well. If you learn to buff your car correctly, you'll achieve that perfect shine every time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clean rags
• Rubbing compound
• Paste wax

1. Start with a thoroughly clean, dry car. On a mild cloudy day, wipe a quarter-sized amount of the rubbing compound over the entire area you are starting to buff. Move on to another area when finished.

2. Use a high quality car wax you can apply with a damp sponge. Hand buff thoroughly to remove any swirls you see with a black waffle pad or similar fabric.

3. Buff the compound vigorously, in the same direction you applied the wax, with clean, microfiber towels. Make circular motions and really put in some hard effort.

4. Remove minor scratches in the car by buffing them. However, if the scratch is deep, it has gone through the clear coat and into the paint, which makes it impossible to remove.

Tips & Warnings

• Try an electric power buffer to get a quality shine. Clean the pads with a toothbrush as needed. Just guide it back and forth; don't pull it.
• Old flannel sheets make great buffing rags.
• Start buffing at the top of the car and work down.
• When you buff a car, you are rub off the top layer of the paint in order to reach a level that has remained untouched.