How to Power Buff a Car

A power buffer will cut the time required for polishing a car at least in half, and produce professional results. Follow these simple steps to become proficient at using a power buffer for a great finish.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Power buffer
• Clean foam polishing pads
• Polishing product

1. Wash your vehicle thoroughly and let the surface dry before starting the polishing procedure with a power buffer.

2. Attach a clean foam pad to the buffer. Adjust the buffer to a medium speed and turn off the power switch.

3. Apply polish or wax to the buffer pad in a circle or ‘X’ pattern. Dab the pad onto the surface area to be polished in three or four places, to distribute the polish.

4. Position the buffer flat on the surface, using a firm grip. Turn on the power switch.

5. Move the buffer back and forth, overlapping about 50 percent on each pass. Apply only a pound or two of pressure, letting the buffer’s weight do some of the work. Finish buffing the area with up and down strokes, overlapping 50 percent on each pass.

6. Repeat Steps 2 to 5 on adjacent areas, until the entire surface is polished. Replace the foam pad with a clean pad when it becomes clogged with polish.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use a sponge pad for final buffing to a high shine. Wool pads are used for cutting a finish to remove heavy oxidation, and will leave swirl marks
• Polish half the hood, trunk, side or roof at one time, dividing the job into eight to 10 areas.
• If the foam pad and polish leaves a hazy finish, put a microfiber bonnet over a clean pad and buff the whole surface.
• Never use a wool polishing bonnet on a clear coat finish. It will cut into the clear coat.