How to Buff Cars

Buffing a car can make a big difference in the car's appearance. Even newly painted cars can benefit from being buffed properly. Buffing a car using the wrong tools or steps can cause major damage in a painted surface, possibly resulting in having to repaint the car. When you know how to buff cars correctly, you can make every car you have shine like brand new.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Buffer
• 2 Buffing pads
• 2 Polishing pads
• Liquid buffing compound

1. Park the car in the shade or inside of a building. The heat from the sun cause the surface of the car to heat up, which can cause damage to the paint while being buffed.

2. Place a clean buffing pad on the buffer, and set the buffer to a medium speed. Pour the liquid compound onto the buffing pad, set the buffer on the hood of the car, and turn it on.

3. Move the buffer around in small circular motions. Don't push the buffer onto the car, allow the weight of the buffer to apply any needed pressure. Buff the hood, roof and top of the trunk before stopping.

4. Change the buffing pad on the buffer, apply more liquid compound, and begin buffing the sides of the car, starting at the front and working your way to the back. Again, don't press into the car with the buffer.

5. Allow the compound to dry into a cloudy haze on the car. Place a polishing pad on the buffer and follow the same steps as with buffing pad. Polish the car until all of the dried compound has been removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't press into the paint with the buffer, as this will cause the buffer to heat and go through the clear coat and into the paint. This can only be repaired by repainting the car.