How to Use a Buffer for Auto Paint

Water beading on a freshly buffed car finish

Many car owners like to have their vehicles looking their very best. One part of keeping a vehicle looking new is maintaining the shine. Waxing a car with a buffer is a great way to get the shine you want, while avoiding excessive manual labor. Most homeowners can keep their cars' paint shining using a buffer and accessories they can purchase at local auto parts stores or home stores.

Things You'll Need

• Random orbital buffer
• Masking tape
• Liquid car wax
• Wax application pad
• Wax removal pad
• Hose and water source
• Drying towels

Instructions

1. Take the vehicle to the car wash and have the car thoroughly cleaned. Buffers work best on surfaces that are free from bugs and road grime. Park the vehicle in a shaded area that has adequate workspace to allow you to walk around the entire vehicle. Set the parking brake.

2. Purchase or rent a random orbital buffer. These buffers spin at slower speeds than power buffers and reduce the likelihood of paint burns or swirl marks.

3. Apply masking tape to all the seams on the vehicle such as the seam between the hood and the fenders. Applying masking tape prevents wax from leaking into the seams and causing lengthy cleanups after buffing.

4. Squirt a small amount of liquid wax on the vehicle. Work on small areas at a time, such as one quarter of the hood. Car wax is designed to be used in small quantities, so always remember that less wax is better than more wax.

5. Place the wax applicator pad on the random orbital buffer pad. Slowly spread the wax in the desired work area to avoid splashing it around like an egg beater when starting the random orbital buffer. Start the buffer after the wax is spread. Allow the buffer to spread the wax in the work area. Repeat this process on the entire vehicle until it is completely waxed. Allow the wax to dry to a haze.

6. Place the wax removal pad on the random orbital buffer pad. Remove the wax using lengthwise strokes, allowing the random orbital buffer to do the work. Do not press the random orbital buffer into the paint, and do not work in circular motions. Completely remove all the wax from the vehicle.

7. Remove the masking tape. Rinse and dry the vehicle to remove any remaining wax.

Tips & Warnings

• Pressing hard on the random orbital buffer or working in multiple circular motions can cause paint burning or paint swirling.

References

• How to use a buffer
• Car buffers explained

Resources

• Orbital buffer pads