How to Use a High Speed Buffer on a Car
High speed buffers are electric or pneumatic polishing devices that are designed to make polishing a car quick and easy. The buffing pad on the end of the device spreads the polish over the car's surface by rotating rapidly. Although high speed buffers are fairly easy to use, there are certain rules to follow to create the perfect finish. When used improperly, high speed buffers will create swirl marks and can actually damage the paint on the car.
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Things You'll Need
- 7 1/2 inch lambswool buffing pad
- Swirl remover compound
- Microfiber polishing pad
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Car polish
- Car wax
Instructions
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1
Attach a round, lambswool buffing pad to the high speed buffer as directed by the buffer's instruction manual. There are many sizes of pads available, but a 7 1/2 inch round pad is suitable for most buffing needs.
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2
Set the high speed buffer to rotate at 1,000 revolutions per minutes (RPM).
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3
Apply 1 tbsp. of fine swirl remover compound to the buffer pad. Place the pad against the surface of the car and spread the compound with the buffer turned off.
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4
Turn the buffer on and place the pad flat against the surface of the car. Move the pad in an 18-inch wide side-to-side motion to begin polishing. Keep the buffer moving at all times. As the compound diminishes, turn the speed up to between 1,200 and 1,500 RPMs.
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5
Move the buffer in an 18-inch wide vertical motion over the section of the car that you just polished. When the compound is dry, you are finished. As you apply the compound, you may see a slight haze develop which is normal.
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6
Turn off the high speed buffer and remove the lambswool pad. Attach a microfiber polishing pad to the buffer using the manufacturer's instructions.
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7
Mist the microfiber pad with water from a spray bottle. Apply 1 to 2 tsp. of car polish onto the pad and spread it onto the car with the buffer turned off.
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8
Turn the buffer on and polish the car in the same manner as before, except use a figure-eight pattern instead of a side-to-side pattern.
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Tips & Warnings
After using the high speed buffer, apply car wax to the entire surface of the car by hand.
References
- Photo Credit a car in a car show image by Gary from Fotolia.com
