Keeping a car shiny and new-looking can be difficult. Polishing and rubbing by hand can take hours. Using a car buffer or polisher, on the other hand, gives better results and requires less effort. The equipment and materials are available at any good hardware or auto store.
Two common types of buffers are available. One is a general purpose tool that can be used for sanding or buffing. This type will have a pad, ranging in diameter from 5 to 9 inches, turning on an axis at right angles to the body of the tool. The second type has a larger pad, up to to 14 inches, turning on an orbital axis parallel to the motor. This second type cannot be used for sanding or grinding.
Car buffers of either type can be had for as little as fifty dollars at discount stores. Quality buffers cost a lot more, though. A quality car polisher buffer will cost at least a hundred dollars. Most of the car polishers and buffers that are intended for use by professionals cost over two hundred dollars. The differences in the quality of these machines have to do with durability. They all function similarly.
General purpose wax car buffers/sanders are more practical for home use. They will meet any need that could arise. Car wax buffers of this type can be fitted with a variety of buffing heads and bonnets. The biggest problem with the use of this type of car wax car buffer is speed. A general-purpose cordless car buffer that can also be used as a sander has a variable speed control. The reason is that sanding requires a high speed and buffing a low one. It is important that the speed be easily controlled. Buffing or polishing at high speed allows the buffing medium to generate heat. The heat softens the paint and the buffing pad cuts through the color to the metal.
Larger orbital car waxing buffers do not have a speed-control problem. They operate at low speeds. They are not as useful as the sander-buffer, though. They cannot reach into tight spaces. They are ideal for polishing large surfaces. Hand buffing will be needed in the tight spots. The speed issue does mean that they are much safer to use, however.
There is another type of buffer sometimes used by professional body men. It is the air powered car buffer. All body shops have high-pressure air available for spraying paint and operating tools. A wide variety of electric car buffers and polishers are available which function on air power. These tools are specialized and not ideal for the home shop. Even if air is available in the shop, an inexperienced operator can cause real damage with an air operated car buffer.
The pads used on high speed car buffers also vary greatly. The old standby, a wool bonnet, is still available. They are great for the application of wax or synthetic polishes. But wool is seldom used for buffing or polishing anymore. Plastic foam pads are preferred by all professionals. It may be hard to find these pads at hardware stores. All automotive stores selling paint and painting supplies have a good stock of foam pads. The pads come in many different sizes and types of foam. Operators who are serious about getting a good shine on their paint have no choice but to use the foam pad.
The polishes, compounds, and waxes used with the car polish buffer come in many types. The operator should investigate thoroughly what is available and how they are intended to be used. It is important not to mix the products from more than one manufacturer. If one is using products from 3M, for example, one should use their pads, compounds, and polishes exclusively. Once the operator acquires some experience with the materials he may want to mix them. A beginner should not even try.
Owning and operating a professional car buffer will bring a great deal of satisfaction to anyone who likes a shiny car. Don’t be surprised, though, if the neighbors ask for help with their dingy autos. And don’t forget boats, motorcycles, and other motorsports devices. Anything with paint on it can be improved with the judicious use of a car buffer.
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