Hi guys,

I bought a buffer off a guy. Trouble is, I have no instructions on how to use it. And have never used one/Never seen one used.

Does anyone use one and offer some tips on how to use it.

Specifically, do I leave it on one area until it shines? or move around alot.

Do I apply wax first over the entire car? and buff after? or same has hand waxing, apply small parts, then buff accordingly.

TIA,

Terry

I'm hoping this is a random orbital buffer and not just a normal one. Otherwise I say don't use it or you'll burn edges of the paint. Anyway

Put some liquid wax in circles on the buffer's pad. Not a lot. Place the buffer on the car then turn it on (or you'll get hit with wax splash trust me) move the buffer back and forth and up and down. don't press or stay in one place keep it moving. Let the buffer do the work. Do all the flat surfaces. Then take the pad off and use it to get the nooks and crannies by hand. Let the wax dry, change to a clean pad and then take it off pretty much the same way. Change the pad if it gets real dirty with the wax removal. That's how I do it anyway and I'm far from an expert on the subject. Maybe someone who know's better can chime in.

Peaty

You've got the right idea. I would do one section at a time. (like your hood). Move the buffer in a figure eight and make sure to cover all areas evenly. You can sometimes get swirls if you're always going in the same direction. Make sure your uffer clothes are extremely clean. Any dirt will scratch your paint. I like to do three steps. First apply the wax as previously explained. When it dries to a nice haze, change the clothes on your buffer and remove the wax. Once it is all removed buff it with a buffer cloth. This should bring out a nice shine if you have done it right. Even with an electric buffer this will be time consuming but the payoff is worth the effort. Good luck.

Honestly,

I would try to get someone who knows how to use one before you attempt this. I tried it with my first car to get rid of all the swirl marks. I can tell you that it didn't exacly work out as I planned - I ended up waxing the car with Eagle One wet look and it looked better than what the buffer did. The only time I would ever use a buffer woiuld be to take out inconsistancies in the paint. ie: faded areas. I realized that it is more work than it is cut out to be, mind you if it is done right you will get a showroom shine.

almost forgot... you can get kits at Canadian Tire with all of the bonnets you will need to finish the car.

[This message has been edited by nikkicalves (edited May 03, 2001).]