Paint and Body A Total Idiots Guide To Buffing

That's really not such a mess at all.

If you read through Dan's link, you'll see that it's a three step system to polishing a car. That's similar to what I do at work.

First thing, red is like black, it'll show swirls reallly bad. I think you've figured that out already though .

Second, reds like blacks take more effort to remove swirl marks.

Third, though you're problem can be easily fixed, it'll take you a good portion of a day to fix.

When buffing out dirt nibs from fresh paint jobs at work I will use 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper and water to smooth out the small pieces of trash.

Then I use a 3M wool pad with rubbing compound to buff out the scratches from the 2000 grit.

Then I use a 3M grey polishing pad with a buffing glaze to remove the swirls from the wool pad and compound.

And lastly, especially on reds, blacks, and most dark colors, I'll use a 3M blue micro polishing pad and micro polish to remove the fine swirls left from the glaze.

There are all sorts of companies that make polishing compounds. 3M makes a complete set of different compounds and I've used them for probably the last 15-20 years. Just lately though I've started using Mcguires stuff, and I really like it. I would recommend Mcguire's compounds.

A DA polisher produces very nice results, though I use a Dewalt orbital polisher with eight inch pads at work. That's not out of necessarily preceding one over the other. I've been painting for 40 years and it's just what I use.

Dan says that's a little pricey for the products in his link, it's not at all. I paid more than that for my buffer alone.

You have to see it as a vital tool for your car. Guys will spend that kind of money on a decent engine lift that they'll use once. You'll use a buffer regularly through the years.

So, what you have is what you should expect to have after rubbing with compound, there's just more work to the process. I would recommend getting a dedicated buffer of some sort though, wether it is a dual action or single action orbital like mine.

If you want to talk about it, pm me and I can give you a call to help you through it.

karthief said:

If I were to cut, buff and polish my car (I wouldn't) I would just drop it at dave's house 'cause he'd have to paint it first,

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I am glad that I am not the only one with this kind of problem...

Justin87 said:

For everything included in this kit it actually doesn't seem to bad!

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I wouldn't use that kit for what you need to do. While the swirl remover is good and wolfgang products are awesome, you should really do a 2 or 3 step paint correction. The Porter Cable is an awesome DA and is the one I use.

I wouldn't hesitate to use this kit
http://www.autogeekmobile.net/griots-garage-paint-perfection-kit.html
I'd buy more of the pads that come in the kit so you don't have to stop and wash them. Of course you want to put a wax or sealant on the paint after correcting. Sealants are better for daily drivers and waxes are good for show cars, gives a more deep shine just doesn't last as long. I enjoy detailing so I use wax on mine, but on my daily truck I use HD Poxy, which is a hybrid sealant. Meguiars is very good stuff and they've been around a long time.

Here's what I use with great results (buy from wherever).
Polisher https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-57-amp-heavy-duty-dual-action-variable-speed-polisher-69924.html (used several times)
Pads were all bought from harbor freight
Compound https://www.walmart.com/ip/Meguiar-s-Ultimate-Compound/16550255
Polish http://www.autogeek.net/meg9swirrem.html
Wax Amazon product ASIN B0009IQX6IView: https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-A2216-Deep-Crystal-Carnauba/dp/B0009IQX6I



I don't think you need to use a compound. Most of that looks like the polish I used would get it out. Like most things, you're not just gonna jump on it as a pro. My truck looked like that the first time I used a polisher, but I was pushing and moving too slow. Watch a few videos for better techniques.

If you want an "All in One" type polish, look up HD Speed. I've used it and it is pretty awesome. Lots of retailers swear by it. When it comes to paint correction and detailing there are so many options out there.

I've heard good things about the HF polisher, would be a good entry to polishing.

That looks much bettter. What did you end up getting?

It's amazing what polishing does for the look of a car. Now your gonna freak out every time there is a swirl mark or when it gets dirty! Looks awesome and good job! And do tell what you used and your process.

Tubbster66 said:

If you want an "All in One" type polish, look up HD Speed. I've used it and it is pretty awesome. Lots of retailers swear by it. When it comes to paint correction and detailing there are so many options out there.


I've heard good things about the HF polisher, would be a good entry to polishing.

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^^^^ This. I can vouch for the HF polisher, it's not as refined as some of the more expensive polishers, but it works great, and from my personal experience, I'd give it a big thumbs up

I forgot to mention that HF also carries Meguiars professional series M105 and M205 polishes, which are AMAZING, they carry the various foam pads to do the job as well.

Bossed