I have always been one to polish and wax the $hit out of my car by hand. I am wondering if using a machine will have a better outcome when i finish. Don't get me wrong, when i do it by hand it comes out great, but will a buffer wheel add any more luster to the job, so i can appriciate it more.

 

The key to polishing and waxing is precision and knowledge. Knowing what makes more swirl marks and what technique to use is key. Pros use circular buffers, but I'm not that good and neither are most people. An orbital works fine for me. Sometimes I'll use the swirl reducer and do it by hand, but with many layers, the hand technique is very tiring indeed. Make sure you always move with the line of the car, use approved applicators and removers as well. Diaper rags are great, I use microfiber rags often myself. Nothing incredibly expensive, just soft enough to prevent scratches. The liquids/pastes you use are key as well. Klasse, Zymol, Zaino, Meguirs, all great stuff, find out what works for you. There are a few stickies on the subject. I just switched to Zaino and it's great stuff and I use a trusty 8" Craftsman orbital, does me nicely and as long as I'm not retarded, doesn't make the light swirls any worse. (dark cars suck for swirls)

 

I always used to detail my cars by hand but my daughters bought me the Meguiars Concours Collection for my birthday. I used to spend 2 days detailing inside and outside by hand, now with the Porter Cable Dual Action Variable Speed Buffer I can detail the exterior (polish coat and protection coat) in about 2 hours while I spend a few hours on the interior. The Porter Cable Buffer is available at Lowes for under a $100. IMO the Buffer does a better job than doing it by hand. This buffer leaves no swirls and I am verrryy particular when it comes to my car. I feel guilty when the car looks so good in such a short amount of time!!

 

waxxing by hand will get the job done, but a good old porter cable would be even better

 

"Make sure you always move with the line of the car."

I couldn't stress that enough. Going in circles leaves just as many swirl marks as your trying to remove. I have a 97 Super Black Max, and waxing in straight lines from front to rear using the Zymol Cleaner Wax (light blue wax in a bottle, about $12) does the trick for me. Now if it can remove the swirls on a black Max, it should be more than enough for any other color.

-Ben

 

well, I always do it by hand because someone ruined my paintwith a buffer. So, even when I do the multiple-stage process, it is indeed by hand. I usually end up with a pinched nerve as a result.

 

Well i have ALWAYS done all of my cars by hand...ALWAYS! But i am really thinking about using a buffer for 2 reasons. 1. To cut down on detailing my ride all weekend and 2. to get that great luster look, as if water is running down it for that crystal shine.

I have been a fanatice with my car being clean and polished/waxed, using the best that i can use, but if the buffer will make a big change, i may have to try it.

Thanks for all of your imputs.

 

I just did mine by hand...and can we say...ALL day SUnday....I'm seriously considering getting an orbital, to speed up the process...oh...also please no-one use the 3M 2 stage wax....their 1 stage wax is great and removes light swirls, even by hand....came out beautiful...damn birds got me already!