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How to buff your car like a pro

  • Car Wash
  • Vanessa Norris
  • 5 minutes

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There is a lot of work involved in buffing a car, but the end result is worth it. Your car gets the shine and luster of a brand-new car when you finish buffing your car. It helps to remove minor scratches and scuffs from the paint. Read on to know about how to buff your car the right way. 

Buffering a red car

Why buffing? 

Buffing, it can accomplish everything from removing a minor scratch to completely erasing the damage from a large collision. Although it’s the most thorough repair that can be applied to existing paint, it can’t accomplish the same job as a full respray. 

When should I get my car buffed? 

If washing and polishing your car’s paint still doesn’t restore its luster, buffing is the answer. A one-step buffing technique is required because even after the paint has been polished to a level surface, it will contain microscopic scratches that must be cleaned out before a glaze can be applied for the greatest sheen. Using a buffer isn’t merely for the removal of old paint. The same attention is needed to get the quality you’d expect from a fresh coat of paint, even if the surface isn’t absolutely smooth. 

Things you will need to buff your car 

  • Rotary buffer 
  • Wool and foam pads 
  • Car wash mitt 
  • Clean microfiber towels 
  • Masking tape 
  • Automotive soap 
  • Carnauba wax 
  • Vinyl and rubber compounds 
  • Cutting and polishing compounds 

Safety measures  

Buffers have high RPM. In order to protect yourself, your fingers, your eyes, and your body, you should be on your guard and practice safety measures. 

  • Don’t wear any accessories or jewelry while you are buffing. This is to avoid it from getting tangled on the buffer wheels. 
  • Avoid polishing fumes by working in a well-ventilated area. 
  • Avoid direct contact with your skin and eyes. Call a poison control center, if you get the solution on your skin or in your eyes. 
  • Wear gloves and goggles to protect your eyes and hands. 

How to buff your car 

  • Wash your car thoroughly. Rinse the car to remove any dirt and debris that may have accumulated over time. After the rinse, use a mild automotive soap to thoroughly clean the vehicle. 
  • In order to avoid buffing the places, you don’t want to, use masking tape. While using a rotary buffer, you’ll need to cover elements of the car. Parts such as the headlights and trim pieces, can’t survive the heat generated by the machine. 
  • To begin, use a wool pad and a moderate buffing compound to smooth out any imperfections. Brush in an up-and-down motion, then in a left-and-right direction. One door or one side of the car at a time is an effective way to focus your attention and avoid becoming distracted by larger areas. 
  • Use a microfiber towel to clean the compound if it starts to look cloudy. Use this method to remove any surface scratches.  
  • Replace the wool pad on the buffer with the yellow foam pad. Work in a limited area, following the methods outlined above. Start with a moderate amount of pressure and gradually lower it towards the end of the buffing process. 
  • Use the microfiber cloth to wipe up the area once the compound has been distributed thinly. 
  • To wrap it up, you’ll need to apply wax to the car. The wax should be a liquid form of carnauba. Applicators are frequently included with these items. Apply the wax in a circular motion to a small area with this tool. 
  • Wipe down the windows, mirrors, trim, and wheels after you’ve finished buffing them. 

Tips to get the best out of buffing 

  • Don’t use the same pad twice. Using the same tool for more than one phase might result in poor finish or even damage to the vehicle. 
  • Always have additional pads and buffing solutions on hand. The unexpected might happen at any time, so prepare yourselves. 
  • Maintain orderly storage of your pads and instruments. You don’t want to use a dirty pad to polish your automobile. 
  • To test your buffing abilities, you may want to pick up an old door or body panel from a junkyard and use it as a practice piece. 
  • Make a good start by having a car wash. Dead bugs and grime will ruin the appearance of your buff job. 
  • Don’t spend too much time buffing in one place. Exposure to high temperatures can damage the paint. 
  • Hand buffing is an option if you’re in a hurry, but be prepared to put in some effort. 
  • To ensure that you have as much time to buff as possible before the solution dries, operate in the shade. Direct sunlight and heat will hasten this process significantly. 

Where can I get my car buffed? 

The best car care facility in your locality is the place to go if you want the brand-new look on your car. We recommend you to visit Way.com or download the Way app (available on iOS and Android) if you are looking for the best affordable car wash or care facility in your neighborhood. 

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Read our blogs for information on the best airport parking and hourly parking spots near you and the most affordable insurance for your car.


 

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