Do any of you use a buffer to polish and wax your cars? Is it safe to use one I bought at walmart for 20 bucks? Have any of you experienced "buffer burn" w/ the swirl marks? The guy at the car wash place said you had to be trained to use a buffer, but I think he just wanted me to pony up more cash when I was just there for interior detailing.

-Burt

 

I bought a orbital buffer and it sucks.. I wax/polish my car by hand.
Ed

 

swill marks are cause by car owner pressing on the buffer. Let the weight of the buffer do its job. You should only glide it back and forth. I have a smaller orbital 4", also from walmart. It's great. Remember don't press on it. That's what caused buffer burns...

 

I have a 10 inch buffer and have mixed feelings. I apply my wax/polish by hand and use the buffer to remove it. Have never burnt a car in 4 years. The buffer is great for removing the wax once it dries, much less effort that way.

 

Depends on what type of wax/polish you are using.

I do not recommend a buffer for Zaino. Total overkill. You will waste so much product and still end up with the same shine. I've seen Blitz and Griot's polish applied and removed with a buffer and it very nice. For the other brands, like Meguiars, Finish First and the like, I wouldn't bother.

I would also be a little weary of the cheap buffer/polishers. I've seen some pretty nasty problems from people who don't know what they're doing. I used to detail cars through college and learned some very good tips and techniques.

If you really want to go the buffer route, I highly suggest purchasing the Porter Cable buffer. It is an amazing product. I've used it for a few years, but sold it recently when I discovered how easy Zaino is to apply and remove.

 

Thanks for all the info guys!

Where would I buy one of these? How much would it cost?

-Burt