Here lately I have noticed swirls on my car. Just unacceptable.

I have a friend that has a buffer they never use. Said if I want it, come get it. I don't know what it looks like, or what kind it is.

My question is, will any buffer work? Its just the pads that do the work, right?

I don't know what kind of pads to get, or what to use on the swirls.

Any help is appreciated.

 

I suppose any buffer would work... if you knew how to properly use it. To be quite honest (judging from my perception of your knowledge about buffers and detailing), your best bet would be to pick up a PC or UDM and some pads and polishes to take care of your car. We all started at ground zero at one point in time so all you have to really do is spend some time reading the Wash & Wax section and trying to buff your car with the newly-purchased PC/UDM yourself.

Good luck!

 

Well I know a little bit about detailing my car. But this will be the first time I am using a buffer. I suppose this one will work? I only have slight/medium swirls.

I need the rundown on pads. I know there are different pads for different degrees of swirls.

What type of pad do I need?

What polish do I use?

P.S. What is PC/UDM?

Thanks!

 

Start simple and then go for more complexity as you gain knowledge/experience.

PC/UDM = popular moderate cost Random Orbital Buffing/Polishing Machine.

Orange Pad - Optimum Polish for heavier swirls, etc
White Pad - Optimum Polish for light swirls, etc
White Pad - AIO (All in One) Wax/Cleaner; Like Meg's NXT 2.0
Red Pad - Four Star Ultimate Paint Protectant (UPP)


If the buffer your freind has is a Random Orbital type, has variable speed control and has a Hook & Loop Backing plate, I'd think it would be worth considering. Find out what kind/brand it is; someone here will probably have an opinion about it.

 

Without knowing which buffer it is its impossible to comment .. coukd be $10 WalMart crap or a good rotary.

Find out and drop back in.

 

Well I went and got it. Its pretty nice looking. I think its a 10" pad?

It really isn't a pad, its like a cover that slides over the buffer part. And it wasn't really a pad, it was like a microfiber cloth.

The "buffer part" spins, and then the whole thing spins in a circle. Hard to explain...

It doesn't say what brand or anything, and it just has a "go" button. No speed increments or anything. It says 2,600 RPM on it, though?

 

Does it look like a mini grinder or is it more round with a handle on each side?

If it looks sort of like this then give it back.




99% of the 10" are OTC ones and not powerful enough to do anything nor is there there proper pads available for them.

 

Dale, thats probably why it was relegated to the garage shelf......

 

Wouldn't you be able to apply Megs NXT 2.0 wax with a red foam pad?

 

Sure, I don't see why not.