Buffing a car, also known as polishing, is the process of using a specialized machine and compound to remove a fine layer of clear coat, eliminating light scratches, swirl marks, and oxidation to restore gloss. It’s a corrective step, different from waxing, which is a protective step. For best results, you should always wash and decontaminate the paint first, use a dual-action (DA) orbital polisher for safety, and apply a protective sealant or wax afterward.
The goal is to level the paint surface. Microscopic scratches scatter light, making the finish look dull. Polishing compound, a mild abrasive, smoothes the clear coat so light reflects uniformly. A dual-action polifier is crucial for beginners because its orbital motion minimizes the risk of burning the paint, a common hazard with rotary polishers.
Here’s a basic workflow:
- Preparation: Wash the car thoroughly with a pH-neutral car shampoo. Then, use a clay bar to remove embedded contaminants. The paint should feel smooth as glass.
- Test Spot: Start with the least aggressive approach. Test your pad and compound combination on a small, inconspicuous area to find the correct combination that removes defects without harming the clear coat.
- Polishing: Work on a 2x2 foot section. Apply a few dots of compound to the pad, spread it on the paint at low speed, then increase the speed to around 4,000-5,000 OPM (orbits per minute). Keep the polisher moving slowly in overlapping passes until the compound becomes nearly clear.
- Protection: After polishing the entire vehicle, wipe it down with a surface prep spray (isopropyl alcohol mixture) to remove any polishing oils. Then, immediately apply a synthetic sealant or ceramic coating for long-lasting protection, or a traditional carnauba wax for deep warmth.
| Key Product Types & Their Roles | Primary Function | Best For |
|---|
| Compound (Cutting Polish) | Heavy defect removal | Deep scratches, severe oxidation |
| Polish (Finishing Polish) | Refining and adding gloss | Removing hazing after compounding |
| All-in-One (AIO) Product | Light polishing & protection | Quick maintenance, well-maintained cars |
| Synthetic Sealant | Long-term paint protection | Durability (6-12 months) |
| Carnauba Wax | Deep, warm gloss | Show car finish (shorter lifespan) |
