should I wax by hand or use a buffer?

[Kinger]

I want to wax my car this weekend and I'm not sure if I should do it by hand or use a buffer. I have an 8" buffer but I have heard that it will leave swirl marks.

Any suggestions?

 

[hoihtah]

buffer.
just don't dig in.
let the machine do the work

 

[Kinger]

Thanks hoihtah

 

[Mutilator]

Not just any buffer tho... go to Lowes and get a Porter Cable 7336SP Orbital Sander/Polisher for $109. Then visit Autopia to learn how to use it properly.

 

[Danman]

I would do it by hand, that's how I just learned how to wax a car properly.

 

[iamme]

yeah, be sure to use an orbital. i think there's less of a chance of damaging the surface.

 

[freebee]

Swirl marks are determined by the types of products you use....rather than whether or not you use a buffer. And if you have a dark finish car, it is extremely important you know what you are doing. I've seen many a black car ruined because of improper care.

 

[bozack]

Freebee you are much more likely to have swirl markes on a car if you use a mechanical buffer improperly than if you do the car by hand...and the marks are not necessarily dependant on the products you use but rather your technique for buffing/polishing.

With regards to the post I would say it depends on a few things.

1. What kind of Buffer?
2. What kind of wax/polish are you planning to use?
3. What color is the car and how old is the paint?
4. Have you used a buffer before?

If you have a black or a dark car and have never used a buffer before I would suggest just doing it by hand with either a high quality pasts or liquid wax, and then a polish (Mothers, Meguires, or Zymol).

If you have a lighter car then you can get away with an Orbital buffer, but the only difference betweent that and doing it by hand is you will save yourself a few minutes.

I would not suggest using a high speed rotaty buffer unless you know what you are doing with one, as you can easily ruin the paint on a car. If you do use one make sure to keep the speed low and clean the pad frequently.

Make sure you wet your wax/polish applicator sponge before applying as it makes it easier to remove, work in the shade or preferably a garage, and if you do remove by hand use a slightly rough towel for removal, as if you use too soft of a cloth you will be there all week.

Also try to thoroughly wash the car before waxing, also to remove all the road grime from the lower rocker panels (you can get some funky sponges, some bug and tar remover, or just lightly use paint thinner)

there is alot more I could say but......

If you have a dark car and want to avoid swirls you will definatley be better off going by hand.

Lighter cars you can get away with an orbital

and only experienced should use the high speed buffers.

Good luck

 

[KokomoGST]

Yeah, if you must use buffer, orbital is the only way to go... personally, I think doing it properly by hand makes sure you'll be less likely to swirl.

 

[Kinger]

Thanks bozack. I've never used a buffer before so I think I better do it by hand. Don't want anything to happen to My Baby

Thanks for the help everyone!