Machine Buffing/Polishing

[hyunelan2]

For those of you who use a buffer/polisher on your car, I'm looking for tips. I got a 10" Craftsman random orbital buffer for my birthday (last December) and was thinking about taking it out of the box this weekend. I hand-washed both my cars last night, and noticed both have swirl marks worse than they ever had (stupid winter of on-street parking), especially the Santa Fe.

Anyway, I was reading at Autopia for a while, but started getting lost. That site is too big, and too in-depth.

Basically, I need a newbie's guide to machine polishing.

Thanks.

[felixr]

check out egtclub or whatever the sites address is now. they have or had some detailing guru's or whatever over there. and some good posts on it as well as products to use

[kylemorg]

Be very careful!!! From what I understand, "Newbie" + "machine polishing" can = disaster.

Mind you, I'm not saying don't do it; just make sure you have the know-how (and maybe a buddie's old beater to practice on) before you risk messing up your newer Santa Fe's or Elantra's paint.

You seem to be on the right track, though... at least you're asking for help before trying it!

[hyunelan2]

I've used D/As and buffers before, just never in this manner. Typically it was to 'grind' the salt pitting out of paint jobs on our snow plows at work (back when I was a laborer). I just have not used one on my personal vehicle, where I care about how good the results look.

Thanks for your words of caution.

[ZetaOne]

Invest in a PowerBall for the wheels and whatnot...



http://www.roadfly.com/magazine/galleries/article_photos_2005/photos/photos-02-2005/Mothers-PowerBall-is-advanced-pic-20-4147482.jpg