What do you guys use to polish your paint ?

[pearljam724]

I’m looking at buying a high speed buffer and was wondering what you guys use as a good polishing compound. I’m looking for a polishing compound at a reasonable price. Don’t want to spend more than 30 bucks or so. My car has nice paint but was never polished and certainly could use it. I’m looking for suggestions. All I have now is very cheap Turtle Wax rubbing compound and polish. Maybe that’s good enough ?

 

[moparnation74]

Define a little more clearly......Are you talking about a high speed buffer where one cuts and polishes to remove orange peel and fine sand scratches....

Or a simple orbital buffer to remove wax and swirl marks.....

If you are planning on a high speed buffer to cut and polish. I would suggest to educate yourself on the process. Before you attack a nice paint job and burn the edges.....

For cutting and buffing I always used 3m products....For swirl remover 3m and Meguires have good products...

 

[eldubb440]

in other words..... it's complicated

 

[Jerry Hall]

It's not complicated, but experience is a must. A high speed buffer and no experience can be total disaster on a good paint job. 3M is good, but don't expect 30 bucks. By the time you buy a quality buffer and the compound you will be 3 hours or more into the price of having it done at a professional shop.

in other words..... it's complicated

 

[Darter6]

^^^^^^^^^^ 3M

 

[eldubb440]

a "high speed" buffer is what I call a grinder...... if you're buffing clear coat, you're probably gonna want to do some sanding first........ 2000 grit wet will get you where you need to be safely, 3000 wet on a DA after that will lend to minimal buffing but not necessary........ I prefer more sanding and less buffing; but be careful on the edges the DA and buffer can both ruin your day. run that **** slow

 

[Dennis H]

Adams products. Porter Cable Orbital.

 

[moparnation74]

a "high speed" buffer is what I call a grinder...... if you're buffing clear coat, you're probably gonna want to do some sanding first........ 2000 grit wet will get you where you need to be safely, 3000 wet on a DA after that will lend to minimal buffing but not necessary........ I prefer more sanding and less buffing; but be careful on the edges the DA and buffer can both ruin your day. run that **** slow

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Stunning!.....WOW

 

[slepr1]

Ceramic coating. No buffing needed. YouTube it. Lots of step by step videos on this and buffing, cut/polish, ect. The best finish will be to cut & polish but you need at least 3 coats of clear coat or you could/will sand through to the base coat, then you are toast. If you aren't sure don't chance it.

 

[pearljam724]

I just wanted to make a paint job shine a little better. I’m not entering the car in a polishing contest. I did the front fender today. I used white no. 7 polishing compound used on a variable speed drill, with a 6” rayon bonnet. It’s giving good results. It’s not rocket science. I just wanted to see what’s good out there and what you guys like in reference to polishing clear coat over paint. That’s been on the car for several years. Man, you get reminded real quick just how big these cars are once you start a descent polish job, lol !

 

[The Rebel]

Take your time & watch out that you don't burn thru the paint on the high points.

 

[dadsbee]

I drop it off....

 

[pearljam724]

Take your time & watch out that you don't burn thru the paint on the high points.

Yeah, I was careful. Took my time and watched my drill speed. Turned drill speed very low on sharper edges. About hour and a half and I only finished exactly half of the car. Too much car, lol ! Big difference in mirrored reflection. I only spent 9 bucks. I could have done for $3. But, I bought 3 bonnets at Harbor Freight. When I could have gotten away with only needing one because the first one is still very clean.

 

[pearljam724]

I drop it off....

I would pay for for a well done professional job. But, I dont trust people around my car. Especially, just dropping it off to someone. That’s why I do everything myself. But, I’m that way with just about everything labor related. I have one guy I trust with cars. But, he doesn’t polish. Lol !

 

[dadsbee]

They painted it.. they f it up it's THEIR problem!

 

[kiwigtx]

Since we're all dropping product brand names...I use the mothers wax Attack palm polisher.

Virtually idiot proof...so anyone can use it without fear of ruining a clear coat. Expect to pay more than $30 for the kit. For $30, you might get some rags and a small tub of polish.

 

[RGAZ]

Since its all just opinions....

I would only use Meguiars No7 polish if you are doing old style paint (original, laquer, very old single repaints). Base/clears really don't get the benefit of its oiling effects. If you have old paint use No7 and leave it on overnight, heavy, then buff off by hand. Literally put it on thick and let it soak in. Don't follow the directions. cool, inside, overnight.

Newer paints (single stage and base clears) that you just want to make look better, then buy Meguiars 105 and 205 ultra fine cut polish. Use a DA polisher from (gasp) harbor freight if you are cheap and get a good quality pad. Follow the instructions doing the 105 first then the 205 and the results are pretty good even if you are a newbie. Of course, go slow and careful on the edges even with a DA, but the combination of both work surprisingly well.

I Highly recommend not touching a rotary buffer if you are new to them.

Good luck,
RGAZ

 

[Richard Cranium]

I’m looking at buying a high speed buffer and was wondering what you guys use as a good polishing compound. I’m looking for a polishing compound at a reasonable price. Don’t want to spend more than 30 bucks or so. My car has nice paint but was never polished and certainly could use it. I’m looking for suggestions. All I have now is very cheap Turtle Wax rubbing compound and polish. Maybe that’s good enough ?

I use a product called Brighto. It makes old bodies new.

 

[rumblefish360]

3M, done!