Just got a DA (dual-action) buffer now what?

[Tomtom9401]

Ok guys i just got this cheap little dual-action buffer/polisher from wal-mart. I was going to use it after i wet sand my car. But i read wet sanding marks are better removed by rotary buffer so im not gonna do that. So instead i got some 3m rubbing compound, turtle wax polishing compound, and some turtle wax super hard shell. I just wanted to check with some people who probably know more than me, to make sure i dont mess up my paint. Although its pretty rough now lol. Im just looking to get rid of some fine scratches my car came with when i bought it.

The DA polisher/buffer came with a wool pad, a foam pad, and a micro-fiber bonnet. The buffer didnt come with instructions. So heres what im guessing from what ive learned watching some Meguires youtube videos. First i wash me car real nice :). Then I use the Rubbing compound with the wool pad, after that i use the foam pad with the polishing compound, and after all that a fine coat of turtle wax to keep it protected with the microfiber bonnet. What do yall think? Will that be good? Oh yeah i still need to purchase a claybar... Oh well thats another day...

This is my first posrt sorry if its long :)

[coupe]

Originally posted by Tomtom9401
Ok guys i just got this cheap little dual-action buffer/polisher from wal-mart. I was going to use it after i wet sand my car. But i read wet sanding marks are better removed by rotary buffer so im not gonna do that. So instead i got some 3m rubbing compound, turtle wax polishing compound, and some turtle wax super hard shell. I just wanted to check with some people who probably know more than me, to make sure i dont mess up my paint. Although its pretty rough now lol. Im just looking to get rid of some fine scratches my car came with when i bought it.

The DA polisher/buffer came with a wool pad, a foam pad, and a micro-fiber bonnet. The buffer didnt come with instructions. So heres what im guessing from what ive learned watching some Meguires youtube videos. First i wash me car real nice :). Then I use the Rubbing compound with the wool pad, after that i use the foam pad with the polishing compound, and after all that a fine coat of turtle wax to keep it protected with the microfiber bonnet. What do yall think? Will that be good? Oh yeah i still need to purchase a claybar... Oh well thats another day...

This is my first posrt sorry if its long :)


This is what you do first.

Take that buffer BACK to walmart. It worthless. There are only 3 DA machines worth buying, Porter Cable 7424, Cyclo and festool. They all cost $100+ for just the machine and then you need backing plates, pads, compounds, polishes and finishing polishes.

Then read through this site, then read through it again:
http://www.paintcare-n-detailing.com/

Then go join here and start reading even more:
autopia.org

[RazorDX]

I agree... only the best quality buffer should touch your vehicle... if you want to buff the neighborhood kids bikes and maybe some lawnmowers I would risk it, but those things are not auto finish friendly.

[coupe]

That cheapy buffer wont hurt anything but it also wont do anything. Compounds and polished NEED to be broken down as they are worked. The *over the counter* DA polishers do not have the torque/grunt to accomplish that and also does not have a high enough OPM.

[Tomtom9401]

Lol thanks guys, i found out for myself exactly what you mean. I freaking used that thing over 3 hours on my hood and noticed no diff. at all. I took it back as soon as i could and got a clay bar :) I guess im either looking at buying that porter cable or paying someone to do it. Cause my car has a lot of tiny scratches that most likely need to be wet sanded or really buffed out. Any estimates on how much to buff or wet sand a pontiac grand am? Thanks!

[coupe]

If i where to wetsand a vehicle the size of a grandam and buff it out i would start at ~$1200. It might be more or less, i would have to inspect the vehicle to give an actual price.

Also depending on the severity of the paint i would charge anywhere from $120-$400 to only buff it out, again i would have to inspect.

You will have a hard time finding someone capable of doing this. Most detail shops, body shops and *detailers* have no idea how to buff paint. 99% of them just wash and wax and the ones who *think* they know how to buff paint only make it worse by instilling rotary holograms.

If you go to autopia.org and go to your regional section and start a thread asking for a detailer to buff your paint you will definately find someone that is fully capable in your area.