buffer speed

[Gman56]

I'm looking into getting a buffer and was wondering should I get a variable speed buffer.I was looking at a 10 inch buffer at autozone it was 3500 rpms. I'm wondering what is the ideal rpm for buffing and polishing the Audi. I don't want to burn the paint and I didn't know if 3500 rpms was too high. Your help will be greatly appreciated thanks in advance.

[TOGWT]

Orbital (Buffer) Polisher

I started off with a buffer like this (Waxmaster 900) many years ago; from memory it seemed to do ok with applying and removing wax. If you are just "waxing" and you are happy with the results of the orbital, then I would stick with that. It will not damage the paint unless you drop it on the car.

Con: I don't know of any cons with the orbital, because it doesn't do a whole lot except apply/remove wax.


Pro: it doesn't tire like your arm does.

A wax or sealant provides protection and may add a little to the final look of a paint finish

Polishing is a different story, it. requires a little more torque (power) and a backing plate with Velcro to attach foam / wool pads and an abrasive compound in order to remove surface scratches and level the surface adding both gloss and reflection.

[Liquid Smoke]

i'm curious about the buffer speed too, i have one that just has one setting of 3600RPM, but i recently got some Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover and that recommends applying at like 1800RPM. would 3600 be too much or is it still fine?

[VroomVroom]

Honestly....skip the Autozone thing. There are tons and tons of great articles and how-to videos on paint correction. Roam around Detailer's Domain, and read Phil's write-ups...that'll get you started and will help narrow things down a bit. From there you can decide if it's something that genuinely interests you, and if so, you can start picking the right equipment and consumables.

[Gman56]

Thanks for the info! Audi's paint is so nice just want her to look her best!

[DetailersDomain]

10 inch buffer ... skip it and pick up a Griot's Random Orbital Polisher - with this machine I would say use it at speed 4-5.

[Gman56]

10 inch buffer ... skip it and pick up a Griot's Random Orbital Polisher - with this machine I would say use it at speed 4-5.

You guys are great! I was so amazed at Audi's flat paint job didnt want to screw it up! Again thanks!

[Bootleg_1-3]

I'm with Phil on this one.. I would skip the autozone buffer and get the Griots, or for a bit more money, a Flex 3401 VRG.

[helix139]

You guys are great! I was so amazed at Audi's flat paint job didnt want to screw it up! Again thanks!

You won't be disappointed with the Griots. As long as you prep your car properly and are working with a clean and decontaminated surface, it would be really hard for you to screw up the paint with it. You'll be able to apply sealants and do any light correction work (polishing/compounding) with ease and safety.

Again, it's all in the prep. Tape off your area and be sure it is clean and decontaminated.

[Gman56]

I have clayed it once and will do it again when I get the groits buffer.I like how it has adjustable speed.It looks like it handles very well wont tire you out.I will be ordering the buffer and xtra pads.The ming blue looks good in bright sunlight now.I bet with the groit buffer it will look unbelievable!

[helix139]

I have clayed it once and will do it again when I get the groits buffer.I like how it has adjustable speed.It looks like it handles very well wont tire you out.I will be ordering the buffer and xtra pads.The ming blue looks good in bright sunlight now.I bet with the groit buffer it will look unbelievable!

Get a good compound and finishing polish along with a quality sealant too. Sonax fine abrasive and nano polish, Meguiar's M105 and M205, Menzerna FG400 and SF4000, etc. For sealants go for Einszett Glanz, Menzerna Powerlock, or Sonax Polymer Net Shield. The first two can be applied with the buffer and a black uber wax pad and layered. The last one is extremely easy (wipe on, wipe off) with no need to let it cure, but should be applied by hand.