keiffer953

is it better to use the orbital buffer after the wax or after the polish. Normally you use it after the wax but to me it would make more sense to use it after the polish. Any thoughts on this?

FlaPhil

What is the reason for using the buffer? I have a Porter Cable 7424 that I use to apply polish using foam pads. Never use foam pads for removing or just buffing. You can cause swirls.

For wax and polish removal, I use microfiber bonnets on my 7424. Once all is done, I go back over the car with a microfiber buffing cloth to get any marks I missed.

Kevin Overall

The only time I need the speed of a buffer is when I am working abrasive compounds into the paint.....

FlaPhil

Speed is usually the killer of paint, and usually not necessary when applying or removing wax and polish residue. The product you are applying to the car (polish or wax) is what does the work. The machine is just a medium for applying it. If using a circular high-speed buffer/grinder the lower the speed the better, 1000 - 1200 RPM. If using a PC 7424, the best dial placement is 3.5 - 4.

Kevin Overall

You need the speed of a buffer to properly break down the abrasives in the compounds so they can do their job on the paint.

keiffer953

Thanks for the reply, Why I was using the orbital buffer was to try to get it even shinier LOL

JamRWS6

Try a random orbital...much better than a straight drive I've had excellent results using Griots machine polishes

FlaPhil

Griots is really expensive. Properautocare.com has the same machine for $149 (I think).

Keven

We use the Porter Cable 7424 around here to both remove the wax (foam pad) and polish (microfiber pad). The DeWalt DW849 Right Angle Polisher does a good job repairing minor scratches but is reserved for that and not polishing.

A trick I learned this weekend: Put a spritz of Z-6™ Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray directly on the microfiber pad being used during the polishing stage. Did this every few sections of the car and got a shine beyond any I've seen before and noticed some small surface scratches disappeared also.

Tried this also on my husband's washed truck (he didn't wax this weekend). His truck looked as shiny as my car - just doing this polishing with Z-6.