Noob + Buffer = Bad?

B

BlackAcura

New member
I've heard many times that it is not a good idea to use a rotary buffer without proper experience or training. Since this has been driven into me so many times I ended up purchasing a PC 7424. My car is black and yes we all know how much fun those can be. It's a 94 Acura Legend and is honestly in perfect condition except for the paint. I think the old lady that last drove this car was nearly blind and either couldn't find the key hole half the time or didnt realize that grandchildren shouldn't use your cars hood as a jungle gym.

Anyways, after many attempts with the PC and SSR 2.5 I still cannot get the scratches out. Don't get me wrong -- I love the PC!! My paint has made a complete turn around with swirls and m inor scratches, but I need something that will do the job better.

How difficult is it to learn how to use a rotary buffer? Is there another option for me? Please help! I'm getting car fever looking for new cars only because my paint looks so horrible! Any suggestions????
 
just get your hands on an old junker, or a door panel from a body shop to practice on a few times, then take it slow and with a very mild product and work your way up and just take everything super slow so you don't mess up and you should be fine. If your in a hurry with it, then you might make mistakes.
 
Using a rotary isn't automatically bad news, but it can do some damage until you learn how to use it properly.

One thing to keep in mind.
Not all scratches are going to be removed by polishing no matter what machine is used. Remember that you don't remove scratches, you remove the surrounding paint to the same level as the scratches. Your scratches may be too deep to be safely removed. A good rule of thumb is that if your fingernail catches in the scratch, you probably won't be able to hide it completely. You can definitely help the appearance though.

Charles
 
I used a PC for 6 months then went with a rotary and took to it like a duck to water. The Pc helped bring me upto par with a rotary and DC help guide me through the do's and don'ts. So through plenty of reading and DC'ers always willing to help i did my 1st detail without incident. Either get more experience with the PC or definatelty get a practice panel. Good luck & have fun.

btw,charles has offered some very good advice especialy
with trying to remove scratches.
 
I picked up on the rotary pretty quick but there are alot of things you will need to know before you start off. Definatly get junk panel to test out before you try your car. You will want to tape off all plastic trim becuase it will burn if you hit it. There are other considerations like the edges of panels or high spots in the paint you need to really take it easy on. Also your speed of the pad, your motion, etc etc.

If you think wisely and practice then you might just like the rotary.

Greg
 
Wow, thanks guys -- very good comments :D

The scratches are not deep enough to catch with a finger nail -- their not too severe. Where can I find DIY for this kind of skill? Are their books to buy or videos to purchase to learn how to do this or did you guys get a panel and teach yourselves?
 
BlackAcura said:
I've heard many times that it is not a good idea to use a rotary buffer without proper experience or training. Since this has been driven into me so many times I ended up purchasing a PC 7424. My car is black and yes we all know how much fun those can be. It's a 94 Acura Legend and is honestly in perfect condition except for the paint. I think the old lady that last drove this car was nearly blind and either couldn't find the key hole half the time or didnt realize that grandchildren shouldn't use your cars hood as a jungle gym.

Anyways, after many attempts with the PC and SSR 2.5 I still cannot get the scratches out. Don't get me wrong -- I love the PC!! My paint has made a complete turn around with swirls and m inor scratches, but I need something that will do the job better.

How difficult is it to learn how to use a rotary buffer? Is there another option for me? Please help! I'm getting car fever looking for new cars only because my paint looks so horrible! Any suggestions????
Click to expand...


Since you are in Madison, I'd be happy to help/teach you. A rotary low speed buffer is pretty safe, not much damage that you can do with that. However if you have scratched or need youe car buffed and galzed first, I have a makita buffer that I could train you on. My number is 608-443-9010

I have detailed many cars from kelly moss motorsportz, some where in the $900,000+ range. They have a few GT3 Porsches that needed constant exterior detailing.

The coolest car that I have done however has been a highly modified Lamborgini Guilardo..
 
Since you are in Madison, I'd be happy to help/teach you. A rotary low speed buffer is pretty safe, not much damage that you can do with that. However if you have scratched or need youe car buffed and galzed first, I have a makita buffer that I could train you on. My number is 608-443-9010

I have detailed many cars from kelly moss motorsportz, some where in the $900,000+ range. They have a few GT3 Porsches that needed constant exterior detailing.

The coolest car that I have done however has been a highly modified Lamborgini Guilardo..
Click to expand...

Dan, that would be great! I'm not sure if I've ever visited Marshall. Do you just work at home? I just got finished PCing my hood and it looks good there are just spots everywhere that really drive me crazy. Since this is becoming (hopefully) a life-long hobby for me then I'd love to learn how to use the makita.

My name is Mike -- hopefully I'll get a chance to give you a call.
 
I have detailed many cars from kelly moss motorsportz, some where in the $900,000+ range. They have a few GT3 Porsches that needed constant exterior detailing.
Click to expand...
Are you that guy from the video? LOL. Just joking. I dont think all of the cars I have detailed add up to $900,000, but it would be nice to do just one.
 
BlackAcura said:
Dan, that would be great! I'm not sure if I've ever visited Marshall. Do you just work at home? I just got finished PCing my hood and it looks good there are just spots everywhere that really drive me crazy. Since this is becoming (hopefully) a life-long hobby for me then I'd love to learn how to use the makita.

My name is Mike -- hopefully I'll get a chance to give you a call.
Click to expand...

I work actually off of rimrock rd in madison. Maybe this weekend you can swing by my house and I can help you out with teh car and let you use my stuff, you will love the P&S products.. and my buffer is nice and light too.. I can show you what each pad does etc..
 
BLUELINE 1 said:
Are you that guy from the video? LOL. Just joking. I dont think all of the cars I have detailed add up to $900,000, but it would be nice to do just one.
Click to expand...


Its a little nerve racking at first. The GT3 car I buffed/polished and waxed had some recent paint work done with overspray on other surfaces.

I swaer that when I am done, the cars gain 2-3 MPH on the top end:)
 
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