My first try with an orbital buffer

[usmc]

My parents had taken their Chevy Suburban offroad last week, a little to much offroad I think. Then ended up on a very narrow dirt road that got even more narrow the farther they went down. With nowhere to turn around, he was forced to push thru. There were overgrown plants and trees on both sides and you'll be able to see that it did a number all along both sides of the suburban.

The suburban is very new. I couldn't believe it when the brought it over. I've been wanting an orbital buffer for some time and though heres a good reason to get one. So I ordered up a buffer, 4 levels of compounds and 4 different levels of pads.

I was nervous but it only took me a bit to learn how to hand the buffer and when to use what compounds/pads.

Once I finished the door I took the below pics. Whatta you think?

[usmc]

After shots

[moni6]

Looks amazing! Did you use a Porter Cable 7424? Once you use one you never go back to hand waxing.

[cerberus]

Wow! Yeah, which buffer did you use. Good job .

[MRSSKY]

wow! very nice I would like to see some details, regarding the buffer etc....is it possible to take a picture of the pads, compound etc....I know its alot to ask for but I would like to invest in some. with a black vehicle there's always some scratches that are noticeable....
thanks,

mary

[SkyHi07]

Great job! Plus I think we have the same camera. Sony P-150?

[kwayne]

I just finished rewaxing mine- 'cuz I messed up the 1st time
1) take off old wax w/very HOT water & dawn dish soap; rinse very good
2) used Mequiars paint cleaner to get water marks off
3) Meguiars polish, 'cuz I got dark color car
4) Meguiars nxt wax let dry, DA off
my DA buffer is generic from auto store in 6" size, buy the microfibre pads
no elbow grease to take off
my thanks to Ahnuld, at Mecca tour- those that saw it
You wouldn't believe it today

[Skyflare]

Wow, that worked! Can't argue with the results, impressive job!

[xmicro_Redline]

Looks great! You don't want to do that too often, eventually you go through the clear. Every couple of years with a light compound/polish.

[usmc]

Originally Posted by xmicro_Redline

Looks great! You don't want to do that too often, eventually you go through the clear. Every couple of years with a light compound/polish.

ya, especially doing what I did. I had to use a heavy compound to get thru the huge scratches. then work my way down with medium, then a very light compound. Finally finishing with a polish and sealant.

It was a little nerve racking using the heavy compound. after buffing out the heavy and wiping it all down, the paint was very cloudy. It really brings up the anxiety level!!!

but I followed the directions and as I worked my way down thru the compounds, it just got more reflective and shiny till it was finally back to a perfect finish.

I agree, the most I will do on the sky will be spot compounding the deep scratches rather than do the entire car. Maybe do a complete polish once every 2 years. The orbital does save a ton of time when applying sealant.

[usmc]

I used the DEWALT orbital. Its actually marketed as an orbital sander but is the same thing as anything listed as a polisher.
I researched both the dewalt and the porter and found that more of the pro's use the dewalt so I went with that.
http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...aaa+1179846107

DO NOT use a regular high speed polisher!!! Only use an orbital. the highspeed rotational polishers build up heat very fast and should only be used by someone with experience. I used one years ago before I knew anything about this and put serious swirl marks in a buddys car. I may attempt it now if the opportunity arises as feel much more comfortable now.

pads - I used the lake county CCS pads - http://www.detailcity.com/lake-count...-pads-6-5.html

I really wanted to use the Edge 2000 pads but they don't work on the dewalt but do work on the Porter. http://www.detailcity.com/edge-2000-...polishers.html

compounds - I bought it by the gallon. - http://www.chemicalguys.com/category_s/8.htm

I bought the heavy, medium, ultra light. This should cover about anything. I then bought their 16oz polish to finish the job.

I use Gary's sealant - www.perfectautofinish.com

Remember to research how to do this online before attempting!!! I found a number of sites with free tutorials and even videos.