Q&A for How to Buff a Car

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What type of polisher should I use?

Chad Zani
Auto Detailing Expert
Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services.

Chad Zani

Auto Detailing Expert

Expert Answer

If you're new to buffing your car, opt for a dual action polisher, which moves in circles. There's also a rotary polisher, which spins on a single axis, but it's normally used by people with a little more experience because you can get hot spots.

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Question

How do you manually buff a car?

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Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

You’ll need a soft buffing cloth, such as a microfiber rag or foam applicator pad, and some polisher or wax. Buff in your wax or polisher using small, circular motions. You may need to repeat the process to get the desired finish. Just keep in mind it will take longer and be more strenuous than using an electric buffer.

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Question

Is there a way to buff scratches out of a car?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

If the scratches are small and shallow, then you can buff them out with polish. However, if the scratch is deep enough to cut through the paint (rather than just the topcoat), you’ll need a more serious touch-up. If you can snag the scratch with your fingernail, it may be too deep. For small, shallow scratches, apply polish with a buffer or by hand using a soft applicator.

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Does toothpaste ruin car paint?

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Staff Answer

The toothpaste itself probably won’t damage your car, but you might hurt your paint if you rub the toothpaste in too hard or use an applicator that’s too rough. However, toothpaste isn’t that effective as a car polish, either.

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Question

Why do I need a buffer?

Community Answer

The results are far superior with a buffer than buffing a car by hand.

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Question

Is there an angle I should hold the buffer or just put it flat onto the surface?

Community Answer

Always try to buff flat using the center of the pad; this ensures that the pressure and speed are divided around the pad evenly. This decreases the chance of burning your paint.

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Question

How can I eliminate product splatter?

Community Answer

Apply the product to panel. Before staring the buffer, spread the product with the buffing pad evenly and begin.

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Question

Is applying a liquid wax with an orbital buffer the same thing as polishing a car, or do I need a different product for the actual polishing?

Community Answer

Polish and wax are different products. Polish is used after buffing with compound to remove swirls and light scratches. It can also be used to bring back shine. Applying wax would be the last step. Polish is used more for removing light scratches and bringing back shine while wax is more of a protective coating for paint that may remove light/fine scratches.

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Question

Buff or clear coat first?

Community Answer

Clear coat first; buffing is intended to only remove a small layer of the clear coat. It shouldn't touch the base coat at all.

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Question

Can you wash your car normally after buffing your car?

Community Answer

Yes. Just make sure the stuff you are using has no dirt or grime on it.

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Question

How soon do I need to buff my car after a complete repaint?

Community Answer

It's best to wait at least 6 months for the paint to cure and harden before any outside products are used.

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Question

Will compound give the car a nice shiny look, or do I need to do a compound with a polish? I have a 2012 Silver Altima that has some minor scratches.

Community Answer

Use compound with polish.

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Question

Should I use fine sand paper on the car prior to buffing?

Community Answer

Start with a heavy grit and then repeat with lighter and lighter grits until you have removed all the paint.

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Question

What's the best pad to use to buff a car?

Damien Santiago

Community Answer

Foam pads greatly reduce swirl marks. You can buy them at any auto parts store. 3M kind of has a monopoly on them.

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