Buffing a car can make an old paint job look like new and a new paint job look even brighter. Buffing auto paint requires a specific process that must be followed to protect the car's paint and to keep the paint in good condition. If a buffer is used wrong it can cause damage to the paint that can only be repaired by repainting the car, which is a very expensive mistake.
Wash the car with car soap and a soft sponge. Be sure to remove all dirt, debris or dust on the paint. Rinse the car with water to remove any trace of dirt or soap. Use a soft, absorbent towel to remove all water from the car's surface. Allow the car to dry completely.
Put a clean buffing pad on the buffer. Set the buffing speed to 880rpm or on "medium", depending on the buffer's settings. Apply the liquid buffing compound evenly to the surface of the pad. Place the pad on the surface of the car's hood and begin to buff the car. Rotate the buffer in small circular motions. Don't press the buffer into the paint - the weight of the buffer puts enough pressure on the surface.
Stop the buffer to apply more liquid compound and to check the pad. If the pad is getting clogged with compound, remove it from the buffer and clean it with water and set it out to dry. Put a new pad on the buffer, apply more compound and start where you left off. The compound makes the surface of the car cloudy. Allow all of the compound to dry on the car.
Remove the buffing pad from the buffer. Put the polishing pad on the buffer and using the same speed and motions, polish the dried compound from the car. Polish the entire car until all of the compound is removed. Check the pad often and change it if the compound is building up on it. The built-up compound can scratch the car's surface.
