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How do you buff a car with an electric buffer?
My car is in serious need of a polish, but I’ve never used an electric buffer before. How do I use one?
Lisa Steuer McArdle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great idea to give your car a fresh new look! The good news is that buffing a car with an electric buffer is fairly simple.
When using an electric buffer, you only need a small amount of polishing compound smeared around the polishing pad before turning on the machine. Here are are the steps to remember:
- When buffing, move the buffer about one inch per second, using sweeping movements.
- Stay on one section for several passes, then move to the next.
- A car with more surface damage will need a stiffer pad and an aggressive compound.
- Most cars will go through several polishing pads in one buffing session. Use a new pad when the current one becomes caked with polishing compound.
- When you’re finished, use a soft microfiber cloth to remove any traces of polishing compound. Now your car is ready for a wax to protect the paint.
Cars have several layers: a primer coat, a color coat, and a
clear coat
. Buffing a car means you’re polishing the outer layer, or the clear coat. You want to avoid burning through the paint and damaging the finish, so you only need to apply about five to seven pounds of pressure. Luckily, most buffers will automatically slow to a stop if you press too hard.
Another way to project your car is with car insurance.
Jerry
can help you find the most affordable coverage. The app will send you quotes that compare to your current coverage—and as a licensed broker, it takes care of your insurance needs from start to finish.Enjoy driving around in your shiny, freshly polished car!
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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