Thinking of trying an orbital buffer for the first time. Should I try it?

 

I would do it by hand and then use the machine for a light buff for the final shine.
Hope it is random orbital.

 

The Porter Cable 7424 is supposed to be awesome from what I have read

 

The PC is a great tool... but you DON'T need it for waxing. Multi-stage polishing yes... waxing NO. Especially if you use something good like P21S paste wax. It's like rubbing melted butter on your paint, wipe on, wipe off. No waiting for it to haze.

BTW check out www.autopia.org

 

I totally agree. I use my PC for polishing and do the final wax by hand. I use Meguiars DACP and/or #9 depending on what I'm trying to accomplish. I'll also do a final polish with Meguiars #7 and then finish off by hand with S100 (p21s) or Meguiars NXT. You're right about S100 (PS1S), it goes on and off so easy that it takes no time to wax.

 

Easiness of waxing = less durability? I have always had the mindset that if it comes of easy, it won't last long as far as doing it's real job...protecting the paint and repeling water. I think there is a definite difference between a polish and wax and I say from personal experience that Cherry Wet Wax looks awesome, but man it sure didn't last long on a daily driver that had no garage protection

Waxing is a lot of work for it not to last. I am trying to decide if the buffer will eliminate a lot of hand work and allow me to do the truck more often. But it seems that many don't use the buffer for the actual wax process

 

In the waxing process, it's not really necessary to apply your choice of wax with very much pressure, so the need for a machine application doesn't create any benefit and really doesn't speed up the process either. Where a PC comes in handy, is during the polishing and swirl removing process, as those need to be worked into the paint. As far as protection goes, a lot depends on the climate you live in. Carnauba wax isn't as durable as the synthetics, but their ease of use makes it simple to apply and it's easy to do a follow up coat 4 weeks later to get that showroom shine back amd maximize the protection. Many of the synthetics are also easy to use and will offer a little more protection. A good practice to get into is using a quality quick detailer in between waxings. After a wash and dry, a quick follow up with a QD will bring the shine back and offer a little protection until you wax again. My choice for QD is Meguiars Final Detail. Another thing many people do, is wax with a synthetic and then top coat with a carnauba such as S100(p21s). It gives you outstanding protection and also the great shine of a carnauba. You only need to do the polishing process two or three time a year, but I like to wax every month during the nice weather. It may not need the protection, but I like the showroom look.

 

I usually wash with Dawn to remove old wax then put a glaze like 3M hand glaze on to shine it and remove any swirls, then a few coats of wax. Last time (on the old truck), it was Cherry Wet. I have no idea what to try this time.

What about the P21S polish followed by Meguiars NXT wax?

 

Fractal,

I've had great results with Zaino on my non-garaged
truck. lasted about 7 months through the winter and
multiple weekly car washes ...

And Zaino doesn't need the PC ... it's all hand and really
easy.

 

Don't the orbital buffers cause a greater amount of swirling in the finish? I guess the would be useful if you had a problem with your finish such as some kind of residue on it that you would need to remove.

I have had similar success with the Zaino product which is why I keep using it year after year. This year was the first winter for the new truck and I put about 6 coats of Zaino from Sept to early Dec. using the ZFX stuff when it got colder. I also moved to a new home in a new area so on top of the salt, crap and mud that I had to deal with, I washed the truck down and the finish still is well protected. The water is still beading up nicely off of the hood. It still feels smooth to the touch. I also notice the smoothness of the front panels as they haven't pitted up to much with embedded road crap. I have a good model to compare with as I owned a 99 L previously through similar (if not milder) conditions. On that truck I initially used another expensive and well known product and it did not hold up as well at all. My wife's Grand Am which is an 01 model looks and shines like it was brand new.

 

I guess you can use a polisher for aplication of wax/polish but I would be very careful when I use it on edges, do not apply alot of pressure, and always make sure your polisher aplicator is not showing dirt, change it often, and make sure you buy a polisher. NOT a buffer, do some research.

Sears is fine ....you dont have to spend alot of cash on a polisher.

I use a polisher on my vehicles when I need to remove swirls only. Low speed and low pressure on a perfectly clean surface...otherwise it will create swirls.

For protection and shine I use hand applied Zanio. Zaino also has a spray on gloss enhancer Z6 that you can use between aplications., good stuff one bottle of Z2 & Z5 & Z6 will last a couple of years easy..... check into a claybar also...

don't forget to hand paint and detail the bottom of the truck from front to back and polish your rear diff.

 

Most carnauba waxes last a few weeks to about 2 months tops. The benefit of P21S is that it's so easy to use you won't really mind putting on a coat once a month after a good washing. If you want more protection most people will layer products such as Klasse AIO and/or SG with a P21S topper (I use AIO with a P21S topper). That gives you the 6 month protection of a polymer with the visual benefits of the carnauba wax on top. You'll still want to reapply the wax every month or so, or you can just stick with the Klasse all by itself.
Like I said before www.autopia.org is a great place to look around on for the forums and product reviews. You can also download David's ebook... I believe the 1st 8 chapters or so are unlocked for free.

Edit - Just reread the thread and it looks like MaxTorque said the same thing. Oh and I wouldn't recommend the P21S with something on top of it... P21S is a show car wax that should be applied last. I don't have any experience with NXT yet but I do remember there were a lot of people eager to try it when it came out.

 

I completely agree with the above. I too use Zaino with NO buffer and it will last a good 6 months with 3 coats or so through winter, road salt and grime and approx. 20 car washes (touchless).

You can't ask for better protection or long lasting. Get the Zaino you will be glad you did...

 

Ok. I took your guys advice and just ordered some Zaino to try (Z1,Z2,Z5). Now back to the original question...do I need a buffer at all? They have always kind of scared me.

 

yes, if you have a light scratch, or swirls.....
buy one and practice on your girlfriend/wifes car

get the small one at Sears for 19.99 and try it out.....dont be scared, the only thing you need is a soft applicator and a dirt free surface. Oh and order a bottle of Z6 ....you can use a california duster and a little Z6 a couple times a week to keep it nice...