I've never used a buffer before to remove scratches and swirls, the method I used are scratch removers and that doesn't give me the best results. Anyone have experienced with a buffer? What's the best buffer?

 

For me, Porter Cable Dual-Action 7424 polisher works like a champ. Here's a good kit/instructions:
Kit. http://www.properautocare.com/porcabuldetm.html
Instructions. http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-pc7424.html

 

Just a quick tip, if you have never used a polisher (heavy duty/doubles as a grinder), I wouldn't go near your car with it. You will end up putting more swirls in the paint then you take out. You will be better off with the cheap little random orbit buffers you can buy at sears/home depot for around $60

 

Dual-action is a lot safer than normal buffers. Just read and learn.

 

Absolutely! I just didn't want him going out and getting one of those polishers/grinders (unidirectional) cuz it's is too easy to burn through the paint, plus a new car doesn't need to be wheeled out like that! I just looked at the link you attached. That looks like a great lil polisher, how do you like? Is it better at applying or buffing, or good for both? Does it spread product on evenly?
Thanks!

 

Works great for applying and buffing ... just need the right attachments. I especially like the velcro kit (switch pads easily) and mf bonnet.

 

ive only used the cheap orbital 10" buffer that i got for like $40. never had a problem. i just put the pad on, and one extra terry cloth between the paint and the buffer and i let the weight of the buffer do all the work. i just guide the buffer. ofcourse you cant do that on the sides, but dont put too much pressure and you'll be fine and always use one extra terry cloth. it always comes out fine.

 

The porter cable rocks. It's variable speed, so you can put the opm at 1/6 and it won't melt your paint. Very easy to remove surface swirls and apply wax/sealant.

Drew
2003 G35 Sedan 6MT / Black / Graphite / Prem / Aero

 

yer so right. My 01.5 passat in deep blue was rioned upon delivery by a overzealous grinder - I mean buffer. I had 3d swirls in the hood so deep they never came out. And they laughed when I asked them to fix it. Had to lemon it I was so mad. After a fender bender went to the VW body shop where the swirled the jesus out of it ALL over. People who detail and do body work have no idea how to treat a clear coat! It's unbelievable.

2003.5 DP 5AT Sedan
14.2 @ 97.18
Z-Tube
K&N Drop In & Airbox Mod
10 Wire Hyper-Ground
Crawford Plenum (V4)
UR Crank Pulley
Hotchkis Sways (M/M)
Polk EX-3500 Tweeters/Shock Sensor/H-Liner

 

My school of thought says that a buffing wheel should never be used on a car! I think it creaqtes too many problems. In the old days, before clearcoat, a wheel in experienced hands could work wonders, with clearcoat, I don't see any point. Even after being freshly painted, if the car it lightly wet sanded, I would imagine that you wouldn't need to use too much force to bring out the brightest shine/luster possible. I would think a slow movind random orbiter would work fine. I will note that I do not have any experience with a freshly painted surface and these are just my thoughts. I could be wrong.

 

It's like deja vu all over again

2003.5 DP 5AT Sedan
14.2 @ 97.18
Z-Tube
K&N Drop In & Airbox Mod
10 Wire Hyper-Ground
Crawford Plenum (V4)
UR Crank Pulley
Hotchkis Sways (M/M)
Polk EX-3500 Tweeters/Shock Sensor/H-Liner