How to use a rotary buffer

**DNS** · 18th March 2008, 01:42

Hi guys,

My detailing gear so far includes:

Megs Scratch X
Megs steps 1 and 2
Mothers California Gold Carnuba (sp?) wax
Various microfibre clothes, foam applicator pads etc

Yesterday was my birthday and my parents bought me a rotary (random orbital) car polisher (RAC branded from Argos). Assuming the weather is nice tomorrow, I'm itching to give it a go on my black sapphire veccy. It suffers quite badly from light swirl marks and the "hologram" effect when in direct sunlight.

Anyone got any tips on how to use my new toy? Never used a rotary buffer before... Which of my products should I apply with it and which should I do by hand as usual? I'm hoping the ScratchX will go on with the machine as it's a real pain in the arm to do by hand...

Any help much appreciated!

**Leviathan** · 18th March 2008, 01:51

Originally Posted by DNS

Hi guys,

My detailing gear so far includes:

Megs Scratch X
Megs steps 1 and 2
Mothers California Gold Carnuba (sp?) wax
Various microfibre clothes, foam applicator pads etc

Yesterday was my birthday and my parents bought me a rotary (random orbital) car polisher (RAC branded from Argos). Assuming the weather is nice tomorrow, I'm itching to give it a go on my black sapphire veccy. It suffers quite badly from light swirl marks and the "hologram" effect when in direct sunlight.

Anyone got any tips on how to use my new toy? Never used a rotary buffer before... Which of my products should I apply with it and which should I do by hand as usual? I'm hoping the ScratchX will go on with the machine as it's a real pain in the arm to do by hand...

Any help much appreciated!

I cant advise but have read enough to know you need some of the tips people here know. Dont use the beast until some experts reply fella.

**JonR** · 18th March 2008, 02:06

is it a rotary or a Random orbital?

2 totally different things

you got a link?

**Duncan** · 18th March 2008, 02:12

I would expect it's a random orbital given the RAC branding i.e. meant for the masses as opposed to a pro (rotary).

**FIL 4822** · 18th March 2008, 03:34

My advice would be use a fine polish like (as in consitancy) Autoglym silicon resin or Megs no.82 are ideal and keep the machine you have moving at all times. Don't hold it in 1 small area as this may damage the paint if the area starts to get hot.
It may help to use a paint clenser before polishing (Megs step 1 will do it) until you become more confident and experienced at what your doing, then you can move onto the more dedicated polishes etc.

Don't use the scratchX on the machine, the polish will sort the swirls out. Just use scratchX on deeper scratches and do it by hand.

**DNS** · 18th March 2008, 11:07

Hi guys,

Thanks for the tips. The machine is a random orbital buffer (not a pros bit of kit, it came from argos!)

Just a quick question to fil4822 or anyone else who knows, are Megs no82 or autoglym silicon resin going to remove the swirls or just cover them?

**DNS** · 18th March 2008, 11:34

Forgot to ask before...

The buffer came with a synthetic wool bonnet and a terry cloth one. Know the terry cloth is fine, but not sure about the wool? This ok for removing polishes and general buffing?

**Stevel** · 18th March 2008, 13:29

Megs #82 is an abrasive polish and used properly will remove the swirls. BUT get yoursef a scrap panel to practise on first. It takes alot of skill to do it properly,

**FIL 4822** · 18th March 2008, 15:36

My best piece of advice is "use common sense" and don't go at it like a bull in a china shop !
The terry towel pad is good for applying liquid waxes
TBH i'd only use the lambs wool pad to buff it up when its all done.
The SRP and Megs# 82 will remove the finer scratches but won't perform miracles on the deeper ones, that's where the scratchX comes in.
It might pay you to get it done by a professional first and just keep ontop of it yourself with your "Buffer".