Stupid question about buffer

[jjrodger]

I bought a random orbital buffer at the weekend. Sucker for gadgets I don't need etc.

I have a really stupid question about it.

The machine came with two bonnets: a towelling bonnet and a soft fluffy finishing bonnet. The question is: do I apply the wax/polish with the towelling bonnet and polish off with the finishing bonnet? Or do I apply the wax/polish by hand and polish off first with the towelling bonnet, then with the finishing bonnet.

I tried the latter at the weekend and was very pleased with the results. However, the towelling bonnet got quite dirty with wax residue. I don't think the finishing bonnet would like having to take all of the wax/polish off.

Thanks.

You should use the terry cloth bonnets to apply any cleaning/polishing products like Meguiar's. This makes the work go very fast, just simply apply by spinning the pad by hand and applying in a spiral pattern.

I usually remove the dried wax/polish with a cotton terrycloth towel and buff with the "fluffy" pad you mentioned.

Good Luck

[jjrodger]

Originally posted by roas
just simply apply by spinning the pad by hand and applying in a spiral pattern.

Thanks for your help. When you say spin the pad by hand, do mean take the pad off the machine and use it to apply the cleaner/polish?

[longston]

If I may be so bold, what Ross was suggesting, was that you turn the buffer pad-side up, and with it disconnected, spin the buffer pad manually whilst applying a spiral of the poilish/wax compound. Then, turn the buffer over on to the surface of your car, plug it back in to the mains, and buff away.

I, on the other hand, prefer to apply the wax/polish with the supplied applicator, and remove it with the buffer. When the build-up is too great, I simply reverse the terry bonnet and continue. I also find that a final wipe with micro fibre towelling removes the last vestiges of dust and helps to get the bits left in channels, and other areas the buffer will not get.