Buffer and Wax Recommendations???

[06RTLNAVBlue]

I need a new buffer and wax.

Any buffer recommendations (size,speeds,etc.)???

I have only used Meguiars wax, I have heard of "Zaino" and others that may be better. Any advice???


Thanks!!!

[vertrkr]

I was just about to post the same question, for the buffer anyway. Tired of waxing by hand, specially the Ody. I've looked at Ziano wax, heard it was the best but researching it sure seems to be a pain to put on, lots of initial steps. Think I'll just stick with regular old Meg. Gold or their new Techwax, probably just a marketing scam. I've applied both and don't notice a difference. Biggest factor has to be just doing it a few times a year what ever you use they all seem to be the same to my untrained eye and I've tried alot of brands over the years.

As for the buffers, it's new to me. Always heard danger of burning the paint but that may be old school before the random orbital buffers came to market. I think any buffer that's orbital and a speed of 2400 rpm should be good, I think higher speeds just add more danger to building up heat from friction so I'd want slower rpms. Then of course there's what type of pads to use, no idea, haven't looked into that much yet.

[H&A]

I've got a Craftsman buffer (10"), it will vibrate my arm off after awhile. Got a foam pad for applying the wax recently and really like it with that. I hadn't used it in a couple years and was really happy with the end results (had been doing the cars by hand). The downside is the foam absorbs a ton of the wax. I was saved the task of trying to clean the foam when it caught a sharp edge on my old 240Z's chrome and ripped.

I've been using the meguires techwax that was mentioned. If I remember right the meguires gold stuff was a bit trickier to apply as it was one of those that you don't let dry, wipe it on a small area and immediately wipe it off. That procedure doesn't lend itself to a buffer real well (thus my several years of hand buffing).

I've used the zaino stuff before too. It is good stuff. I got tired of the steps and mixing and things. I do remember being amazed at how the shine just kept getting better with each coat. Even with multiple coats it didn't seem like it got a real deep gloss like some other products. Some seem to do deep while others do a crisp hard look.

Vertrkr is correct, the burning the paint problem only applies to the high speed polishers. The orbital buffers don't spin fast enough to generage that kind of heat and you really aren't supposed to put much pressure on them.

-Trevor

[Keoni]

If you read enough of the auto fanatic detailer forums, you'll find that most folks use and love the Porter Cable 7424 dual action polisher. I use it now and really like it--only wished it had a throttle trigger (RPMs are set prior to switching the unit on). It's smallish (5-6") but can hit upwards of 6,000 rpm without damaging the paint. Check it out here:

http://www.properautocare.com/porcabpolac.html

So far, I'm falling in love with the Klasse All-in-One polish/glaze for my silver RL. Easy on, easy off, no dust, no rubber stains. I'm a happy camper!

Aloha,
Keoni

[zero]

I have a box of Zaino stuff that I ordered but it got here long before my Ridgeline is scheduled to arrive. I have never used these products but I have heard good things. I will post pics as soon as I can (no truck until 2 weeks from now).

I may have to try the orbital polisher on my wife's Camry. Better to use an older car to get technique down before unleashing it on the Ridge.

[Nthnfancy]

The PC DA is the way to go for polishing. Lowes sells them but you have to order the velcro mounting plate and foam pads from properautocare. When you pick a wax to put on it's a good idea to get one that doesn't put white marks on your black trim. Luckily the ridgeline doesnj't have as much trim as my f-150

[Ridge]

I've heard that paint on a vehicle fresh from the factory is still curing so don't wax or take a power buffer to it for like a month. Take it for what it's worth. I won't be touching the surface execept for washing for a couple of months. Plus it's in the garage most of the time, which is the best protection for any vehicle.

[shingles]

You really don't need a buffer on a new vehical.
I would suggeset using some Zaino products. They are easy to apply and take off and last a REALLY long time with great protection.

Buffer should be reserved for when the vehical is older and there are more damage to the paint.

[emgun]

Question:

it seems that dust and pollen is attracted to a new vehicle or a freshly waxed one like iron to a magnet. Is there an anti-static wax/ spray or cloth that will help repel this stuff?

[shingles]

Zaino products claim to attract less dust. While I don't know if it "attracts" less dust, I do know that if my car is dusty, it's much easier to wipe off.