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Just got a nice D.A. buffer kit, any tips or tricks?

1452 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  AJdarkfire
Hey guys, I just got this kit right here https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081NW8WL7
Going to start using it pretty soon and was wondering if anyone had any tips or tricks I should look out for? I went with a D.A. because this is really the first time I'll be using it and didn't want to risk burning the paint. I obviously know the common sense things like patterns to go, small sections, etc... But one thing I'm not entirely sure of is what kind of pads I should be using. The kit comes with 2-stage with compound and polish, so I was just curious if anyone had any luck with one pad over another? The body of my car is pretty much in pristine outside of some minor clear coat scratches, small chips, and some obvious black scratches on the paint that'll need to be buffed out. Can the plastic trim on the front bumper be buffed too? Any tips or tricks would be helpful. Thanks. :)
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Orange pad for cutting deeper scratches + polishing compound = First pass over(s)
White pad + finer cutting compound and or polish = second pass over(s)

Basically, you start with the orang + higher cut, then go up to the white + finer cut, then polish with white, and or black if you have a black one.

The orange is the 'cutting' one though. Though.. it really doesn't cut much. That all depends on the polish.

You will be fine though, just give it a go. Just make sure you dont stand in one place at a time with the buffer. ALWAYS keep it moving and you will be good.

Also, make sure to put the compound on the buffer, then spread it around a bit with the buffer on the car, and make sure the machine is touching the car when you start it up so you don't fling that crap everywhere. Compound SUCKS to remove off stuff!!
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Digi is right on the money.

My tips:

- prep is super important, do full wash and dry phases and a neutralizer pass before cutting. Chrisfix latest video covers some good fundimentals on this (even tho he didn't neutralise) this is like doing a clay bar pass, it takes off metal particulates and other solids, but it's spray on so it's far easier, my favourite is Bowden's 3 in 1

- With DA and compound you only apply enough pressure to prevent the "kickback" of the machine, u don't need to press it hard at all, if you were doing the correction by hand you'd apply a bit more pressure.

- when polishing and waxing, expect a 'ribbing' effect as you go over large areas, if your not getting a light constant ribbing effect of product after you pass over areas you should adjust your method and quantity etc. The ribbing indicates your doing it right and wipes off with microfiber. The more you use a DA and perfect your paint correction skill you'll see what I mean

- melamine foam (aka magic eraser) is like ultra high grit sand paper, before using cutting compound you can go over scratch areas with it, then compound with DA to achieve a better scratch removal

:)

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Yeah +1 on the wash and such. I usually just do wash + clay bar. I really wish I could be doing mine right now. Sucks not having a garage!

@qwertylesh : Good tips! Keeping these in mind for next time i do mine!!
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Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. I was aiming for the wash, claybar, wash again, dry, and then go to town. Love all your other suggestions. This pays from taking it to someone to have it detailed. :)
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