Buying a machine

dantastic

I recently had my car in to a panel beater for a bit of work and he also did a machine polish. The car looks fantastic!

I want to keep up with the polish and wax going forward and I'm looking to get a machine to save my arms. I find I quickly lose motivation after having finished the roof :rolleyes:

So the paint work is in pretty good condition so I imagine I won't need to polish very often, it's mostly waxing. I've been looking online and most machines are for polishing and come with cutting pads. I don't think this is what I need though?

Any suggestions here?

Curran

You want a buffing machine, not a polishing machine, then?

Waste of time to be honest - apply the wax in thinner layers; easier to apply and buff off, and its actually better for bonding. Two thin layers is better than one lashed on.

Those buffing machines are big and awkward, and only sort of helpful on the bonnet and boot lid...the roof is a nightmare to use it on!

Get a quality microfiber cloth...that'll help too!

dantastic

But don't you have to work the wax in properly?

The microfiber cloth, is that to get the wax on or off? At the moment I use old cut up t-shirts

Curran

No, you dont work wax, you just apply it.

Polish you would "work"

The microfiber cloth is for removal of products...applicators for applying.


You've a bit to get up to speed on! :P

dantastic

Curran wrote: »

You've a bit to get up to speed on! :P

Lol - yes!

Ok, I might hold off with a machine so and see how waxing goes with just applying the wax. I have probably been doing too much work for no reason it sounds like...

MetzgerMeister

Small circular motions with little pressure using a proper applicator pad will be sufficient. All you need to do is apply it thinly, no need for "working it in". Results will be a lot better if you wash/clay/wash the car beforehand.

After application just let the wax haze (it's bonding and working itself into the paint at this stage) and buff off the haze.

All this can be done with little to no stress so you shouldn't be giving up after the roof unless you're pouring the wax on from its container :P

Roger Mellie Man on the Telly

The car looks great as the machine polish took the swirl marks out of the clear coat. Just in case you don't realise - you need to wash and dry your car very carefully from now on to avoid putting all those little scratches back.