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  2. Car Polishing
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  4. Buffing

Buffing

Quick answer: In car polishing, buffing is just another word for machine polishing, using a powered polishing pad and abrasive polish to boost gloss and soften light marks in the paintwork.

Buffing an Aston Martin
Polishing a car with a sponge buffing pad. This is a soft black pad which is used to give a final buff to the roof of this Aston-Martin.

In the context of polishing cars, buffing is a colloquial for machine polishing. 'Buffing' and 'machine polishing' can be used interchangeably. The sponge pads which attach to the machine polisher are often called 'buffing pads'.

What it means

In the context of polishing cars, buffing is a casual way of saying machine polishing. A powered polisher is used with a foam or microfibre “buffing pad” and an abrasive polish to gently refine the clearcoat. This levels tiny high spots in the paint so light reflects more cleanly, making the surface look glossier and making light wash marks and haze less noticeable.

Why it matters

  • Translates workshop jargon: When somebody says they will “buff” your car, it means they will use a machine polisher, not just wipe it over by hand.
  • Sets expectations: A quick buff is usually a light gloss-enhancing machine polish, not a full multi-stage paint correction that chases every last scratch.
  • Affects results and safety: Knowing buffing involves machines, pads and abrasives reminds you it should be done properly to avoid swirl marks, holograms or burning through the paint.

Where you’ll see it

You will hear “buffing” used by valeters, detailers and bodyshops, especially on polishing menus and in casual conversation. Pads for machine polishers are often called “buffing pads”, and a quick tidy-up of the paint may be described as “giving it a buff”.

Context

Buffing and machine polishing are largely interchangeable terms in car care, and some people also use “mopping” to mean the same thing. In detailing, buffing usually refers to the lighter, finishing end of machine polishing rather than heavy cutting or sanding.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming buffing is just wiping wax on and off by hand rather than proper machine polishing.
  • Expecting a quick buff to remove deep scratches, stone chips or damage that really needs repainting.
  • Using the word “buffing” to sell heavy correction work without explaining what is actually included.
  • Letting untrained people “buff it up” with a cheap rotary polisher, which can leave holograms, swirl marks or even burn through edges and high spots.

Written by . Last updated 17/11/2025 15:25

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