Can I use a polisher as a buffer?
The words "buffer" and "polisher" are used interchangeably and are synonyms, as discussed here.
However, that does not mean all machines are made equal, and are designed to do exactly the same job. We would recommend always using the right tool for the job.
Let's compare two kinds sold by Halford's.
Halford's 110v Polisher
This polisher is best used for applying and removing polishes and waxes that are designed for use by hand. It will make life easier and save on elbow grease.
It has a rather broad pad, which means it distributes pressure evenly, minimizing the risk of damage. Over this pad you can attach various 'bonnets' for applying polish and buffing it off again.
There are some polishes which are designed for use by hand which are really rather good, and used in combination with this machine would be ideal for brightening up your paintwork, especially if used regularly. However, this is not really designed for serious work. In fact, this is not a type of machine we would use here at New Again. We would prefer to polish a car by hand, as faffing around with machines like this would probably slow us down - but we are professional and pretty quick. If you have limited mobility and find wiping off the wax to be taxing on your arms, this could be the ideal product for you.
Anyone can pick up one of these machines and start using it, as the skill level required is minimal. With a product like AutoGlym's Super Resin Polish, you should be able to remove oxidation and even some wash marks, and brighten up the finish.
Halford's Dual Action Polisher
This polisher is much more capable and accepts a range of buffing pads, which when combined with various grades of compound and polish, would even allow for paintwork correction. The Double Action will help minimize risk of introducing swirl marks.
However, while the machine is fairly capable, this doesn't magically confer the required skills onto the user, in order to make the most of it.
There are lots of videos on YouTube showing you how to polish a car using a machine polisher, but if you feel this is a hobby you could get into, we would highly recommend doing a course. Although, most companies offering courses will be teaching you how to use their products on their recommended machine. However, you can learn far more in a hands-on tutorial than you can from watching videos.
Once you have the skills, it would be possible to properly machine polish a car with this polisher, removing wash-marks and light scratches, without introducing buffer trails.
If, however, you are reading this because you thought you might be able to save money by restoring your own car, you are probably going to spend a considerable amount of money and time, and not quite get the results you want unless you enter into this seriously. It is a skill which takes a great deal of practice and experience to master.
Do Not!
Try to polish your car with a rotary polisher. Halford's sells a range of polishers and various price points, but you will notice that Halford's and other motor accessory shops only sell Dual Action or Random Orbital, and not rotary polishers. This is because they are difficult to use, and very difficult to get a swirl free finish with.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 20/02/2023 17:07