random orbital buffer

[buffalo bill]

Will the cheaper (black and Decker) or other braands of 6" and 10" random orbital buffers do a good job with scratch x 2.o and crystal polish, or do you really need to upgrade to a d/a orbital from megs or porter cable, I have a 2010 black silverado, (large panels) and a 2005 harley road king also vivid black, I have always done by hand, but truck is muy large. Any help or advice would be appreciated. I usually just use scratch x then i apply nxt tech wax, should I also apply crystal polish? It seems really smooth after scratch x and wax, but being a freak I'd like the ultimate. What else should I do. Glaze?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: random orbital buffer

The fastest and most effective way to remove below surface defects out of clear coat paints is by machine using a safe tool like the Meguiar's G110v2 Dual Action Polisher.

Here's an older article I wrote but it still has good, relevant information,

Rotary vs DA Polisher vs Traditional Orbital Buffer



I posted a brand new article on the topic of the TOB or Traditional Orbital Buffer to the Hot Topics forum here on MOL and if it's approved you can find it later today. It's titled,

The Traditional Orbital Buffer aka The Wax Spreader


I tried hard to write it to be very accurate and explain in detail what's involved in removing defects out of modern clear coat paints and why a traditional orbital buffer won't really do much good.

Here's the link to the Hot Topics forum group.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: random orbital buffer

Added that link for you, Mike!

[searle]

Re: random orbital buffer

Will the cheaper (black and Decker) or other braands of 6" and 10" random orbital buffers do a good job with scratch x 2.o and crystal polish, or do you really need to upgrade to a d/a orbital from megs or porter cable, I have a 2010 black silverado, (large panels) and a 2005 harley road king also vivid black, I have always done by hand, but truck is muy large. Any help or advice would be appreciated. I usually just use scratch x then i apply nxt tech wax, should I also apply crystal polish? It seems really smooth after scratch x and wax, but being a freak I'd like the ultimate. What else should I do. Glaze?

I would say "it depends".

If you are just using ScratchX as a paintCleaner, then it will work fine with the OB. Esentially similar to working by hand but less fatigue. And, in this case, SwirlX might be a better choice (slightly less abrassive, also contains glaze/polish hence DC2 may not be needed).

If you have defects you are trying to remove, then that is a different situation and the OB wont be much more effective than by hand (you need a more prefessional machine, *AND* knowledge/experience using it). See the above referenced threads on "OB Wax Spreaders".

Also, you dont mention using claybar before ScratchX, but you should do that (perhaps spring and fall). A little glaze (DC2 or M07) never hurts, especially on dark Black or Red cars, but there is some glaze in SwirlX (not ScratchX) and also in NTX2, so it may not make a noticeable difference.

A personal note, many folks (me included) like to top NXT2 (synthetic polymer sealant) with #26 (carnuba) since we perceive that the carnuba adds a slightly deeper/warmer finish.

And, after your weekly washes, dont forget to spray UQW (can be used during drying). That will help give you the ultimate.