Hand applacation verses buffer

[RON DuCHARME]

OVER THE YEARS I HAVE OWNED 5 DETAIL SHOPS AND I HAVE LET ANYONE USE A BUFFER. HAND RUBING MAY TAKE LONGER YOU WILL HAVE SUPERIOR RESULTS. IT IS TO EASY TO LEAVE SWIRL MARKE WITH A BUFFER.HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU SEEN SWIRL MARKS WHEN THE CAR WAS DONE BY HAND ?

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Hand applacation verses buffer

Since this is your first post to our forum,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

OVER THE YEARS I HAVE OWNED 5 DETAIL SHOPS AND I HAVE LET ANYONE USE A BUFFER. HAND RUBBING MAY TAKE LONGER YOU WILL HAVE SUPERIOR RESULTS.

The way that reads above is that you let anyone use a buffer. Not sure if you meant you DON'T let anyone use a buffer?

Also, we would strongly disagree with you. When used correctly a Dual Action Polisher like our G110 will give you superior results as compared to working by hand especially on clear coat finishes which tend to be harder than single stage paints.

I've had 3 brick & mortar detail shops and always offered Mobil detailing plus started teaching classes on detailing starting in 1998 and I've met a lot of people that think that the best finishes are achieved by hand but after the class these people all want to buy a DA Polisher.

IT IS TO EASY TO LEAVE SWIRL MARKS WITH A BUFFER.HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU SEEN SWIRL MARKS WHEN THE CAR WAS DONE BY HAND

It's so easy to leave swirls marks with a ROTARY BUFFER because it's a direct drive tool, but that's not true about our G110 Dual Action Polisher nor with Traditional Orbital Buffers.

You're welcome to post your opinion on this topic but it's simply not true that hand polishing will results in a better looking finish.

Also, turn your CAPS key off, when you type in all capital letter it looks like you're yelling.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Hand applacation verses buffer

Machine Photos - DA Polishers - Rotary Buffers - Traditional Orbital Buffers

These first to machines won't instill swirls or burn through paint when used correctly with the appropriate pad and chemicals.

Meguiar's G110



GEM Orbital Polisher





The below rotary buffer will instill swirls when used incorrectly and sad to say that's how it's usually used in the detailing business.


The DeWalt 849 Rotary Buffer with the Stick Style Handle




One of the things Meguiar's is famous for besides our products is education. We provide training to show both pros and enthusiasts how to choose the right tool for the job and then how to correctly use it.

If you're new to our forum, you might want to spend some time reading and get a feel for this community which is a good idea for any forum you join. Just a friendly suggestion.

[CAShine]

Re: Hand applacation verses buffer

I agree with Mike. When I started using my DA I noticed how easy and safe it was to get great results by machine. I had been a believer of doing things by hand because I was afraid of using a machine thinking that I would cause paint damage. The DA is a must for anyone who is serious about their cars paint.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Hand applacation verses buffer

I admit I was skeptical at first. Always edid the vehicles by hand. After the first time using the G100 I was sold. Far superior finish. It takes the finish up a notch or two. Just my experience.

Hello and welcome to mol.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Hand applacation verses buffer

You may not leave holograms (what you referred to as a swirl, I believe) by hand, but you will leave deeper defects instead (ie, not be able to remove severe defects). Either that, or you will need to charge the customer 3-5 times as much to compensate for the extra time needed to do it all by hand.

On the bright side, you can cancel your gym membership!

Of course, it all depends on what you are looking to achieve. If you are simply using a light polish or cleaner wax to remove haze, then you could probably get away with working by hand alone on customer vehicle and be ok.

However, even by machine it takes me easily 10-30+ hours to achieve perfection on many vehicles...by hand, it would take even longer, if at all possible.

Machines requires RESPECT, and knowledge, but once mastered they can make your job EASIER, and provide SUPERIOR results.

At least, that's *MY* experience.