A total idiots guide to buffing - 1982-1993 Mustang GT Registry Message Board

5.0Powell · 08-07-2017, 09:13 PM

Hello everyone!

I have a question about cutting, buffing, and paint swirl.

So my new 90 GT has crappy paint. Some areas are totally flat but a good portion of the car is just heavily oxidized. So I figured I would try my hand at buffing it out. As a previously ASE and Ford certified automotive technician I figured I could hack it.

Last weekend in my infinite wisdom I watched a bunch of videos on youtube and figured I took to the garage.

I prepped the car by washing it. I used a claybar and detail spray, and then I buffed with Meguiars Ultimate Compound and a buffing pad attachment for my cordless drill.

The results, as you can imagine, are about as bad as this plan...

The car has a lot more shine to it, but it is definitely now swirl scratched.

So my questions are:

1. How (if at all) can I fix this monumental mess I have made.

2. What products can do you guys use? I used a buffing attachment on my cordless drill but something tells me I should either A - invest in a real buffer or B - stick to microfiber pads and elbow grease.

Thanks in advance for any help on the matter. Clearly I have much to learn in this department so educate me.

rjs86gt · 08-07-2017, 09:54 PM

Wow, what a coincidence. I was just watching this video earlier this afternoon. Early in the video the detailer was buffing the paint and was having fits with the microfiber pads clogging. Check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz-zW-cLdUs

As for me, I've always used a mark 1 mod 0 handheld pad and elbow grease. The paint is so thin on my 86 I was afraid to use a buffer for fear of burning through.

Shakerhood · 08-08-2017, 11:45 PM

A real dual action buffer would surely help, I use a Porter Cable with excellent results.

5.0Powell · 08-09-2017, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shakerhood

A real dual action buffer would surely help, I use a Porter Cable with excellent results.

That is definitely in the cards! Any suggestions on compounds? or should I really just cut it again?

08-07-2017, 09:13 PM	#1
5.0Powell Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 586	A total idiots guide to buffing Hello everyone! I have a question about cutting, buffing, and paint swirl. So my new 90 GT has crappy paint. Some areas are totally flat but a good portion of the car is just heavily oxidized. So I figured I would try my hand at buffing it out. As a previously ASE and Ford certified automotive technician I figured I could hack it. Last weekend in my infinite wisdom I watched a bunch of videos on youtube and figured I took to the garage. I prepped the car by washing it. I used a claybar and detail spray, and then I buffed with Meguiars Ultimate Compound and a buffing pad attachment for my cordless drill. The results, as you can imagine, are about as bad as this plan... The car has a lot more shine to it, but it is definitely now swirl scratched. So my questions are: 1. How (if at all) can I fix this monumental mess I have made. 2. What products can do you guys use? I used a buffing attachment on my cordless drill but something tells me I should either A - invest in a real buffer or B - stick to microfiber pads and elbow grease. Thanks in advance for any help on the matter. Clearly I have much to learn in this department so educate me. __________________ 1990 25th Anniversary GT. 5-speed. Wild Strawberry with Titanium. Gone but not forgotten. 1990 25th Anniversary GT. Bright Red. Auto. New Project.

08-07-2017, 09:54 PM	#2
rjs86gt Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Portage, Michigan Posts: 185	Wow, what a coincidence. I was just watching this video earlier this afternoon. Early in the video the detailer was buffing the paint and was having fits with the microfiber pads clogging. Check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz-zW-cLdUs As for me, I've always used a mark 1 mod 0 handheld pad and elbow grease. The paint is so thin on my 86 I was afraid to use a buffer for fear of burning through. __________________ Randy Black 1986 GT Hatchback totally stock 5spd with 90K Other vehicles in the fleet - 2011 Chevrolet HHR 2002 Chrysler Voyager - 310,000 miles 1999 Mercury Sable with DOHC 3.0L 220,000 miles Last edited by rjs86gt; 08-07-2017 at 09:54 PM.. Reason: misspelling

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08-08-2017, 11:45 PM	#3
Shakerhood Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,014	A real dual action buffer would surely help, I use a Porter Cable with excellent results.