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buffing faded paint

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type82e Wolfsburg Wizard

591 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#68785
ive jusst bought a bug with faded and dull paint would buffing bring this back?

you can get those buffing machines at supa cheap at the moment for $29.95 are these any good?

and what should I use just buffing compound?

any tips on how to do it
marcel

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#68832
If you are not experienced at using a buffing machine I suggest by hand is for you.
There is the chance of burning through the probably thin paint with any machine if not handled correctly.
I would suggest a colour rejuvenator like T-cut which is very mild. In fact it is almost identical to Brasso, so you can use that also if you like.
Then finish off with a glaze polish to protect.
EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

koolkarmakombi enkarmarising

2,078 posts · joined Jun 2003 ·

#68880
Helbus, could you please give a rundown on buffing anyway? Would love to get the 'tips of the trade' to avoid the obvious mistakes that I, a novice buffer could find out the hard way.....:thumb:thumb:thumb

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#69107
For refinishing we use a variable speed buff worth about $700. Pads worth between $50 and $70 each (three grades used), Cutters costing $70 a 500ml bottle and a rag to wipe/ finish that is $50 on it's own. The only tips I can give in that respect is that a lot of experience and money is required to get it 100 %

For the home polish, by hand is the best way to do it with no damage.

If you need a heavy cut done, and you have never done it before, and you want to give it a go, there are numerous ways to go about it.

You can buy small hand held polishers, and I suggest soaking your new lambs wool once before using it.
You can buy drill attachments with pads.
Do it in the shade.
Go easy on the pressure epecially on edges.
Don't use the outer edge of the pad as it WILL burn the paint.
Keep the pad moist with cutters at all times.
With experience you will be able to get at tighter corners, watch out for antenna and wipers.
Wash car straight away to remove cutters.

To keep my paint in good condition I use a glaze/ cleaner once a year and silicon polish on top. When I just want to jazz up a bit, Mr Sheen works quickly, but doesn't last long. Good for shows.
EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

oval TOFU Bitte, ein Bit!

2,946 posts · joined Jul 2003 ·

#69157
hey HB

I think i've seen you driving around in the good ol burb or Blackburn somewheres... or was it at Monash? dunno...

anyways, what cutting product would you recommend to do a light cutting job? My paint is pretty good, but i want to see my reflection in it better. I got a Meguires buffing foam pad that i've used several times and i dont think that i'm that bad at it... i only wanna do a few small sections that i think had been resprayed by the previous owner... Would Kitten Cut and Polish be too harsh? I'v got some Surface Prep from Meguires too.. any comments on this stuff?

Cheers

ovalish tofu
...and Robert's ya father's brother...

helbus Administrator Mad fabricator, paint and body

7,386 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#69203
Oh yeah you will see the bus around it is definitley driven not hidden.

If you only want a fine cut to be done, then use a compound that is not too abrasive. I am not familiar with Kitten products.
If you need to do a fine cut, just to remove some scuffs, then a compound that says it is designed as a cut & polish in one go should not be too harsh.

Good to hear you are going to give it a go. :thumb
EJ22 into Bay Microbus - Finished project build thread- click on this spot here for info

oval TOFU Bitte, ein Bit!

2,946 posts · joined Jul 2003 ·

#70137
:thumb

cool... Will try it when it's not pissing down with rain....

What brand of products do you use?
...and Robert's ya father's brother...

Craig Torrens 6 times Australian, 7 times State Hillclimb Class Champion

8,040 posts · joined Jan 2003 ·

#70226
Thanks for the advice Helbus and tips :thumb


oval TOFU Bitte, ein Bit!

2,946 posts · joined Jul 2003 ·

#70328
thanks heaps HB

😎
...and Robert's ya father's brother...