Waxing/Polishing your Bird

[Skip]

No, this isn't about what brand of wax/polish to use, but what you use to put it on and take it off. I've used only elbow grease since my '02 was new (over 6-1/2 years), but I am considering purchasing some type of buffer. I'm looking for TBN members thoughts, suggestions, experiences. Which brands/types have worked well, which to stay away from. I've seen electric powered units for as little as $25 and well over $150. Your thoughts and experiences are appreciated. Thanks!

Skip

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Waxing/Polishing your Bird

Just do a search for "porter cable" in the search box above.
You'll have enough reading to keep you busy all night!

[Chuck]

Re: Waxing/Polishing your Bird

7424

[farmbird]

Re: Waxing/Polishing your Bird

Skip:
If you haven't ever used a buffer, either stay away from it or practice on an old clunker first. It is very easy to burn through the clearcoat or the paint if you are not expierenced. With the different waxes and cleaners available today, you will work harder trying to use the buffer than you will by doing it by hand.

[FritsB]

Re: Waxing/Polishing your Bird

I bought one a year ago, used it once or twice but got back to the elbow grease thing.
First time I scratched paint with the plug on the extention cord. And it is hard to get wax/shine in the typical shapes of the Bird. You can use it for max 60% of the car. Good for hood, trunk and door panels yes, but rest needs 'FingerSpitzenGefühl'

[Skip]

Re: Waxing/Polishing your Bird

Thanks to you all. I'm getting the point. Lot's of arm & back exercise continuing in the future.

Skip

[oldgrunt]

Re: Waxing/Polishing your Bird

I have and use an old 8" orbital polisher. It works fine and didn't cost much when I bought it back in the 80's.

I did try it out on my old truck first and it works great.

[Blue Heaven]

Re: Waxing/Polishing your Bird

Skip,
A number of our members sing the praises of the Porter Cable 7424. If I were going to use a machine, that would be the one.

But for me, hand polishing/waxing my cars has always been a very relaxing and satisfying experience. So, no machines for this Birdie!!!

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: Waxing/Polishing your Bird

The expert detail expert on this site is Lou. He has an amazing shine on his black bird and I do not think he uses any sort of buffer. He builds and layers the shine with detailer and technique. Hopefully he will check in on this thread.

[rexster314]

Re: Waxing/Polishing your Bird

Unless you have a lot of surface scratches and such that need a lot of correction, stay away from the rotaries. The PC orbital will do wonders with the Bird's paint. I use it on mine 1-2 times a year with clay bar work once a year. In between it's Zaino hand applied and Zaino QD spray in between.

Rex

[RREDBRD]

Re: Waxing/Polishing your Bird

I always enjoyed the hand polishing in the shade of a big old tree in the park. I used a buffer on an old black car for a time but gave up. It just didn't look as clean. Now in my old age I've found a GREAT product that is so easy to use, I'll go around the Bird 2 or 3 times. Try ICE.

[David M 7173]

Re: Waxing/Polishing your Bird

I have used buffers in the past, mine are air buffers but as stated be careful it is eay to burn paint. Also remember each time you use a buffer you are wearing the paint down.
I am using a clay bar for the first time I just finished my Bird and now to apply polish. I am amazed at how easy and great the clay bar works. I am very disabled and can not stay on my feet long. I did most of the clay bar work seated in a chair. When I did the front valance I had to lay on my back to do it, and Blenda had to help me up [ what a chore we had ]. Any way now for the polish Turtle wax Ice I have read much about this and i beleive it will be geat.
David

[njmiket]

Re: Waxing/Polishing your Bird

Where can you purchase Zaino products?

[007Cruiser]

Re: Waxing/Polishing your Bird

Where can you purchase Zaino products?

Here ya go, Mike: http://www.zainostore.com/

[njmiket]

Re: Waxing/Polishing your Bird

Thanks