applying/buffing wax with a pad attached to a drill?

H

HydroMan

New member
I don't know whether this is a good idea or not, but let me explain what my question is.



When I go to a client's house to wash their cars, I wax their vehicles (its included in the pricing). I apply the wax by hand and apply/spread it with a pad. I then buff it off with a dedicated microfiber towel.



I really hate doing this by hand because it is very time consuming and really hurts my arms and back from all the bending down and scrubbing etc.



Is there an attachment sold anywhere or a mod that I can attach to a normal drill and use that to apply and buff off wax? Is this even a good idea to use a drill? I cannot really afford those cool orbitals that you guys have.



Oh yeah, I also have a random orbital sander...
 
Random orbital would work, even a cheap one if you are just putting on wax. I would NOT put a pad on DRILL. That is basically a hard to control rotary spinning at God only knows what RPM. Sounds like paint burning just waiting to happen.
 
Nevermind, i just did some internet research (which I should have done before I posted)... It seems that with a drill it would take even longer to do the job, and be very akward because the drill doesn't lay flat like a PC.



Is there anything out there that works faster (or heck even better) than waxing by hand?
 
Sorry about that Drew... I posted right after you did and didn't realize you posted. Can you tell me how a random orbital can be used/modified to apply wax and buff it off? Is that safe? Is it faster than by hand?
 
I just went on eBay and Im seeing a lot of affordable orbital buffers. the thing is, they have like 3000+ rpm. Is that good or bad for a vehicle?
 
I bought a portable random orbital that is cordless. Simoniz brand. Its from Canada. I believe Meguiars and Wen has an equivalent model. I'm sure you'll find others.



I bought it for $30 and its ok. Not as good as a PC but okay if you don't have the money and you needed to be portable. RPMs are low as well.



I'm sure others will suggest you to don't waste your money and save up for a real PC :)
 
HydroMan said:
I really hate doing this by hand because it is very time consuming and really hurts my arms and back from all the bending down and scrubbing etc.
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Easy solution - a rolling mechanic's chair. You can get one for as little as $20 at Harbor Freight. Honestly, I don't know how I'd detail without it. Not only does it put one in a hurt-free position, but it also helps with leverage by being able to alter the angle of one's body just by shifting its placement. I use one for everything, from QD and ONR washes, to polishing and the LSP.
 
I will save up for a PC :) but for now here are my orbital sander specs



12,000 opm

It has a velcro backing plate



Is this stuff good for applying and buffing wax? Is it too fast/risky?



And omg I can't believe I didnt think of a rolling mech chair, thats an awesome idea lol
 
May I ask what wax your using? Waxing has never been a chore for me when the wax is easy on easy off. Using a quality wax will result in far less buffing.



Using a wowa sealant is another cheap easy option. $25 for optiseal and you just wipe it on
 
Dsoto87, I use Simoniz paste or liquid wax. I just did a search on the forum and some people say that it is indeed hard to buff off.



Is a sealant different than wax?



I just want something easy to buff off, still look good, and buy affordably from a well known store.



But most of all, I want the job to be fast... do yall think a machine is worth it? Remember I have an random orbital sander with velcro back plate and 12,000 opm
 
Dsoto87 said:
May I ask what wax your using? Waxing has never been a chore for me when the wax is easy on easy off. Using a quality wax will result in far less buffing.



Using a wowa sealant is another cheap easy option. $25 for optiseal and you just wipe it on
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Agreed.



Waxing (especially application) should one of the easiest parts of your routine. If removal of the wax is difficult, try a different wax. As has been suggested, maybe look for a WOWO product. Also, the following is one of the best detailing investments I've ever made:



fw401gy_grey_office_chair.jpg




It's cheap, easily comes apart if you're tight on space, and your back will thank you. It makes working on those vertical panels *much* easier.
 
Bostonsfavson, that is a good idea, but I would hate having to re/deassemble it every time... Is that hard to do?



Still, no one has told me whther or not the orbital sander is a good idea...
 
Bump lol come on guys I need to know if the orbital sander is a good idea? I will be shopping tomorrow and I would love to have an answer soon.



What wax will I need?

What kind of pads would I need for applying and buffing off wax?



Orbital Sander specs:

12,000 opm

It has a velcro backing plate
 
Do you have a make/model/link on the sander? What is the diameter of the backing plate?



Just as a point of reference the PC started life as a sander and was adapted to polishing. If you're looking for an OTC wax, Meguiar's NXT is a good one, decent looks, durability wasn't that great but I've never tried the current version (which is supposed to be better), easy off. Only problem is it stains trim badly which is kind of a bad in combination with machine application.
 
Hydro I was at Pep Boys talking to a man buying his supplies. I asked what machine he used and he showed me what he had in his hatch. It was n Advanced Tool Design ATS 10511. He said he got it off Amazon and his Subaru looked real nice. He said it was fairly cheap.

I may even try it out after I pay my daughters tuition for next year.



The NXT 2.0 is easy to put on and take off. Don't know how long it lasts yet though. And it does stain trim. Someone on here posted if you spray your trim first with protectant and if you get the NXT on it and wipe it off raight away it won't stain.



Hoe this helps.
 
AKOZ said:
Hydro I was at Pep Boys talking to a man buying his supplies. I asked what machine he used and he showed me what he had in his hatch. It was n Advanced Tool Design ATS 10511. He said he got it off Amazon and his Subaru looked real nice. He said it was fairly cheap.

I may even try it out after I pay my daughters tuition for next year.



The NXT 2.0 is easy to put on and take off. Don't know how long it lasts yet though. And it does stain trim. Someone on here posted if you spray your trim first with protectant and if you get the NXT on it and wipe it off raight away it won't stain.



Hoe this helps.
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Thanks for the suggestion! I will definitely look into that (I have bookmarked it). But for now, I just need a quick solution in the meantime.



Does NXT apply by hand or by machine? I'd rather have an easy hand applied wax than have to use a machine, but not pay more than $10. Is this possible?
 
Nxt works good by hand in the sun or shade. Durability sucks though. It is easy on and easy off though. I never got it on trim so I can't comment on staining.



You should invest in some ultima paint guard plus. its wipe on walk away.



I've had some trouble with optiseal but ultima is extremely easy. Looks good, great protection, and lasts.



Autogeek is having a sale right now too
 
HydroMan said:
Thanks for the suggestion! I will definitely look into that (I have bookmarked it). But for now, I just need a quick solution in the meantime.



Does NXT apply by hand or by machine? I'd rather have an easy hand applied wax than have to use a machine, but not pay more than $10. Is this possible?
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NXT is going to set you back at least 15 bucks, probably closer to 20. If you're not real concerned about durability and just want the finish to look nice and feel slick, you can pick Meg's Ultimate Quik Wax (UQW) up for 10 bucks. It's a spray wax--doesn't get much easier than that. Plus, you can pick it up OTC just about anywhere.
 
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