Easy to maintain without buffer?

G

gli mang

New member
How many of you detail without a buffer like a PC?



I dont mind hand applying waxes, and polishers...I kind of enjoy it. However, Can I maintain the same results by doing everything by hand that I could if I had a PC.



I will be buying a brand new car by the way so paint will perfect to begin. I just want to know before I invest $120 toward a PC.
 
If you have the money and don't mind spending it, I'd say definitely get the PC. You can correctly maintain your vehicle by hand, but the PC will help you achieve your goals easier, faster, and better than by hand.
 
JDookie said:
If you have the money and don't mind spending it, I'd say definitely get the PC. You can correctly maintain your vehicle by hand, but the PC will help you achieve your goals easier, faster, and better than by hand.
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Jason is right. A PC will save you time and keep your shoulders from getting sore. It also will remove some defects that you just won't get out by hand.



Just because your car is new doesn't mean that the paint will be perfect. If the dealer does any prep work you can usually count on them inducing a few swirls; I'd give them specific instructions not to prep the car...maybe let them remove the cosmoline, but that's it. I'd also clay the car to remove any fallout or rail dust.
 
The PC is mainly needed for polishing. If you have a new vehicle, and you keep it properly waxed and follow proper washing and drying techniques, you may not really need a PC to polish it for quite a while. Also Lowes has the PC 7336 for $99.
 
Unless your hand can move back and forth 6,000 times per minute, the PC is the only way to get polishes to break down correctly in order to do their job. Polishing a car by hand, you are mostly just smearing things around, and are very limited at what you can do. The PC, on the other hand, uses pressure and friction to help break down the abrasives in the polishes to actually *polish* the surface to a smoother, glossier finish.



That being said, if all you're talking about is applying wax, then by hand will do just fine but if you ever want to do any polish work, which you will probably want to do once ever six months *at bare minimum*, the PC is the better way to go.
 
I have no regrets about investing in a PC. It is a very useful tool and allows me to achieve a higher level of finish than I ever got by hand.



Even if you paint is perfect when you buy the car, what will you do in 3, 6 or 12 months.



Aside fro polishing paint, a PC is also useful for applying a thin, consistent layer of sealant and polishing the glass.



I would argue the relative cost of buying a new car - v- a $100 PC makes it outstanding value for money.



Out of the tens of thousands of threads on Autopia, there are only a few comments about people regretting buying a PC.
 
If the finish is pristine to begin with you will be able to maintain it by hand. It will be easier and faster with a power buffer like the PC. Mitigating damage like swirls, pits, etching or stains that may occur would certainly be much, much easier with the PC.



I have to agree with Lowejackson, relative to the cost of a new car, or a new paint job on an old car, the cost of a PC is minimal. I consider it a wise investment.





PC.
 
Even though I use the PC/Cyclo/rotary for most everything, sure you can keep it nice without a machine. Just take it in the plastic (so the dealer doesn't mar it) and don't mar it while washing/drying/using the vehicle. But note that this is *MUCH* easier said than done.



On the vehicles I'm careful with (washing, etc.) I hardly ever have to polish them. So no real *need* for a buffer. But it does seem that "stuff" happens, out in the real world :rolleyes:
 
mirrorfinishman said:
I have always detailed without a buffer like a PC.
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Wait until you have to deal with PPGs new CeramiClear paint. You will either need to break down and get one or have to explain to your customers you can't correct defects in that paint.



I didn't use a buffer for the first 10 years I was detailing professionally. I now wouldn't consider doing anything other than applying a glaze or lsp without a buffer.
 
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