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Drill buffer/polisher - a "do" or a "don't"?

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Old 05-14-2009, 01:44 AM
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I'm planning on detailing my baby girl for a pre-sale prep, just wondering if a drill bit-type buffer/polisher is a good solution or I should do by hand?

I've heard conflicting opinions on the subject, so I'm curious to hear opinions of other Alpine White owners particularly. And also any recomendations for brands and types of buffers are - as always - appreciated.


PS I'm sure I'll get a few "use the search" and "here's a link" - those are appreciated too, y'all
Old 05-14-2009, 03:03 AM
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ok, so here's my plan:

1. Take the car to a car wash and have it cleaned.
2. Go over the whole car with Mother's Clay bar and some detailing spray for moistening
3. Polish with Zaino All In One (AIO) - possibly repeating the step 2-3 times (should I?)
4. Wax/polish with some kind clear finish (Zaino CS clear, probably)
5. Layer of Zaino grand finale spray

I'm investing in an orbital brush for sure, so that I can still lift a shot glass after I'm done

Can you guys comment on my plan, above, please?


BIG Thanks to Calton (C's Bimmer) and Keith (westcoast550) for their previous posts, among others for providing some great starting info for me.
Old 05-14-2009, 03:20 AM
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Sorry I don't know what do you mean by a drill bit-type buffer/polisher? A pic?
Old 05-14-2009, 03:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Anzafin' post='878127' date='May 14 2009, 07:20 AM
Sorry I don't know what do you mean by a drill bit-type buffer/polisher? A pic?
Basically an orbital brush that you can use on your cordless drill, something like this one:
Drill buffer/polisher - a "do" or a "don't"?-123.jpg
Old 05-14-2009, 03:46 AM
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Originally Posted by v_therussian' post='878136' date='May 14 2009, 02:40 PM
Basically an orbital brush that you can use on your cordless drill, something like this one:
Attachment 79342
Doesn't look very good idea to me .
The drill is very difficult to handle and I think the rpms it runs are way too high! A big risk to burn the clearcaot.
Old 05-14-2009, 04:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Anzafin' post='878139' date='May 14 2009, 07:46 AM
Doesn't look very good idea to me .
The drill is very difficult to handle and I think the rpms it runs are way too high! A big risk to burn the clearcaot.

My drill's not that powerful and I'm sure I can handle it - not a big difference between my drill and an orbital buffer.

I've seen mixed opinions on the orbital buffer, but I want to try it and see. Obviously, if I don't find a good soft brush, I won't risk it.
Old 05-14-2009, 04:49 AM
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Originally Posted by v_therussian' post='878146' date='May 14 2009, 07:07 AM
My drill's not that powerful and I'm sure I can handle it - not a big difference between my drill and an orbital buffer.

I've seen mixed opinions on the orbital buffer, but I want to try it and see. Obviously, if I don't find a good soft brush, I won't risk it.
Not that powerful? Dude that's a Dewalt! That's the e60 of power tools...
Old 05-14-2009, 05:43 AM
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porter cable 7424
Old 05-14-2009, 05:44 AM
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Originally Posted by lightfytr' post='878165' date='May 14 2009, 08:49 AM
Not that powerful? Dude that's a Dewalt! That's the e60 of power tools...

LOL no sir, that's not my actual drill in the pic - mine's a real POS, trust me
Old 05-14-2009, 06:11 AM
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If your going to detail your bmw yourself you might want to invest in a PC7424 or a McGuiars G110. I would forget all about the drill idea. :thumbsdown:


Zaino AIO is not a polish - its a wax with some mild cleaners. Its a good product, but you would probably want to use a polish after the claying, and before the AIO.

Check out a website like autogeek.com for a wealth of products and info.


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