Is a PC finish better than a hand finish?

[ERdept]

SO before I invest in a PC buffer, which seem to be the gold standard for buffers.

I need to know one unbiased thing. Logic tells me that you are applying the same polish, and wax as what you apply by hand.

So, is the finish BETTER with a buffer, or just faster? Please answer as unbiasedly as possible. I know human nature is such as to justify the reasons a person has or does something because the ego is a fragile thing.

But is the finish truly better with a rotary buffer such as the Porter Cable or just faster with the same chemicals applied in both cases?

If it's not better, I'd just save the money and buy products and do it by hand. I've got the time and it's a labor of love, IF IT"S THE SAME RESULT.

[eyeball96]

I prefer the Hand Job!! I have buffer, but don't use it! Like u said its a labor of love!

[eddie926]

The primary reason to buy a machine like the Porter Cable 7424 is to be able to effectively do paint correction; eliminating oxidation, swirls, scratches, etc. While you can do those things by hand, you can do them much more effectively and MUCH faster with a machine.

I use mine for paint correction, and then when the paint is in as good a shape as I can get it, I apply my wax or sealant by hand. (So I still get in a hand job like Joe )

The results that I get polishing with the PC are far better than I could get by hand. It would take me days to do by hand what I can do with the PC in a few hours.

Having said all that, it depends on your goals and where you're starting. If you're starting with paint that's already in good shape, yeah, you can be fairly effective working by hand.
My 3 cars were all somewhat neglected and needed more help than I could give them by hand.

I don't know what polishes, etc., you're using now, but I wouldn't necessarily assume you're going to be using the same stuff with a machine unless you're already using good quality products that were designed to be applied by machine? i.e. you don't use Turtle Wax with a PC. Also, realize that to get the good results with the PC, you need to buy not only the machine itself, but a good backing plate and some good quality pads. The pad that comes with it is pretty worthless.

It's still a labor of love with the PC. In fact, for me, now that I've seen what can be accomplished with a machine, it's moved more toward an addiction. I find myself wanting to detail all the time. I'm spending way too much time on detailing forums. I'm buying way more detailing products than I need just to try them out. I'm thinking about buying a rotary polisher, or a better DA like the Flex polisher, etc. So, be careful if you buy one, you might be getting into a new addiction.

Also, if you're going to buy a machine, make sure you DO buy something like the PC. It's about the least expensive REAL machine you can buy. You can't do much as far as paint correction with lesser machines like the cheapy buffers they sell at Wal Mart, etc.

Joe, what kind of buffer do you have? I'm assuming it's not a PC because from what I know of you from the boards and your love for caring for your coupes, I'd be surprised if you wouldn't become a paint correcting addict like me if you were using a PC or other good machine.

[eyeball96]

Joe, what kind of buffer do you have? I'm assuming it's not a PC because from what I know of you from the boards and your love for caring for your coupes, I'd be surprised if you wouldn't become a paint correcting addict like me if you were using a PC or other good machine.

Its one of those crappy machines they sell at walmart...(christmas presents from someone I forget who now, yrs ago!)...I really need to get a PC tho!

[eddie926]

Originally Posted by eyeball96

Its one of those crappy machines they sell at walmart...(christmas presents from someone I forget who now, yrs ago!)...I really need to get a PC tho!

That explains it. I'm betting if you got a PC or Flex you'd love it. Like I said though, the whole detailing thing can become a serious addiction after you take that plunge. Pads, polishes, time...

The PC is about the least expensive good machine you can get.
http://www.autogeek.net/poca746varap.html

The UDM is the next step up from that. It's basically the same machine only with a more powerful motor. It had been a few dollars more than the PC, but now it's regularly selling for the same price.
http://www.autogeek.net/ultimate-det...-polisher.html

The hot Dual Action machine right now is the Flex. It's more capable than either of the other two, yet still safer than using a rotary. Unfortunately it's way more expensive than either of the other two.
http://www.autogeek.net/flex-orbital-polisher.html

At any rate, some good polishing with any one of those, followed by a coat of Pinnacle Souveran wax or a good sealant would make your coupes glow. Literally.

[eyeball96]

LOL..Yeah I'm not gettin any younger! The elbows are going to need the help of a good pc sooner or later. Thanks for the information!

[Pb]

Even if time and effort were not a factor I'd still use a buffer to polish. It does a better and more consistent job. Polish has to be really worked to make it do its job, and your arm is just not strong enough or fast enough to compete with a good buffer.

Waxing can easily be done by hand. Polishing is a different story.

[ERdept]

Originally Posted by Pb

Even if time and effort were not a factor I'd still use a buffer to polish. It does a better and more consistent job. Polish has to be really worked to make it do its job, and your arm is just not strong enough or fast enough to compete with a good buffer.

Waxing can easily be done by hand. Polishing is a different story.

Yes, the most appropriate answer. Thanks. Going to Lowes now. More money.

[Pb]

Originally Posted by ERdept

Yes, the most appropriate answer. Thanks. Going to Lowes now. More money.

My local Lowe's doesn't carry PC buffers anymore.

[eddie926]

I couldn't find one locally either. Got mine off eBay.

[touringcamry]

I've only used mine for waxing and Klasse Twins. I find that I can wax somewhat faster with the PC than by hand. Also I'm less tired at the end of the process.

[dktaco]

Originally Posted by touringcamry

I've only used mine for waxing and Klasse Twins. I find that I can wax somewhat faster with the PC than by hand. Also I'm less tired at the end of the process.

^ Yes, the process is faster, but you use more product with the PC if you are waxing. I just use my PC for polishing and paint correction. Nobody is strong enough to due the job of a machine. I do love rubbing on the car, but boy does the PC make life so much easier. Just get a kit online from autogeek.com, best prices around!

[eddie926]

I've found that once the paint has been polished well by machine, waxing by hand is relatively effortless. When the paint is in good condition, a wax or sealant just glides on and then buffs off easily. It's when the paint is oxidized, and/or has a lot of contaminants and/or a lot of swirls that hand waxing becomes hard work.

[Playr]

Originally Posted by eddie926

Also, realize that to get the good results with the PC, you need to buy not only the machine itself, but a good backing plate and some good quality pads. The pad that comes with it is pretty worthless.

I don't have one yet but I'm seriously looking into getting a P.C. 7424 myself. Anyway, I read that the stock pad can be used to remove wax when covered w/ a microfiber bonnet. Any truth to that?

Also, best price I found was right off of PC's own site linked to this place http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/S...459+1203485611

[Pb]

You can remove wax and polish with a bonnet. But I just do it by hand with a good towel. If polish is hard to remove then you probably didn't work the polish long enough. Work it until it almost disappears or makes dust.

If wax is hard to remove then you probably applied it too thick, or applied it on hot paint. A mist of quick detail spray will make it easier to remove.