It puts the finishing touch on a paint repair, so do it
right. Here are some guidelines.A buffer/polisher is one of the most effective
and versatile tools in the auto body repair shop. In the hands of a
professional, it can eliminate myriad flaws in the finish and produce a new car
shine that will impress even the most demanding customer.
Basically, the purpose of buffing is twofold: to remove surface imperfections
such as runs, sags and dirt particles, and to match the surface texture of the
repaired part to the rest of the vehicle. The high-speed buffer smoothes or cuts
the new paint surface, enabling the paint technician to better match the
original finish.
Before picking up the buffer, inspect the repair area for tiny dirt nibs and
level of orange peel as well as more obvious surface flaws.
Then, take film thickness readings on the repair area to make sure there is
enough clear coat to polish (See Sidebar,
