Best buffer & polishing backing plates according to redditors
We found 6 Reddit comments discussing the best buffer & polishing backing plates. We ranked the 3 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 6 Reddit comments discussing the best buffer & polishing backing plates. We ranked the 3 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Wow. I should get into paint correction. <$250 for all the tools and polish and waxes. As a car guy, I don't mind waxing my car every 6 months (or 4 months if you're in the frigid north or are anal). I also feel it's foolish to drop $2k-4k on these nano-quartz-bullshit schemes that a lot of car guys swear by nowadays. If you want to drop $4k on paint protection, go for it, but I can get a full window-out repaint for the same price!
Here's what I learned:
Buy the equipment:
https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-7424XP-6-Inch-Variable-Speed-Polisher/dp/B002654I46
https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Action-Hook-Flexible-Backing-Plate/dp/B0008G1RDK
https://www.costco.com/Kirkland-Signature-Microfiber-Towel-Case%2C-324-count.product.100341124.html
https://www.amazon.com/Collinite-Liquid-Insulator-Wax-845/dp/B000JK2D06
http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html (MIN: 2 orange, 2 white, 1 black, 1 blue -- I prefer doubling this order; Autogeek almost always has 10-25% off coupons on their mailing list)
You will also need an extension wire with the appropriate gauge (too thin/cheap cables might cause you to burn your Porter Cable motor!)
Buy the compounds (start with UC; if swirls aren't getting cut, move up to 50%/50% UC and 105 on the pads; finish with 205 regardless):
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G17216-Ultimate-Compound-15-2/dp/B001O7PNNM (medium aggressive)
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Mirror-Glaze-Ultra-Cut-Compound/dp/B003LMGDHI (most aggressive)
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Mirror-Glaze-Finishing-Polish/dp/B001O7PNXC
Wash your car with this, and the two-bucket method:
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G7164-Class-Shampoo-Conditioner/dp/B0009IQXFO
https://www.amazon.com/Zwipes-Chenille-Microfiber-Premium-Scratch-Free/dp/B002J7KCOG
Claybar the car:
https://www.amazon.com/YGDZ-Quality-Detailing-Claybar-Shipping/dp/B01MF4BVVS
It took me about 5-6 relaxed hours on a Sunday with a few beers for the full correction. Now I simply top up the wax every few months (and that only takes 30 min).
The thing is, once you do the full correction and get rid of all your swirls and scuffs and whatever clearcoat damage (wash + claybar + M105/UC + M205 + wax), then you don't have to do the FULL correction ever again.
Ever again meaning, if you wash the car properly thereafter with the two-bucket method. You'll simply need to top up the wax once it stops beading -- the wax will protect the clearcoat from damage and swirls.
My wax lasted 6+ months being daily driven in the California sun with three coats of Collinite 845 -- I assume if yours will see more snow and ice and rain, perhaps it'll only last 3-4 months. But since a bottle costs <$20 and you'll get at least 36+ layers out of it, I always recommend this versus the "nano coatings" that people are shelling out $2-4k for.
Here's the Collinite fanboy thread:
https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/40243-collinite-845-definitive-how-guide-legendary-wax.html
Any other questions, feel free to ask. Good luck!
My headlights were MUCH worse (long story). I used this (since its out of stock just get a similar kit on amazon):
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gator-3-1-in-Headlight-Restoration-Kit/4747427
and this (plan to reapply this every year or so, heard about it on scotty kilmer youtube channel):
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G17804-Clear-Headlight-Coating/dp/B01M4RVVX6
It was really easy and worked amazingly. IMO dont even waste your time or money buying sandpaper and doing it by hand, this is basically the same cost or so and much easier
EDIT: This on amazon should work well
https://www.amazon.com/Headlights-Taillights-Restoration-High-Precision-Waterproof/dp/B07KP8J7Q2/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=headlight+sandpaper&qid=1573631053&sr=8-9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_k4NtNLAwY
I sure hope that's the the case! what threw me off is the yellow fuzz that's around the backing plate I guess I need to just scrape that off?
Lake Country - Dual-Action Hook & Loop Flexible Backing Plate - 5 Inch Diameter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0008G1RDK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XvxDDb5JCZ0H7
If you go this route, do yourself a favor and throw the backing plate that comes with the HF DA in the trash. I returned my first one because the stem was bent and the second one was just as bad.
I picked up one of these to go with my Lake Country 5.5 inch pads
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0008G1RDK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Get the HF DA Polisher Lake County 3" backing pad and some 3" meduim cut and polishing pads.
Its going to cost another $20-$30 over the meguiars G3500, but you will actually have a tool that can do paint correction.
Later on you can pick up a larger 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads when your budget allows it.