Buff It Up! The Best Buffers to Make Your Car Shine Like New

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The right car buffer can turn a paint job from ordinary to extraordinary. If you've ever seen before and after images of the work of a skilled detailer, you might mistake it for plain old wizardry. It's not all paint correction and resurrection though; a buffer can be a handy tool to help perform often overlooked maintenance on your vehicle's finish.

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional detailer, finding the perfect buffer can be a game changer. From the gentle caress of random orbital buffers to the power-packed prowess of rotary machines, we've taken a look at a range of buffing machines to see what they offer and what's best for the regular Joe and pro alike.

Things To Consider

There is an art to polishing a vehicle, and many of these machines are built for specific purposes, so it's important to consider a few factors before tackling your next job.

Skill Level: Assess your experience with detailing tools. Some buffers are more user-friendly for beginners, while others require a higher level of expertise to avoid paint damage.

Type of Buffer: Choose between orbital, rotary, dual-action, or forced rotation buffers. Orbital buffers are beginner-friendly, while rotary buffers offer more power but require more skill. Dual-action buffers combine safety and efficiency, and forced rotation buffers are excellent for heavy paint correction.

Power and Speed Control: Look for a buffer with variable speed control. Different tasks require different speeds, so having adjustable speed settings allows for versatility and precision in your work.

Size of the Buffer: Consider the size of the buffer's pad. Larger pads cover more surface area, speeding up the process, but may be challenging to handle in tight spaces. Smaller pads are best for precision work.

Budget: Set a budget based on your needs and skill level. Buffers range in price from budget-friendly options for beginners to high-end professional models. Balance your requirements with your budget.

Ready to shine? Here are the best car buffers on the market.

Rupes LHR21 Mark III Buffer Polisher

Among serious detailers and professionals, Rupes is a go-to brand for buffers. Rupes has been making some of the highest-quality machines in Italy for nearly 100 years.

The LHR21 features a large 21mm orbit (hence the name), a 30-foot-long power cord, a 500-watt motor with an operating range between 3000 and 4500 OPM, six speed settings, and a variable trigger.

More than any of these features, what justifies the higher price of the LHR21 is Rupes's strong reputation for uncompromised quality. Despite being a favorite of the pros, it is also easy for new detailers to pick up and take for a spin.

Adam's Polishes Swirl Killer 9mm LT Polisher

The Swirl Killer from Adam's garnered the Best Overall nod from the Gear Team when we tested a handful of buffers earlier this year. The team loved its rubber handhold for damping vibration, its super grippy backing plate, and its overall list of features.

It features a handy 16-foot power cord, 1000 watts of power, a locking power switch, and a maximum of 6500 OPM.

Flex XCE Random Orbital Polisher

Flex is a popular brand among detailing aficionados. The company is known for its high-quality buffers and reliable customer support. As you can imagine, this quality comes with a price, and the XCE is one of the priciest options on our list.

While impressive, the specs don't tell the entire story here. It features a powerful motor with an operating range of 2900 to 8600 OPM, an 8.8-foot-long power cord, a soft start, and a continuous speed control trigger. The reason the Flex made this list is the fact that professional detailers love Flex products. Despite being a favorite of the pros, it's still a dual-action polisher, so the less-experienced of us need not shy away.

Chemical Guys TORQX Random Orbital Polisher

As usual, when it comes to detailing, Chemical Guys has all the bases covered. The TORQX is a dual-action polisher that's intended to be good enough for professional jobs but also easy enough for a novice to use. It features a 680-watt motor with six speed settings (1200 to 4200 OPM), easy-to-use controls, and interchangeable backing plates, which means you can use it for big or small jobs.

During testing, the Gear Team found that the plastic handle created fatigue over extended periods of use.

DeWalt Buffer Polisher

DeWalt is a big name when it comes to power tools, so producing a quality buffer seems like a no-brainer. It has a nice array of features like soft start, which minimizes splatter when you first power on the buffer. It's also got a 1250-watt motor with an operating range of 600 to 3500 RPM, an adjustable handle, wool ingestion shields, and a variable speed trigger.

Note that this is not a dual-action buffer and as such should be used with caution by nonprofessionals.

Griot's Garage G9 Random Orbital Polisher

Griot's G9 polisher makes a strong case for itself. It has a powerful 1000-watt motor with an operating range between 2000 and 6400 OPM, as well as six speed settings. It's also loaded with neat features like a fan-cooled counterbalance to keep things smooth, a quick-connect power cord, plenty of rubber grips for comfort, and a Temperature Management System that monitors the machine and shuts down when it exceeds normal operating temperature.

The G9 offers more features than many of the other buffers on our list while still being among the most affordable.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless Polisher

Seasoned detailers know the importance of a lengthy power cord when working with a buffer. While a nice long cord is great, no cord is even better. The M18 uses Milwaukeee's proprietary 18-volt rechargeable FUEL lithium-ion battery to achieve an operating range up to 2200 RPM. It's designed to apply weight naturally at the head so that the user need not apply much, if any, force when buffing. Its list of features includes a variable speed dial and trigger, a rubber front housing, and a removable dust cover. What makes it worth the cost of entry is its cordlessness.

Be aware this is a rotary buffer and isn't suitable for those who are new to the world of detailing.

Porter-Cable 7424XP Polisher

The Porter-Cable 7424XP is the polisher I keep in my own garage. When I purchased it a few years ago, I had little to no experience with detailing. The 7424XP was user-friendly right out of the box. It features a 4.5-amp motor, an electronic variable-speed dial that operates at 2500–6800 OPM, a proprietary counterbalance, and a two-position (left or right) removable side handle so that you can use it with either hand.

For the price, this is an incredibly solid buffer that will certainly meet the needs of anyone short of a full-on professional detailer.

Black+Decker WP900 Waxer/Polisher

Most of us know Black+Decker for its array of power tools, but I sure wasn't aware that it produced a pretty solid 6-inch orbital buffer. Relative to some of the other offerings on our list, it's a pretty barebones polisher, but that's fine.

If you plan to do some basic buffing this will get the job done. It features a respectable 10-foot-long cord, can run up to 4400 OPM, has a two-handle design, and, most importantly, an impressive price of under $50.

Meguiar's MT300 Dual Action Variable Speed Polisher

Meguiar's is well known for its quality automotive detailing products, so we have expectations for a buffer wearing the name. The MT300 features a 500-watt motor with an operating range between 3000 and 7500 OPM, a thumb-adjustable speed dial, a counterweight for smoothness, and soft start. It also has a neat feature called Digital Torque Management (DTM), which allows the machine to maintain its speed automatically while under load.

In all, the MT300 isn't the most remarkable in terms of features, but its user-friendliness and the brand's strong reputation have earned it a spot on our list.

Ryobi Variable Speed Dual Action Polisher Kit

If you're already a user of Ryobi's family of rechargeable 18-volt power tools, this buffer will slot nicely into your toolset. The Dual Action Polisher has a lot going for it on paper: a powerful motor with an operating range between 3000 and 7500 OPM, an adjustable handle with multiple locations, and a three-year manufacturer's warranty. It's also one of the lightest buffers on our list, making it even easier to maneuver when polishing.

Most importantly, it's cordless, and this kit comes with a battery and charger. Ryobi claims that you can polish an entire vehicle with moderate to good paint on a single charge, but if this is not enough, you can always purchase an additional battery.

FAQs

How often should I use a buffer on my car?

The frequency of buffer usage depends on your car's condition and your detailing goals. Buffing once or twice a year for general maintenance is common. However, more frequent use might be necessary for specific issues like scratches or swirl marks.

What types of pads should I use with a car buffer?

The type of pad depends on the task. Foam pads are commonly used for polishing, while microfiber pads are suitable for applying wax or sealants. There are also specialized pads for specific applications, like cutting pads for heavy paint correction.

Can beginners use car buffers?

Yes, many car buffers are designed with user-friendly features, making them suitable for beginners. It's essential to start with a lower speed setting and practice on a small area to gain confidence and avoid damaging the paint. Orbital buffers are generally considered safe for beginners due to their oscillating motion which reduces the risk of damage to the paint surface.

How do I choose the right pads for my buffer?

Pads vary in material (foam, wool, microfiber) and purpose (polishing, waxing). Choose softer foam pads for polishing and firmer pads for waxing. Match the pad type to the specific task you want to perform.

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