Random Orbit

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Using a Random Orbital Polisher/Buffer

Using a random orbital polisher/buffer can take a lot of the time and "elbow grease" out of detailing your car, but many people new to automotive detailing are hesitant to use electric buffers on their cars for fear of making a mistake and causing damage.  In reality, a random orbital type buffer, by design, can be used easily and safely, even by an inexperienced detailer.

A random orbital buffer is similar to a rotary buffer, in that it uses the rotation of a soft disc to apply a solution and buff paint.  An orbital buffer, however, polishes in a smooth, gentle, random motion that will not burn or damage paint.  Random orbital style buffers are great and safe even for beginners.  The random, oscillating motion ensures that the same spot on the surface of your paint does not receive too much attention and become damaged.

Orbital buffers generally use interchangeable contact surfaces called bonnets.  The bonnets fit over the foam oscillator pad in the same way that a fitted sheet fits over a mattress.  For the most typical use, there are three main types of bonnet that you will use.  They are:

• Applicator bonnet - This is used to physically spread polish and waxes across the surface of the vehicle.
• Polishing (or microfiber) bonnet - Polishing bonnets are used to gently remove dried polishes and waxes, and leave the surface of the paint smooth and glossy
• Wool bonnet - A lambs wool bonnet is often used as a final step to produce high-gloss shine over the wax.  This is typically the final bonnet used, and the last step in detailing

Using an orbital buffer, you simply need to apply a thin layer of evenly-distributed polish to the surface of the vehicle.  The polish should be applied using a grid motion, alternating motion from left to right, then up and down.

Note: When applying polishes and waxes, ensure the buffer is placed firmly on the surface of the vehicle before turning the unit on - unless you want to be wearing polish!

After the entire vehicle is covered, replace the applicator bonnet with a clean polishing bonnet to remove all the dried polish.  Again, you will want to move gradually across the surface in a grid-like fashion.  This motion ensures total coverage, and takes further precaution to ensure no damage to your paint is sustained.

After polishing, you can use the same orbital buffer to apply a layer of your favorite vehicle wax.  Once again, use a grid motion to apply the wax, and use a lint-free microfiber hand cloth to apply wax to small, hard to reach areas (like door handles).

Once the wax has had sufficient time to dry, or "haze," you again use a clean polishing pad to remove the dried wax, and enjoy your show-room shine!  For an even deeper shine, you can choose to go over the entire vehicle again using a wool bonnet.

Note: Even though orbital buffers are designed to be as safe and gentle as possible, it it still important to keep in mind that any piece of machinery can be dangerous if used improperly.  It is very important to read any instructions and guides for specific products before use.

About the Author

M. Holland
Porter Cable Polisher
Teak Bath Mat

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How can Photons and electrons be at 2 different places at the same time?

In an atom the electrons are popping up and disappearing at random, i read that they can be at 2 different places at the same time.. how is this possible? And why does every model of an atom i see show the electrons orbiting the nucleus not popping up and disappearing? thanks!

You're looking at oversimplifications. The planetary model is basically correct, but quantum phenomena need to be considered. Electrons are not popping up and disappearing. The 'electron cloud' model is a way of trying to visualize a probability distribution.

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