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Car care isn’t just about oil changes and mechanical maintenance. Giving your car’s finish extra shine is another way to keep it in top-notch condition. Polishing a car by hand can take hours of labor and leave your arms aching, but there’s a better way. Powered rotating buffing and polishing machines can restore your mirror-like shine in much less time and with far less physical effort. Hss End Mill
While detailing your vehicle’s paint by hand gives you the “no pain, no gain” bragging rights, buffers will wipe the same spot thousands of times a minute. In fact, some of the buffers on this list rotate at up to 7,800 rpm. A good machine paired with the correct polishing compound or wax for your specific application will remove imperfections to reveal a mirror finish.
Investing in the right buffing or waxing machine manufactured for your needs will save you money in the long run. Keeping your car’s paint looking fresh and vibrant prevents further wear and helps to preserve your vehicle’s value the DIY way, without taking an expensive trip to a professional detailer.
For our list of the best buffers and polishers, we specifically chose the best tools for any skill set, including types such as variable speed, random orbit and dual-action polishers, as well as one air-powered miniature buffer. Looking For Car Accessories? Match your car to your style with varied car accessories like seat covers, floor mats and more. Get competitive pricing from top brands here. Advertisement THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. Explore Options On Amazon
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Bale and Straight Side Handle | Bail Side Handle | Horizontal Side Handle | Hook & Loop Backing Pad
2- Polishing Bonnets, Polisher, Battery-Charger, Black & Decker Wp900 6-Inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher, 1- Foam Applicator Bonnet, Waxer, Attachments
DeWalt Buffer/Polisher Model #DWP849X
The DEWALT DWP849X is built for longevity and durability. The maximum speed of its powerful 12-amp motor can be electronically adjusted from a gentle-start 600 to a powerful 3,500 rpm via an easy-to-use speed dial, which makes it an excellent choice for both experts and beginners. From there, the speed is easily controlled by a trigger while you’re buffing, much like a kitchen mixer.
This DEWALT buffer is also designed for efficiency, smooth operation and easy servicing. The purchase includes the polisher, a three-position bale handle and straight side handles. Users have reported that it’s difficult to find differently-sized adapters, so you might be stuck with its 7-inch backing plate and 7-inch pads. That limits how much you can buff at once, but not too badly.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive entry-level polisher that’s good for more than one task, the Black & Decker WP900 offers real flexibility. It isn’t just for waxing—it handles light polishing jobs, too. Easy to use and highly rated for its quiet operation, this WP900 is half the size of most buffing and polishing machines and weighs just under 5 pounds. The two-handle style grip reduces hand fatigue and its 10-foot cord allows for easy maneuverability.
Unlike the variable speed buffers, the Black & Decker runs at a consistent 4,400 orbits per minute, which might not be ideal for a newbie as at that speed you can damage paint if you aren’t careful. Due to its speed restrictions, this buffer is best used only for light polishing. Some users reported that it didn’t entirely remove deeper imperfections.
According to Milwaukee, their M18 variable speed polisher is the world’s first full-size cordless rotary polisher. It delivers corded performance without the hassle, restrictions, and risks of paint damage caused by having an electrical cord dragging or flailing around as paint is polished. It’s also lighter than its cord-tethered competitors, which is no bad thing when you’re polishing a 20-foot-long F-350.
If you already own Milwaukee products like power drills or grinders, there’s an extra bonus here as the batteries and charger are interchangeable. Reviews state that the polisher can complete a full-size vehicle on one charge, but if your paint renewing project requires several steps like cutting, polishing and waxing, it’s recommended to have at least two charged batteries available.
Astro 3055 3-Inch Mini Air Polishing Kit
The Astro 3055 is different from the other buffers on this list for two reasons. First, it’s air-powered, so you’ll need an air compressor to use it and an air regulator to vary the speed if you so choose. Second, it’s really small, and well-suited to some applications where other buffers are just too large or cumbersome, such as narrow or under hood areas or small passengers in complex metal shapes. You don’t often encounter such challenges, but the Astro is uniquely suited to them. It can also polish wheels and clouded headlights.
Because it’s quite small and light (just 1.5 pounds), the Astro is easy to use on larger areas too, although it does add time to the job. Users report a long service life (in some cases more than 10 years) and easy operation, but little support from the company. They’ve also suggested that the pads that come with the tool are of cheap quality, and some received entirely incorrect pads.
Chemical Guys BUF_503X TORQX Random Polisher Kit
The Chemical Guys TORQX Polisher Kit comes with everything you need to revive your vehicle’s paint. The kit comes complete with the buffer, three different pads for varying levels of polishing, and four levels of compounds from heavier cutting polish to final polish. Each one of these items is of high quality, and the kit is almost universally regarded as the best on the market.
The TORQX polisher (made by TORQX but sold via Chemical Guys) offers 700 watts of power. It’s powerful enough for a pro, but easy enough for a beginner to use, though beginners may miss having a handle for optimum control. Customers report the motor can get bogged down on heavier applications. The variable speed adjusts from 2,800 to 7,800 rpm, a range that can handle a light polish or wax, or turn up the juice for heavier scratch and swirl removal.
WEN 948 10 Amp Variable Speed Polisher
Experience effortless car polishing with the WEN 948 10 Amp Variable Speed Polisher with Digital Readout. Its controllable speeds enable easy polishing of various car parts to help you achieve a showroom finish by restoring your vehicle’s original appearance. A digital screen helps you achieve very precise control, and the solid-mounted handle makes for comfortable usage. With its 7-inch applicator it ensures a glossy and clean finish.
However, newcomers may need time to grasp the variable speed settings, and the tool’s powerful nature might be excessive for lighter tasks. When buffing and polishing it pays to go slow and not use too much power if you’re inexperienced.. With speeds ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 RPM generated from its 10 amp motor, this polisher saves energy and offers reliable power for professional jobs at an affordable price.
Rupes LHR21ES Big Foot Random Orbital Polisher
The Rupes LHR 21ES Big Foot Random Orbital Polisher, a product of Italian precision tool manufacturer Rupes, marks a groundbreaking advancement in 21st-century detailing. This high-tech orbital polisher has been meticulously developed over years, revolutionizing paint correction for both enthusiasts and professional detailers. The device boasts an innovative 21-millimeter throw, far larger than conventional orbital polishers, enabling it to eliminate swirls, scratches, holograms, and other paint imperfections swiftly and effectively.
This unique throw translates to a smoother operation and faster defect correction, outperforming traditional dual-action polishers. The machine is designed to provide comfort and control during extended polishing tasks through its ergonomic build and gradual speed increase system.
With variable speed control and compatibility with various pad sizes, including the recommended 6-inch Chemical Guys Hex-Logic and Microfiber Polishing Pads, the Rupes LHR 21ES offers versatility and superior results across a wide range of different detailing scenarios. The Rupes Big Foot gets the professional detailer’s seal of approval from multiple pros we’ve interviewed.
Buffers and polishers are in fact the same pieces of equipment, and can be used to either buff or polish a vehicle, depending on the compound being used.
For example, you could use a buffer/polisher with specialized abrasive compounds and a soft pad early in the process in order to get rid of imperfections and swirl marks. Later on, you would use that same buffer/polisher with a different pad and compound to restore the shine. So in one case, the very same piece of equipment is used to buff the car, and in another, it’s used to polish it.
To determine the best buffers and polishers for reviving your vehicle’s paint, we researched a wide range of top-rated buffers and polishers to compile a list that will satisfy a wide range of skill sets and budgets. Each product is rated according to overall performance, durability, ease-of-use and overall value. A couple of niche items are also included for specialized applications.
In determining our ratings we considered both our own experiences with buffers and polishers as well as a broad range of end-user ratings and evaluations by multiple users in our evaluations. Since you’ll be handling your buffer or polisher for a long time while it vibrates, we’ve placed comfort and ease of use high on our priority list.
We rate buffers and polishers by the following weighted criteria:
Yes, but buffing a car is generally safe as long as you tread lightly and use the correct type of car buffer and compound. The process of buffing a vehicle’s paint cuts away at the clear coat resulting in a smoother, more shiny finish. If the buffing is executed too aggressively or if the buffer is held in one spot for too long, it can potentially damage the paint.
Polishing is a lightly abrasive finishing process where a person applies polishing compounds on a soft cloth or sponge to restore the luster in a vehicle’s paint by hand. Buffing is the process that uses machines to apply cutting or polishing compounds to modify a vehicle’s clear coat to repair swirl marks and light scratches.
In general, you should buff your vehicle once per year, followed by a wax or ceramic coating. Using a clay bar before polishing your car will help ensure no contaminants will cause swirl marks as you buff. If your vehicle is parked in a dusty area or under a tree, or if you live in a coastal area where there’s salt in the air, you might want to consider buffing your car two to three times per year with a light polishing compound.
If you’re interested in more detailed information on professional ceramic coating your car, check out our recent article on Auto Velvet ceramic coating.
Most small scratches can be polished out of a vehicle’s paint by using a buffing tool and cutting and polishing compounds. Superficial scratches on the clear coat are the most likely to buff out, but if the color coat on the paint is damaged, the repair may require touch up paint.
The general rule of thumb is to have two pads per step available. For a full paint restoration procedure, you’ll want two compounding pads, two polishing pads, and two finishing pads on hand.
It’s best to individually hand wash polishing pads that have been exposed to different compounds separately to avoid contaminating the pads. Put an ounce of liquid dishwashing detergent in a five-gallon bucket and fill it with water. Soak the pads for 30 minutes, then work out the old polishing compound by squeezing and massaging the pads. Rinse and squeeze out the water before letting them dry. There are also specialized cleaners available. In that case, follow the instructions on the product’s label.
Tara Hurlin is a freelance automotive writer and photographer. She's a car nut immersed in the automotive hobby, and she enjoys driving and wrenching on her custom 1961 Cadillac, 1963 Dodge 400 race wagon, 1988 Mazda RX-7 and 2018 Tacoma TRD Off-Road with Escapade trailer.
Stihl Trimmer Head Michael is a lifelong automotive enthusiast and founded the production company Venn Creative Media in 2018 which focuses primarily on clients in the automotive community. Michael is a writer, director, producer, cinematographer and award-winning documentary filmmaker. His films have been screened on television, streaming platforms and film festivals nationwide. He was nominated for a Boston/New England regional Emmy and won the New Hampshire Filmmaker of the Year award in 2017. He is on Instagram @venncreativemedia.