Polish / Buffer ?

[YodaBird]

I'm looking to purchase a buffer, I read one should not purchase a buffer and instead purchase a polisher ?

Most of the polishers I've seen are small, not good for a car, unless you want to take twelve hours to complete polishing a car ? Any suggestions on the best buffer/polisher one should buy ?

[sg11]

What kind of paint issues are you experiencing?

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[YodaBird]

Paint Issues ?

[sg11]

Is there anything wrong with the paint that you need to machine polish it?

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[YodaBird]

At this point, there is nothing wrong with the paint, using a machine polish should make it easier to buff/polish the car, no ?

[sg11]

Yea but if there is nothing wrong with the paint and doesn't need to be corrected there is really no need for a machine polisher, at least in my opinion. I would be thinking about which last step product you wanna use to keep the paint looking good whether it be a wax or a sealant. I highly recommend a sealant...

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[YodaBird]

What sealant do you recommend ?

If the paint is good or close to good then a machine polisher is not recommended, isn't there anything that I can get that automates a little considering someone older may use it who doesn't have the hand strength ?

[WeeYari]

Given our very thin clear coat, if not operated with great care and attention, a powered buffer can burn through the clear quite easily.

[YodaBird]

There must be buffer that is sensitive to our thin clear coat, that won't effect the coat ?

[sg11]

I use Prima Hydro Max. Its a great spray sealant that is super easy to use. I spray it on when I'm drying my car and wipe it off with a soft microfiber. I use it on pretty much the whole exterior of the car except the tires. Doesn't turn my trim white. Doesn't dust up. Helps keep the surface slick when drying so the towel glides smoother over the surface so you don't marr the paint. I use it once every few months. According to the bottle, using it on a dry surface will yield better durability though. So sometimes I'll quickly go over the car again once it's dry. They have another product called Hydro that I use as a booster for the other times when I'm drying.

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[sg11]

It's all depends on the agressiveness of polisher type, the polishing pad you're using on the polisher and the actual polish you're using. Basically using the least aggressive combo of the three will still effect the clear coat/paint.

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[YodaBird]

sq11 - You suggest not to machine buff / polish a 3rd Gen Yaris ?

[sg11]

sq11 - You suggest not to machine buff / polish a 3rd Gen Yaris ?
Only if you're really unhappy with the condition of your paint. You always wanna start with the least aggressive method to correct paint issues which for example would be a non abrasive paint cleaner applied by hand with a soft microfiber applicator. This will usually make a good improvement in the appearance of the paint. But if are still dealing with things like stubborn water spots, stains or if you have swirls you might wanna research a trained reputable detailer who has the tools like a paint thickness gauge who can help to correct these issues with a polisher but can be mindful not to remove too much paint/clear coat using the gauge.

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[YodaBird]

If I'm happy with the condition of the paint, then hand buff the car, correct ? As machine buffing may wipe off the coat of the car with the machine, correct ?

There is no machine that may wipe off the coat of the paint ? The only machine that is guaranteed safe from removing the coat from the car is by doing it by hand !

[sg11]

If I'm happy with the condition of the paint, then hand buff the car, correct ? As machine buffing may wipe off the coat of the car with the machine, correct ?

There is no machine that may wipe off the coat of the paint ? The only machine that is guaranteed safe from removing the coat from the car is by doing it by hand !
If your happy with the paint just wash it and then dry it and use the Prima Hydro Max or Prima Hydro with a soft microfiber when you're drying it.

Some tips:
If you don't already, get yourself two clean 5 gallon buckets. One for the clean water, one for the dirty. A grit guard for one or both of the buckets. I use just one for the dirty bucket. Got it from amazon. Get some soft microfiber towels. I use the Chemical Guys gold 16x16 ones. They come in a pack of 12. They are a good value. Also from amazon. Wash and remove the tags from the towels before you use them. I use All Free and Clear. It's free of dyes and perfumes that can mess with the towels. Dry the towels on low heat and no fabric softener. Get your self 2 microfiber wash mitts. I use the Chemical Guys Extra Thick Multi-Fiber Microfiber Wash Mitts. Again from amazon. One for the body of the car and a separate one for the wheels and tires. Wash and dry the mitt and towels you use on the body separate from the mitt and towels you use on the wheels. I store the towels I use on the body in separate bags from the wheel/tire towels. For the car wash,I initially use Prima Hydro Wash before I use Hydro Max the first time. I then switch to either Chemical Guys Citrus wash and Gloss or Mr. Pink. Seems like a lot but you once get the routine down, its easy. And if notice any bird "stuff" on your paint, remove asap, because Ive never come across anything will protect the paint from bird stuff etching itself into the paint.

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[YodaBird]

I may sell the car, times are getting too tough.

[dobbiedoo]

Go on the site chemical guys and get all the free information you want about taking care of your cars finish. This is what they do for a profession. On their site there is a learning center or call and speak to one of the technicians. I purchased products from them and I am using a polisher, and have not burned the clear coat or the paint. My opinion the paint looks better than when you do by hand, and way less time.

[CTScott]

The best buffer/polisher you can purchase for your Yaris:

http://previews.123rf.com/images/cunaplus/cunaplus1307/cunaplus130700028/20722922-hand-holding-a-yellow-cleaning-cloth-on-white-background-Stock-Photo.jpg

[kimona]

Can't tell from your signature which year car you've got there. I wouldn't use a buffing/polishing machine unless you have serious paint issues you are trying to resolve. IMHO, machines can "destabilize" the clearcoat (especially on older paint) which may cause premature delamination.

[justjesus]

Indeed, you want to proceed with caution when machine polishing. There are plenty of resources out there on the web. Forums you can read through, youtube videos you can watch, even books you can read. Mike Phillips wrote a pretty damn good book. I still refer to it from time to time.

Also, there are many options for polishers (aka buffers). From cheap (Harbor Freight) to expensive (Rupes). Both can get the job done. I've used a Porter Cable with success.

As far as doing polishing on the Yaris, it really depends on what YOU want to accomplish.

For example, some may look at this hood and say, "wow! that's what I want" and they will be happy with it: Washed, clay'd, and waxed (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlIE5McaJoo)

Yet others, including myself, will want more. The paint can look good from further out, somewhat close, and in some angles. From other angles, things can change, especially when reflecting direct sunlight and you see scratches, swirls, etc.

Myself, I would prefer deeper reflection and nicer clarity. Here's an example of polished and not polished. You'll note a difference. At about 1 min 14 secs, you will see some good clarity

Full on 3 stage polishing job (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cobTJWFVfxc)

[AinsYaris]

I realiize this thread is a year old, so my comments are simply to offer a different perspective.

A dual action polisher (Porter Cable is a good brand) with a foam polishing pad will not burn through clearcoat using a quality All in One product (Optimum Poli-Seal is a good one).

The AIO when applied using a 5" white lake country foam pad does three jobs in one step.

Cleans, removes light imperfections (swirls) and seals all in one step.

This is perfect for this situation where the paint is in good shape and will not harm the paint.

Once you machine polish you will not go back to hand polishing.

It works equally well with soft foam pad and wax.

I can apply wax to a full size sedan in less than 10 minutes easy.

Just my experience after 4 years of practicing on my 2001 daily driver (not a Yaris).

[justjesus]

All In Ones (AIO) can be good, indeed. If one just wants a light "polish" job to clean up the paint, while adding protection...easy.

I've also used Klasse All in One
Poorboy's World Polish with Carnauba (and Polish with Sealant)
HD Speed

All three are good products. HD Speed, IME, can do more correction. Still, I prefer the others for lighter duty

[06YarisRS]

A dual action polisher and a polish like Meguiar's Ultimate Polish will remove very fine swirl marks. I have been using Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze - an acrylic product - for years. It is the most durable and long-lasting product I have ever used.

[justjesus]

The Klasse stuff isn't the easiest (user friendly) products to use, though. Can be a bit tougher to remove the residue.

[06YarisRS]

The Klasse stuff isn't the easiest (user friendly) products to use, though. Can be a bit tougher to remove the residue.

I use the method outlined in this link. It definitely makes removal easier. I can do my van in about 20 minutes - after it's washed and towel-dried, of course.

https://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-Pro/klasse-high-gloss-sealant-glaze-ksg-guide-and-review/

[justjesus]

20 min is pretty darn good.

Thanks for the link.

[06YarisRS]

20 min is pretty darn good.

Thanks for the link.

I know, it seems fast, but the method in the link makes the job very quick, especially if there are already a few coats on the vehicle. The first coat is a bit more labour intensive. Subsequent coats are definitely quicker.