so i bought a buffer and ill the right cleaning products. Any tips on using a buffer? i used one a long time ago and it came out pretty good so i just wanted others input.

 

what kind of buffer is it? rotary, dual action polisher as they both require very different techniques. Both autogeek.net and detailed image have some excellent and detailed instructionals on how to detail and polish your car. If you have specific questions, you can always pm the professionals or go on the autogeek's forums.

 

What I consider to be the best PC How-To available -Machine Polishing By Dual Action Polisher, Dave KG – Machine Polishing by Dual Action Polisher - Full Guide - Detailing World

 

Congrats on the new PC, it's a great tool to use. I'd highly recommend checking out our detailing guide (polishing section in particular) and our Ask a Pro Detailer Blog! Both places have tons of info and links on how to maximize your efforts.

As for what products you need that really depends on a lot of factors but mainly your personal preferences (time, budget, detailing goals, etc.). Below is a pretty standard detailing routine for a vehicle is probably two years old or more, when you want it to look more like new again.

Wash and Dry
Most swirls come from this process so be sure to use good technique and quality products. If you need to upgrade your products check out these kits:
DI Packages Washing and Drying Basic Kit
DI Packages Washing and Drying Starter Package

Clay Bar
Helps deep clean the paint.
DI Packages DI Gentle Fine Grade Clay Bar 100g & Clay Lube

Polish
This is the step where you actually remove the swirls, oxidation, etc. for good and restore that like new shine again! A buffer is a huge help here as it can more thoroughly work in the polish and really get maximum results. If the paint is in exceptional condition or if you're short on time a one step process works well. Generally I'd recommend a two step polishing combination to really make the paint pop!
Meguiar's Ultra-Cut Compound M105 - Lake Country Orange Light Cutting Pad 2x
Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish M205 - Lake Country White Polishing Pad 2x


Sealant
Protect the shine and enhance it! This sealant looks awesome on all colors and really adds some deep shine!
Blackfire Wet Diamond with Polycharger - Lake Country Blue Fine Finishing Pad 1x

Wax
A sealant provides more than enough protection and an outstanding shine so you can certainly stop there. If you want the maximum gloss apply a wax on top of the sealant.
Poorboy's World Liquid Natty's Blue Wax - Lake Country Blue Fine Finishing Pad

Hand remove all of these products with CLEAN microfiber towels. I highly recommend picking up about 5x - 10x DI Microfiber All Purpose Towel.

Again this is just one sample routine and we can help customize something to fit your needs. Feel free to e-mail me or reply to this thread and we'll try to set you up with a routine that meets your goals.

Greg @ DI