How to Buff Clear Coat

Co-authored by Chad Zani

Last Updated: August 10, 2024 Fact Checked

You don't need to be a pro to perfectly buff the clear coat on your car. With the proper tools and material, some time, and some elbow grease, you can have that high-gloss finish you want.

Steps

Download Article

At this point, if you see "orange peel" or "trash" on the surface, wet sand with 1000 or 1200 grit wet or dry automotive grade sandpaper. This will smooth out the surface and allow for a super shine finish.^{[1]
X
Research source}
A variable speed buffer with a lambs wool pad will be necessary to do a nice job. Single speed buffers are not recommend because of the increased chance of burning the finish down to the color coat.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
Keep the buffer moving and watch how the finish is changing to a high gloss.^{[3]
X
Research source}
Don't overdo it.
This may be terry cloth or foam.
You can run the buffer at a higher speed for this step. If there are swirl marks remaining on the finish you can also purchase a swirl mark remover. This will give you a professional high gloss finish.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Can I water sand between clear coats?

Community Answer

Just let it air dry and use extremely fine sand paper.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 5

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Cover windows with masking paper to ease clean up. Stay away from items with a black finish as the compounds will cause them to become discolored gray and impossible to remove, i.e mirror frames, body side moldings, bumpers, etc.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
Before turning on the buffer wipe the compound slightly with the buffer pad to prevent the compound from "slinging" causing it to fly all over.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 3
Keep surface cool to avoid burnishing.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Keep the power cord away from the spinning buffer as this could result in injury and damage to the cord. Take the power cord and try to keep it behind you making a loop and put it through a belt loop.

Thanks
Helpful 12 Not Helpful 14