With a buffer, you can achieve professional results with metallic acrylic enamel paint.
Metallic acrylic enamel paint, the type of paint most commonly used in the automotive industry today, does not usually require buffing after professional spray application. However, if you have painted your car yourself with metallic acrylic enamel and have noticed irregularities in the surface after the paint has dried, you can use a simple buffing process to achieve a professional, glossy finish for the repainted area. With the right equipment, you can buff out your paint job in one afternoon.
Instructions
1. Fill a bucket with water and enough dish washing detergent to generate suds. Wash the area to be buffed with a large sponge. Thoroughly dry the area with a chamois or a clean shop rag.
2. Soak a piece of 2,000-grit sandpaper in a bucket of warm water with a few drops of dish washing detergent added. Leave the sandpaper in the bucket for at least 10 minutes. Wrap the sandpaper around a sanding block and lightly sand the area to be buffed, using smooth long strokes. Keep the sandpaper wet while working.
3. Rinse and dry the sanded area with a chamois or cotton rag.
4. Squirt some rubbing compound onto the surface to be buffed (use a quarter-sized amount to cover four square feet). Spread the compound over the surface with the buffer on a low speed setting. Do not press the buffer against the car--just gently glide it across the surface. Allow the compound to dry for 30 seconds after buffing.
5. Wash and rinse the area, and allow it to dry thoroughly.
6. Apply polymer sealant to the area with a cotton rag. Apply as you would wax, with even, smooth strokes. Do not cover more than four square feet at a time or the sealant may harden. Allow the sealant to dry for five minutes.
7. Replace the foam pad on your buffer with a new one and gently buff the sealant off, operating the buffer on low speed.
