Car care isn’t just about oil changes and mechanical maintenance. Giving the exterior extra shine is another way to show your vehicle some love and keep it in top-notch condition. Polishing a car by hand results in exhausted arms and hours of lost time and energy, but using a rotating buffing/polishing machine will restore your vehicle’s shine more quickly and effectively.
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. 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 skillset, including types such as variable speed, random orbit and dual-action polishers. Rotary buffers were avoided due to the high-risk in damaging paint.
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 3,500 RPM via a conveniently located speed dial, which makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experts. From there, the speed is easily controlled (up to its maximum speed setting) by a trigger while you’re buffing.
The 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 may be stuck with its 7-inch backing plate and 7-inch pads.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive entry-level polisher, the Black & Decker WP900 isn’t just for waxing — it handles light polishing jobs, too. Rated highly for its ease-of-use and 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 prevents fatigue and its 10-foot of chord allows for easy maneuverability.
Unlike the variable speed buffers, the Black & Decker runs at a consistent 4,400 orbits per minute. Due to its speed restrictions, this buffer is best used for light polishing. Some users reported that it didn’t entirely remove deeper imperfections.
If you prefer air-power and have already have an air compressor in your garage or shop, the Neiko Pneumatic Air Angle Polisher is an affordable option to consider. Weighing in at just 4 pounds, it is compact, durable, and light. The speed of rotation is easily controlled by squeezing or releasing the trigger and the handle fits in hard-to-reach areas.
Though not advertised as such, some buyers report that this device can also be used for light grinding and sanding, but such use may adversely affect its lifespan. The polisher uses a seven-inch pad and a quick release quarter-inch NPT fitting. Pads are not included.
According to Milwaukee, their M18 variable speed polisher is the world’s first cordless full-size rotary polisher. It delivers corded performance without the hassle, restrictions, and risks of paint damage caused by an electrical cord trailing around as paint is polished. It’s also lighter than it’s corded competitors.
Obtaining this machine is an extra bonus if you already own Milwaukee products 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.
The Chemical Guys TORQX Polisher Kit comes with everything you need to revive your vehicle’s paint. The purchase comes with the buffer, three different pads for varying levels of polishing, and four levels of compound from a heavier cutting polish to a final polish.
The TORQX polisher 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.
The WEN 6010 waxer is the perfect machine for those of us on a budget who want to speed up the waxing process. It checks all the boxes for an affordable but reliable waxer: it’s easy to use, simple to store and costs just a hair over $20.
Its compact design and 6-inch applicator will reach most hard to wax areas, and the conveniently placed on/off switch is lockable to prevent accidental shifting. The speed is set to 4,000 RPM, which is plenty of power for a good waxing, but the speeds are not variable and reviews report that the 6010 isn’t really up to most polishing tasks.
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. We considered a broad range of end-user ratings and evaluations by multiple users in our evaluations.
For partnership inquiries please reach out to us at partnerships@forbeswheels.com