To get a basic understanding on how to properly polish with your buffer, please refer to our Auto Detailing Guide. The Detailing Guide will give you step by step instructions for using the Porter Cable 7424 with polishes, glazes and sealants as well as other valuable insight.

If you don’t feel comfortable using the buffer on your vehicle you may want to test the buffer on a spare panel (junkyards have plenty) or on a vehicle that someone doesn’t mind being a test subject. Start with the speed very low and move slow and steady to allow yourself to master the way the buffer operates. We recommend the first time you use the PC 7424 you apply a glaze, sealant or wax. These kinds of products are very easy to apply and help you get used to the orbiting motion of the buffer. After you feel comfortable with the buffer you can then move on to using polishes, which utilizes the same skill set. Polishes require more heat and pressure to be properly worked in to the clear coat for the best results. The biggest difference when using a polish is that you’ll operate the Porter Cable 7424 at a higher speed, move the buffer slower, make significantly more passes and use more pressure.

You may also want to pick up some blue painter’s tape and protect any trim or other areas the buffer may accidentally hit during the course of normal usage. This will save you time and aggravation trying to restore discolored trim.

Go slow and take your time. You will achieve the results you are looking for with more and more experience.