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Buffing and Polishing Basics

Build your business with the right buffing and polishing basics

By D. Johnston
If you plan to endeavor into buffing and polishing, you need to know the proper details. What are some of the different applications of buffing and polishing, and should you specialize? Just what is metal buffing, and what does that type of work entail?

You'll need different types of metal polishing machines and other buffing supplies. Learn what you require by reading the following steps and checking out the resources for buffing and polishing basics below:

1. Discovering basic info about metal polishing

2. Obtaining details for the steps involved in buffing and polishing

3. Learning about the applications and getting some starting tips for the work

 

Learn buffing and polishing basics such as material needs and instructions

Metal polishing and buffing is simply the use of sanding and smoothing materials like buffing pads to treat various metals to create a more precise or attractive surface. Polishing is the rough work, which includes sanding; buffing is the finer finishing touches. Different types of metal require different polishing materials and different techniques, so you have a wide field in which to establish your specialty.
Try: Create a foundation of knowledge regarding buffing equipment, such as pads, machines and other items, by checking out Caswell, which details some of the materials you'll need as well as going through some buffing basics. Then, build on your information with some beginning instructions for polishing from hobbytool.com.

Get some detailed, step-by-step instructions on the nitty-gritty of buffing and polishing

Now that you've got some basic info about buffing supplies and an overview of the methods, expand your knowledge into the individual steps involved in the work. How do you prepare the metal? In what order should you apply the different buffers and polishers? Learn about the buffing machine that will work for you; a faster speed like 3600 rpm is best for metal. Softer metals like aluminum are much easier to treat and require less time than steel; consider these things in your work schedule.
Try: Use the tutorial outlined at Classics and Customs to build up your knowledge of buffing and polishing steps, and fill in more detail and pointers from the forum entry at Z28.com, which explains aluminum and steel polishing, for an example.

Pick up helpful metal polish techniques and hints for various applications

Many applications, including metal work such as aluminum, steel and chrome polishing, exist for a wide array of fields ranging from motorcycles to machine tooling and jewelery. Knowing some helpful hints will benefit you in your business. For instance, make sure that your surface is clean of all paint, rust and other coatings. Also, be aware of the correct amount of pressure to apply to a metal when buffing.
Try: Make good use of metal polishing machines and materials; get the know-how about technique and specialty from companies such as Schaffner and PF Online. Schaffner provides safety and time-saving hints for increased productivity, and PF details preparation and usage tips for aluminum polish procedures and those for similar soft metals.

 

  • If you're working on plated parts, don't use buffing wheels and compound to get a high luster. You could thin the plate so much that the metal below shows through.

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