The Best Buffing Compounds (Review and Buying Guide) in 2023 | Autance

Are you looking for sparkle, shine, and the perfect finish? Whether you’re working on metal surfaces and materials or the exterior of your vehicle, you need a buffing compound. Typically used in combination with polishing products, buffing compounds allow you to smooth and perfectly finish different surfaces. They can work wonders, removing scratches quickly or gently finishing with a glossy, sleek look. Buffing compounds can make a significant, noticeable difference. But there are many different buffing compounds to choose from — so which is right for you and your needs?

Made in different levels of roughness and different forms for different uses, there’s a buffing compound for every kind of purpose. It’s a matter of finding a reliable buffer to get your vehicle looking as good as new. To help you track down the best buffing compound options available, we’ve broken down the top options and some tips on how to pick the right one.

The Best Buffing Compounds

Best Buffing Compound Buying Guide & FAQ

If you’ve ever suffered from scratches on the surface of your vehicle, you know the value of a quality buffing compound. It’s a necessary part of vehicle maintenance, in terms of both appearance and function. However, not all buffing compounds are made alike. A compound that is too dense will damage the paint. One that is too thin simply won’t get the job done.

Since buffing compounds consist of small particles suspended either in block or fluid form, it is absolutely critical to find the right fit. You need to find individual particles that are small enough to prevent causing scratches. You also need to find a compound that is thick enough to actually eliminate the scratches. The first thing you need to identify is the type of surface you plan to buff down. From there, you can track down the best-suited compound for your purposes.

Why Do You Need a Buffing Compound?

There are a lot of different reasons to have a buffing compound around. It’s more than a matter of making maintenance easier, it’s about getting rid of damage to the surface. Perhaps the best part about buffing compounds is that it has both aesthetic and functional benefits.

The appearance advantages are pretty straightforward. If you have an old paint job, it can get rid of scratches (either by eliminating them or covering them) and leaves behind a bright sheen. The abrasive component basically sands away the damage. This leaves your vehicle looking as good as new. Plus, since some buffers come with an included wax, it gives an attractive gloss. 

In terms of function, the benefits of a buffer are pretty far-reaching. The key is the ability to eliminate damage from oxidation and rust. Corrosion can build up over time, causing real issues to the frame of the vehicle. A buffer can get rid of this pesky grime and help avoid structural damage to the vehicle. The benefits don’t stop there. 

• Come in different grit densities for optimal versatility. 
• Easy to apply a buffer to the surface of your vehicle.
• Eliminate scratches and dings to the paint on your car. 
• Improve the overall appearance of the car’s exterior.
• Help to prevent damage to the body of the vehicle over time. 
• Useful as a step in preventative maintenance. 

Popular Types of Buffing Compounds

In order to get the full benefits of your buffing compound, it’s important to pick the most suitable type for your purposes. While each different type of buffer has inherent values, they won’t have an equal benefit on different surfaces. First, figure out what you want out of the compound, then you can identify the best-suited type. 

Liquid

This type of buffing compound is popular due to its multiple functions. Unlike other types of buffers, this one works to both abrade the surface as well as to polish it. As a result, you can save a lot of time during the application process. While solid buffers have very clear grit, liquid buffers usually have microscopic parts which are invisible to the naked eye. 

Liquid buffers are usually applied with a microfiber cloth, though you can also use them with a separate buffer. Generally, the application is quick. Though this type of hybrid polish and buffer is useful, it is best for newer vehicles and preventative maintenance. Often, the small size of the grit means it is insufficient to tackle larger scratches. 

Solid

This is a very common type of buffing compound, especially for those looking to overhaul the appearance of their vehicle. If the paint has scratched substantially, this type of buffer is the best-suited candidate. The most common color is green, noteworthy for its medium-density structure. 

The solid bricks come in a range of sizes and weights. In addition to keeping an eye on the density of the grit, it is important to look at the structure. The larger it is, the longer it will last. However, solid buffers that are bigger tend to be more difficult to maneuver. 

Another consideration of this type of buffing compound is the storage. While, if properly kept, it can last for a very long time, it is important to keep it away from fluid. Though most are heat and friction-activated, moisture can result in it losing structural integrity. Despite this caution, solid buffers are an ideal solution for vehicle restoration. 

Color-Coded

Perhaps the most common type of buffer, these are solids which, instead of coming as one brick, come as multiple bricks, each of a different hue. The color indicates the purpose of the buffer. Gray options are ideal for metal and include a fine, evenly distributed abrasive (good for stainless steel). Brown options are multi-purpose, working on more delicate metals like aluminum. A white bar is geared towards heavy metals such as nickel, thanks to its intensive abrasive abilities.  

Other colors include green (to create a shiny finish) and red (useful on jewelry). While this is representative of the industry standards of buffing agents, when you opt for color-coded buffers, be sure to double check the uses. It is a matter of grit density and safety on different surfaces. It can vary between manufacturers, so be sure to consult the color-coding chart of each individual buffer. 

What to Consider When Buying Buffing Compounds

There are several things to consider when buying your buffing compound. The first is what you plan to use it for. Identify the type of metal surface you are looking to abrade. Consider the structural integrity of that specific material. From there, you will be better able to determine what kind of buffer is suitable. 

Once you know this, it is a matter of finding a buffer with the correct density of abrasive ingredients. The density is not a reference to the size of the individual grit, rather it is reflective of the ratio of grit to the whole buffer. The higher this proportion, the more powerful the buffer will be. While this is good on very damaged surfaces, it is important to consider the vulnerabilities of the surface you will be buffing. 

Next, consider the grit itself. This does refer to the size of the individual grains. If you are tackling large scratches on hard metal, you are going to want bulkier particles. Conversely, if you are planning to use the buffer for routine upkeep, it is better to opt for a finer particle. Once you know these specifics, it is important to consider a few other things, too. 

• Think about the ingredients in the formula. While it won’t go directly on your skin, there is still a level of exposure. Consider whether it was manufactured using safe materials that are free of toxins.
• There are some hybrid buffers out there that include fillers (often in the form of silicone). While it might look nice once you are done, it doesn’t actually tackle the root issue. Choose something that is as free of additives as possible. 
• Consider how you plan to apply the buffer. Are you going to do the entire vehicle or just a part of it? Do you plan to use a bar to rub the abrasion in or rely on a fluid to cover more surface area? Each type of buffer goes on differently. Choose something that is easy for you to apply. 
• Chances are, you won’t use the buffer all in one go. Resultantly, you want something that will last you until the next time you need it. Fluid buffing compounds are more vulnerable to spill. However, bar options are more likely to see damage from humidity. 
• Take a look at the different applications of the buffer. If you need to use the buffer on multiple surfaces, you may want a color-coded buffing set. However, if it is just for one purpose, you may want to find a compound specifically geared towards that use. 

The Most Important Features of Buffing Compounds

Though all different buffing compounds have their unique traits, there are some things they share in common. In order to find the best option, it is important to identify the key features to keep an eye on. So long as these features are accounted for, you can rely on the performance of the buffer itself. This way, you can get the most out of the formula.

Grit and Abrasion

Possibly the most critical feature of the buffing compound, the grit is the part that gets the job done. The idea behind a buffer is to use the small components to grind away at flaws in the paint. The grit itself is made out of different materials and comes in unique sizes. In order to be effective, the grit needs to be harder on the Mohs scale than the material it is buffing. 

The next criteria of this feature is how the grit is held. There is a big difference between a bar and a fluid. For one, the bar gives you more density. The grit is held more closely together and creates a more powerful effect. A fluid goes on easier, though may need some elbow grease to get the necessary abrasion. 

Binding Agents

Whether a fluid or a solid, the binding agents are an important part of the compound. For one thing, this part holds the entire structure together. When it is a fluid, the fillers are likely to be wax-based and come off as a polish. In almost all cases, the material is hydro-phobic. This ensures that you get a barrier against water and rust. 

Even with a solid option, there are still binding agents. This is the component that holds the grit together. Generally, it is activated by friction (and the resulting heat). By moving the bar around on the surface, it spreads out the grit while remaining in an entirely solid form. The ideal binder is one that won’t thin out excessively when exposed to heat. 

Application Structure

Finally, each different buffing compound will go onto the surface in a different way. There are two basic formats for this. One is liquid. You can find it as a spray, but the more common way to find it is as a fluid. You pour the fluid on and use a separate applicator to rub it onto the paint. Some come with an application tool while others are sold separately. 

With a solid option, the application structure is self-explanatory. The bar itself is the applicator. You simply hold it and rub it on the vehicle. This activates the binding agent to thin and lets the grit do the rest of the work. Generally, these are the easier buffing compounds to apply. 

Care and Maintenance

In order to get the most value out of your buffing compound, it is important to take care of it properly. While most buffing compounds don’t require much maintenance, care is essential. It comes down to two aspects: use and storage. When it comes to use, it is important to be gentle and ensure that you don’t break the bar. Using it correctly goes a long way. Hold it properly and control the motion. Be consistent in your movements during application. 

Storage is a bit more nuanced. For one, you don’t want the structure to lose its form, whether it is a fluid or a solid. This means you need to find a cool and dry place to store the buffing compound. So long as you keep it responsibly, the buffer should be able to last for multiple uses. There are a few other things you can do to keep it in good condition.

• Keep the fluid closed and stored in an upright position. 
• If it is a bar, find an air and water-tight container to store it in. 
• Ensure that the material stays dry and isn’t exposed to heat. 
• Try to buff your vehicle away from direct sunlight to prevent streaks.
• If you have color-coded buffers, use them only on recommended surfaces.
• Make sure the car is clean and dry before you apply the buffer.

Best Buffing Compounds FAQ:

When it comes to vehicle upkeep, there are bound to be some questions. In order to get the best results from your buffing compound, it helps to be armed with all the relevant information. To help you along, we’ve addressed some of the most common inquiries. This way, you can both select and use your buffing compound more easily. 

Our Top Pick

After careful consideration, we’ve named the Woodstock Extra Fine Buffing Compound as our top pick. From the quality grit to the ease of use, this buffer is excellent for restoring the paint quality on any vehicle. It is fine enough to be safe and makes light work out of the restoration process. 

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the ins and outs of buffing compounds, you can make your pick. It could be the Woodstock Extra Fine Buffing Compound for its powerful effects or the BeaverCraft Buffing Compound for its affordable price. There is a compound to get any car looking like new. Happy buffing!

Sources:

1. Polishing – Wikipedia