Buffing a Wax Finish

[Len R]

Hi all.  Would like to use my ETS 150/3 to buff out a wax finish (Anitquax) that's been applied over a film or oil finish.  Looking for advice on what kind of pad to use -- sheepskin, soft felt, hard felt, extra fine sponge?  Have never done this before.  Have done it by hand using a very soft cotton t-shirt, with great results, but have a new project that is quite large and hand buffing will be difficult at best.  Objective is a soft sheen, not a high gloss finish.  Also, if you think there is a better tool for the task, Festool or other, let me know.

Thanks very much!

Len

 

[rvieceli]

Hey [member=44099]Cheese[/member] can you help this person out?

Ron

 

[Cheese]

Hey [member=44099]Cheese[/member] can you help this person out?

I wish I could Ron... [smile]

Len, I've never had any luck polishing with an ETS sander because the rotation of the pad is not mechanically geared to the orbital function. If you apply the amount of pressure that's needed to polish a surface, the pad stops rotating. Likewise, if you tip or angle the sander at all the pad also stops rotating. I've tried but I've never really had any success. 

For polishing surfaces, I've always hauled out either a Rotex or a Shinex machine. They all work well. I've used the Rotex machines to produce both satin and high sheen surfaces on wood/epoxy items...and before I purchased the Shinex I've used the RO 90 to polish automobile headlight covers and the RO 125 to polish the entire car.

 

[pixelated]

I've had good luck with just a cotton cloth on the sander pad. As noted, a light touch is needed so that you don't stop the pad. But I've only done this with surfaces that are a few sq feet. Something very large might benefit from a dedicated buffer.

 

[Len R]

Thanks all for the advice, much appreciated!

 

[Packard]

I have a hobby-grade random orbital car polisher.  Two actually, an 10" and a 6".  I paid about $30.00 for each.  They use "bonnets" of various materials, including microfiber, fleece and cotton.

Here is the Ryobi version at Home Depot:https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-0-75-Amp-Corded-10-in-Orbital-Buffer-RB102G/205642375

10" for $35.00.  Other size machines and cordless versions are also shown. Very easy to use on a car and I would not hesitate to use it on wood. 

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I'm with Cheese on this one. I use one of the Rotex sanders, depending on the size of the item.

 

[Sparktrician]

I've always used my RO 90 to shine up headlight covers.

 

[sancho57]

I did it mostly by hand

 

[Packard]

I polished the headlight covers on my 1967 Alfa Romeo back in 1969 by hand too (using Gleem toothpaste as a rubbing compound).  But I would not do it that way now. 

Are you suggesting we go back to the 1960’s?

 

[dwillis]

I've been using a Danish oil finish (2-3 coats, lightly sanded between applications) followed by a coat of Minwax paste finish wax. The wax is applied with a clean, lint free cloth, followed by buffing out the wax with a Festool hard felt pad on a Festool ETS 150. The finish comes out with a smooth hard satin finish that is durable and looks good. I'm not building fine furniture, more utilitarian items and interior trim work.