Need Opinions - How Safe is an Orbital Buffer?

[DNazzy’s2025]

Hey guys, I have always hand waxed my trucks with a good wax, something along the lines of Meguiars cleaner or carnuba wax. My application involves using a microfiber and just hand polishing, and same process to wipe the wax off. Recently, I’ve noticed little black specs all over my truck. I think it happened while being parked at the job site I’m on. Something with the parking lot paving process and little black tar like dots all over my paint now. They don’t really wash off. If I rub really hard at them with a sponge and soap, some of them come off. I had the thought of an orbital polisher to help get all this crap off my paint. I think I’ll end up with carpel tunnel if I try wax all this off by hand. What are you guys thoughts on using an orbital polisher? Ive heard horror stories about burning through the clear coat, and or leaving swirls all thru the paint. My truck is Oxford white, so I’m not as concerned with swirls, but I’m definitely concerned about the clear coat. Thoughts?

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[DNazzy’s2025]

Picture for reference…

 

[Kanuck]

The biggest problem is how fast the pad is turning. To fast and you will actually burn the clear coat. If it is tar, there is a good change the tar will tear the buffing pad to ribbons. There are products on the market to remove tar with using a plastic scrapper that will not damage the clear coat. Personally, I would not use a buffer to remove tar.

 

[Buyer2021]

I’ve noticed little black specs all over my truck. I think it happened while being parked at the job site I’m on. Something with the parking lot paving process and little black tar like dots all over my paint now. They don’t really wash off. If I rub really hard at them with a sponge and soap, some of them come off. I had the thought of an orbital polisher to help get all this crap off my paint.

I'd try a clay bar first - see if it manages to pick the spots up without smearing.

Tedious spot-cleaning with Turtle Wax Bug & Tar remover would be my close second choice. I've had great results with it on random tar-splatters.

I would not use an orbital polisher with anything for tar spots - likely just get the tar hot and smear it.

Good Luck.

 

[DNazzy’s2025]

The biggest problem is how fast the pad is turning. To fast and you will actually burn the clear coat. If it is tar, there is a good change the tar will tear the buffing pad to ribbons. There are products on the market to remove tar with using a plastic scrapper that will not damage the clear coat. Personally, I would not use a buffer to remove tar.

Thank you. Yes, this was what I was worried about. So I’m not entirely sure what the small black specs are, but they seem to be a tar like substance. Very small, almost looks like black overspray, but it’s not paint. I had it parked near some areas of road that were being paved with asphalt, so I’m assuming it was something to do with that process. I don’t think these specs are big enough or raised enough to tear thru a buffing pad.

 

[DNazzy’s2025]

I'd try a clay bar first - see if it manages to pick the spots up without smearing.

Tedious spot-cleaning with Turtle Wax Bug & Tar remover would be my close second choice. I've had great results with it on random tar-splatters.

I would not use an orbital polisher with anything for tar spots - likely just get the tar hot and smear it.

Good Luck.

Clay bar is another great idea. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that yet.

 

[nitrobass24]

Clay bar is another great idea. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that yet.

Should always clay bar before using a machine polisher.

 

[DNazzy’s2025]

Should always clay bar before using a machine polisher.

I feel like an idiot even saying this, but I don’t even know how to use a clay bar Any tips or advice? I plan on buying one soon.

 

[M.R.F.O.R.D.]

Give this a try https://carpro.global/product/trix/

 

[WalterMitty]

Picture for reference…

1). Before spending too much money on anything, I have had GREAT success with WD-40 and a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. This might not solve the carpal tunnel thing, but if it comes off easy, maybe just do a section at a time, and knock it out over a few days. Then wash the truck to get the WD40 off as it will attract dirt.

2). Alternatively, you could just tell folks it’s a new color by Ford called Vanilla Bean!!!


Good luck.

 

[DNazzy’s2025]

1). Before spending too much money on anything, I have had GREAT success with WD-40 and a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. This might not solve the carpal tunnel thing, but if it comes off easy, maybe just do a section at a time, and knock it out over a few days. Then wash the truck to get the WD40 off as it will attract dirt.

2). Alternatively, you could just tell folks it’s a new color by Ford called Vanilla Bean!!!


Good luck.

Thank you! Another great idea. I’ve used WD40 as a cleaner years ago, it worked great. Didn’t even think of that. And, that made me laugh, Vanilla Bean

 

[DNazzy’s2025]

Give this a try https://carpro.global/product/trix/

Never heard of this stuff, but I just followed the link and it looks like it would work great. Thank you!

 

[UncleFester]

Try LAs Awesome, Home Depot or the other big box stores sell it. I use to to remove dried sap and dirt from my F350 plow truck that sits in the woods. Nothing else was so easy, spray it on and wipe it off, should take care of your problem. https://www.homedepot.com/p/LA-s-To...rpose-Cleaner-Concentrate-100551882/308562989

 

[Octane Haus]

I feel like an idiot even saying this, but I don’t even know how to use a clay bar Any tips or advice? I plan on buying one soon.

Any clay bar will do. Just rub the clay bar in straight lines up and down or side to side. You need a clay bar lubricant to glide it across the surface. Soapy water works perfectly for that.

 

[M.R.F.O.R.D.]

After you clay it's recommend to polish. Clay will introduce marring on the paint. Then you should Polish the pain. That will take out the marring. Then you can coat with wax.


I would try chemical first before claying.

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