Buffing with Solid Bar Compound

 

To achieve a high gloss finish it is first necessary to sand the surface so it is perfectly flat with all of the imperfections and orange peel removed. Depending on the type of coating, start with a medium grit sandpaper, then continue with progressively finer grits ultimately finishing with 600-1000 grit before beginning the buffing process. Keep in mind that the purpose of buffing is to remove sanding scratches and not to level the surface.

We offer a wide variety of solid bar buffing compounds that range from coarse to extremely fine, and with different properties from dry to greasy for the appropriate level of lubrication and heat reduction. In addition, our compounds are designed specifically for the material being buffed which will result in better finish quality and greater efficiency. Compounds for buffing metal will never perform as well on wood coatings as our compounds formulated for lacquer, polyurethane and polyester coating.

Our general recommendation for buffing guitar finishes is to sand the topcoat to a minimum of 1000 grit. Using a 60/60 cotton buff apply Menzerna P204 compound to the wheel and proceed to remove the sanding marks. After the first pass in one direction, buff 90 degrees against the buff lines to smooth out the surface completely eliminating the sanding marks. Then with a bleached Domet flannel buff apply Menzerna W16 compound to the wheel and bring the surface to an excellent high gloss finish. For an even higher level of extreme gloss substitute the W16 for our P175 Super Finish compound. After completing the buffing process clean the surface with Jescar Guitar Polish spray and a microfiber polishing cloth.

Products Available On Jescar.com:

Menzerna Wax 523LBZ – Highly abrasive compound that produces a consistent, high quality matte surface.

Menzerna Wax 439T – Pre-polish cutting compound for swift removal of 220 grit sanding marks on all metals.

Menzerna Wax 204 – Pre-polish compound for wood coating.

Menzerna Wax 195 – Fast working polishing compound for wood coatings.

Menzerna Wax 16 – Removes an 800-1000 grit sanding mark leaving a high-gloss finish

Menzerna Wax 480W – Polishing compound for nonferrous metals to achieve a high gloss finish.

Menzerna Wax 480BLF – Polishing compound for nonferrous metals. Optimized for aluminum.

Menzerna Wax G15 – Fine, black version of W16 for dark surfaces.

Menzerna Wax P126 – Coloring compound for stainless steel, but also suitable for some hard wood coatings.

Menzerna Wax P175 – Ultra-fine high gloss coloring compound for all metals and wood coatings.

Menzerna Wax 58 – Very fine, dry compound for wood coatings.