if by myself between 2 -4 hours
That's super fast but it can be done as long as you're working fast.
I'm fast when I detail. Here's the deal though, even if you're using a one-step cleaner/wax or AIO for you guys that don't like to type or don't know the difference, (there is no difference), when buffing out a car using a one-step cleaner/wax you buff the paint in the SAME WAY you would buff the paint if using a compound or a polish.
That is you use the product heavy or wet, or in other words, you use the AMPLE amount of product to get the job done. Assuming you're working on a neglected car, (thus the reason for a cleaner/wax not a finishing wax), you need a certain amount of liquid on the surface. This liquid, the cleaner/wax contains abrasives, cleaners, solvents (solvents can be water), and some form of protection, plus whatever ingredients are needed to simply keep everything in a uniform emulsion plus color and scent.
To work a section of a panel you would not only use the ample amount of product but you would still need to make some number of section passes. The weaker the tool the smaller the size of section you would work, the more powerful the tools the larger the section size you could work.
Taking all of the above into consideration, to adequately machine apply a one-step cleaner/wax to a neglected vehicle working section by section and making for arguments sake, at least 4 section passes per section, to buff out an average size car it would take me a minimum of 2 hours.
This doesn't include the waterless wash and claying the paint. And in most cases you want to clean and/or clean and dress the tires and also clean the outside of the glass.
A lot of factors involved, like the condition of the paint and even how dirty the vehicle is before you start.
Thanks for chiming in Cosmin.
