I've buffed my car at least 25 times with a rotary buffer and many of those times I used harsh compounds because I didn't know any better. I like to keep the swirls out so I buff it at least 2 or 3 times a year but now I use just polishes and no compounds. The hood is pretty smooth with basically no orange peel. Should I re-clear coat the hood to be safe? Is there a way to tell paint thickness?

 

You can buy a paint thickness meter for a few hundred bucks.

DavidB, the owner of Autopia buffed his paint every day for 30 days in a row with P21S gloss enhancing paint cleaner and there was no difference in paint thickness. The abrasive level is very very low though. I would use a paint cleaner every 6 months and polish every year. Why use harsh polishes unless there is bad marring

 

yes like Cmr0z28 said, they have actual meters to tell the thickness....if ur paint is for the most part in anywhere from okay to good condition i wouldnt worry much about buffing away ur clear...just buff it out and move on...remember not to buff to long in any certain spot...that will burn ( remove the clear )....good luck

cory