alright so I got a buffer, and a some 3M swirl remover...


My question is, what kind of pads on the should I use? Seems like I see wool ones at alot of places... will that work?

 

Lake Country foam pads are what I use.

What type of buffer did you get?

 

ghetto style...

Harborfreight variable speed sander/buffer

 

Be very careful if you've never used a rotary buffer before...paint will burn quickly.

 

Nothing to be worried about if you use the right components and take your time. I owned a detailing shop, and have buffed dozens of cars without a problem.
First rule is to use the least aggressive pad and compound possible to get the job done. I'm not real familiar with 3M products, but I'm guessing their swirl remover is similar to Meguiar's #3 machine glaze or #9 swirl remover. If you just have minor imperfections, first use clay to get the surface clean, and then try the 3M or the Meguiar's #3 on a Meguiar's tan soft foam pad. Meguiar's pads and professional (numbered) polishes should be available at any good body shop supply.
If the problems are still there, try a red foam Meguiar's pad with their #2 hi-tech cleaner polish, and if that doesn't do it then go to a wool pad with Meguiar's #4 polish (their most aggressive, but still milder than most of the crap on the market). If you use #4, you may have to use #2 afterward to take out the last scratches.
Squirt a small amount of polish on the car, then set the buffer on it and move it around before turning it on; this will minimize the splatter.
Using just the weight of the machine (don't bear down), buff side to side on the panel, and then go up and down until the polish is worked in. Use a 100% cotton towel or a microfiber to remove the residue.
Good luck!