Getting started - Need some assistance.

veeko

veeko

New member
Aug 31, 2010
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Hey everyone, I've been lurking around for a while now trying absorb as much as possible and the time has finally come to further advance my detailing abilities and pull the trigger on some new product.

I'm an avid VW/Audi enthusiast and have been detailing my vehicles by hand for years now. I've decided it's time for a Porter Cable 7424XP DA polisher and some new product.

I'm going to purchase the AG Porter Cable 7424XP - XL Pad Kit. I've gone ahead and picked out some products I've chosen to start with and I'm looking for your feedback to ensure I've made the right starting decisions.

Please also keep in mind that with enough seat time using and becoming comfortable with the PC 7424 I would like to start detailing part-time.

Products

Clay Bar - Undecided - I've always used the Meguiar's kit in the past.

Optimum Polish - General polishing for use with all pads (been using this by hand for a couple of years)

Optimum Compound II - Corrective multi-step polishing to be followed up with Optimum Polish. All pads.

Sealant - Undecided - Looking for a good all around quick curing sealant for time sensitive applications

Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 - Going to use this on my personal vehicle and applications that aren't so time sensitive where I can than layer a carnauba wax after the sealant has fully cured. Blue pad.

Pinnacle Liquid Souveran Car Wax and/or Pinnacle XMT 180 High Gloss Carnauba Paste Wax - Going to be used to layer on top of either of the above mentioned sealants or used on it's own. Finishing pads.

Pinnacle XMT 360 - Going to use this for the single step all-in-one type of applications. I've also been looking at Optimum Poli-Seal. Green pad.

Poorboys Trim Restore - Going to use this to dress and protect exterior grained trims. bumpers etc.

Engine degreaser and conditioner - Looking for recommendations.

Pinnacle XMT Foam Pad Cleaner and Conditioner - These come with the kit I am purchasing however I would like to know if anything else is necessary to clean and properly maintain the pads.

Microfiber detergent - Looking for recommendations.

I think that just about covers everything I've been looking at and once again I am completely open suggestions and product feedback regarding anything above.

Here's a couple of pics of my Jetta

vagkraft2010_294.jpg


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Thanks for your time and assistance! :beer:
 
Correction to this information since I am unable to edit

Optimum Polish - General polishing for use with yellow, orange, white, grey pads (been using this by hand for a couple of years)

Optimum Compound II - Corrective multi-step polishing to be followed up with Optimum Polish. Yellow, orange, white pads.
 
I'm not sure if I posted this in the wrong forum, please correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks.
 
veeko said:
Products

Clay Bar - Undecided - I've always used the Meguiar's kit in the past.

Personally, I just use what ever clay is most cost effective. Unless I'm claying a car that is already swirl-free, then I'll use Pinnacle Poly clay


Optimum Polish - General polishing for use with all pads (been using this by hand for a couple of years)

Optimum Compound II - Corrective multi-step polishing to be followed up with Optimum Polish. All pads.

Ive never used Optimum polish's, you may want to look into some Menzerna, like Power Gloss, Power Finish and Super Finish. These are designed for hard clearcoats. Link to Menzerna chart- Menzerna Polishing Compounds Products

Sealant - Undecided - Looking for a good all around quick curing sealant for time sensitive applications.

Optimum Opti-Seal 8 oz. Free Bonus! is a WOWA
(wipe on, walk away) product that may be just what your looking for.

Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 - Going to use this on my personal vehicle and applications that aren't so time sensitive where I can than layer a carnauba wax after the sealant has fully cured. Blue pad.

:xyxthumbs:

Pinnacle Liquid Souveran Car Wax and/or Pinnacle XMT 180 High Gloss Carnauba Paste Wax - Going to be used to layer on top of either of the above mentioned sealants or used on it's own. Finishing pads.

Souveran is an excellent show wax, not very durable though. Look into Fuzion, it's actually quite cost effective when you consider the included free refill. Also DP max Wax is a great low cost, high quality wax.

Pinnacle XMT 360 - Going to use this for the single step all-in-one type of applications. I've also been looking at Optimum Poli-Seal. Green pad.

:dblthumb2::dblthumb2::dblthumb2: XMT 360 is a MUST-HAVE product IMO.

Poorboys Trim Restore - Going to use this to dress and protect exterior grained trims. bumpers etc.

:props::props::props: Good stuff!

Engine degreaser and conditioner - Looking for recommendations.

Meguiar’s Super Degreaser Concentrate, 1 Gallon, cleans and degreases the engine compartment of your car. A concentrated car engine cleaner and, haven't used it, but it's cost effective.

Pinnacle XMT Foam Pad Cleaner and Conditioner - These come with the kit I am purchasing however I would like to know if anything else is necessary to clean and properly maintain the pads.

DP Polishing Pad Rejuvenator was created to provide detailers with a fast and effective way to clean pads without soapy residue or foamy degreasers.

Microfiber detergent - Looking for recommendations.

DP Microfiber Cleaner concentrated microfiber detergent and degreaser

I think that just about covers everything I've been looking at and once again I am completely open suggestions and product feedback regarding anything above.
Click to expand...


You are definitely on the right track, and looks like you've been doing quite well already. The PC is going to step it up for sure, but if you can afford the Flex XC 3401, I HIGHLY recommend it.
 
^thanks man! any suggestions on the areas I'm unsure of or asking for recommendations?
 
You have a very nice Jetta, if you could get that look by hand, imagine what you'll be able by machine, I can only recommend you the one I have which is the Porter Cable. Now, don't think that you have to spend 3 years with the PC in order for you to step up to the rotary buffer, you can buy a Rotary and buy a used panel, like a hood just to practice. Good Luck!
 
Bonifax said:
You have a very nice Jetta, if you could get that look by hand, imagine what you'll be able by machine, I can only recommend you the one I have which is the Porter Cable. Now, don't think that you have to spend 3 years with the PC in order for you to step up to the rotary buffer, you can buy a Rotary and buy a used panel, like a hood just to practice. Good Luck!
Click to expand...

Thanks man! I can't wait to get my hands on a machine. When the time comes to purchase a rotary I'll definitely look into picking up a used panel to practice on. Great advice.
 
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