Polishing shopping list

[chadcj7]

So the time has come for me to put in an order for polishing gear. I have been doing a lot of reading and have absorbed a lot but I want to just have someone proof read my list. Let me know what your thoughts are or if I am missing anything. Also the big reason for this is that my wife just got a new silver tahoe and I have a dark gray F150. I want to make sure I can make them shine as much as I can and also make sure i am protecting them as much as I can. Also want to make sure I am doing this as quickly as I can as I am writing this in the hospital, as we just had our 3rd (and final) child

On to the list.....

Griot's Garage 6" random orbital(standard)
5 inch backing plate....still looking for exact suggestions on this
(6) Lake Country ThinPro ORANGE Pads
(6) Lake Country ThinPro WHITE pads
(1) Lake Country ThinPro Red Pad
HD Speed AIO....paint on both is really in good shape....also plan on putting Megs Ultimate Wax on top of this
More Microfiber towels....also looking for an affordable solution for polish removal

Let me know if I am missing anything or what everyone thinks

Thanks

[GSKR]

Congrats to the addition.sounds good,I would get a paint sealant like menzerna paint sealant or black fire paint sealant.I prefer the artic white micros they are Edgeless.

[chadcj7]

Congrats to the addition.sounds good,I would get a paint sealant like menzerna paint sealant or black fire paint sealant.I prefer the artic white micros they are Edgeless.

Thanks

I am using Meg's Ultimate Wax which is pretty much a sealant. Have liked how it applies and removes easily

I would put that on top of the HD Speed.

How does everything else look?

[VISITOR]

to the OP, get this backing plate for the GG6. also, pick up a few of those white and orange thinpro pads in the 3.5" as well as the 3" DA backing plate (if you can't wait for the new GG one, the lake country will do)

Griots Garage 5 Inch Vented Orbital Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-5-inch-vented-plate.html)
http://ep.yimg.com/ay/autogeek/griots-garage-5-inch-vented-orbital-backing-plate-1.gif

Lake Country ThinPro 3.5 Inch Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/3-inch-thinpro.html)
http://ep.yimg.com/ay/autogeek/lake-country-thinpro-foam-pad-system-3-5-inch-1.gif
Lake Country 3" DA Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/3inch-dual-action-backing-plate.html)
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2272_109660019

pick up a dozen (can be used for everything) or two of the gold plush jr's...

Gold Plush Jr. Microfiber Towels 12 Pack (http://www.autogeek.net/gold-plush-jr-towel-12.html)
http://ep.yimg.com/ay/autogeek/gold-plush-jr-microfiber-towels-12-pack-1.gif

btw, congrats on the new baby!! :)

[dlc95]

You could also get a dedicated polish ranther than a cleaner wax for polishing.

HD Polish
Menzerna MC2500
Meguiar's Ultimate Polish
Etc.

[chadcj7]

Thanks. I actually have megs ultimate polish. I should probably try that first. If the paint is in good shape can I use that on the orange pad as a one step or would I still need to go over it with the white pad?

[Desertnate]

Thanks. I actually have megs ultimate polish. I should probably try that first. If the paint is in good shape can I use that on the orange pad as a one step or would I still need to go over it with the white pad?

Depending on the the paint, you could probably do a one step with the UP on a white pad. When I've worked on an old Subaru and my wife's Toyota, that is all that is needed to correct and get the paint really shiny. It worked really well to a lesser extent on a Mazda as well. I ended up going with Ultimate Compound on a white pad with the Mazda to chase after a few of the deeper swirls. That combo did the trick quite nicely.

I've never used Speed, but my experience with AIO's is the durability isn't as good as a dedicated LSP. My vote would be to use the polish and then use the sealant you have on hand. It will take up a little more time up front, it will save you time in the long run by not having to apply the LSP nearly as often.

[Paul A.]

The only question I'll add is how are you fixed for decon? Iron X or equivalent and clay or equivalent. Additional congrats on your new arrival!

[chadcj7]

Puckman- very good question. I already have clay and iron x. My goal behind the polisher is to take things to the next level. I currently already incorporate a 3 bucket method(1 for wheels alone) and many other things I have learned here.

Going to the polisher is just the next step in this addiction. I'm hoping it saves me some time for waxing after the initial polish.

[Paul A.]

Depending on the condition of the paint you may want something more aggressive than HD Speed but give it a whirl with Speed first and see if that gets you what you want. Try it with a white pad first then do another test spot with an orange pad and compare what you like better.

Then...go nuts! I use orange pads more often than white pads with Speed but you need to be the judge on your paint.

[caudleej]

I'm an F-150 owner and from my experiance with my truck and those of people I detail for your setup sounds good for a starter. I honestly do a lot of detailing and I own a Griot's Garage 6" DA and I love it. It has plenty of power and I can use less speed with that machine than on the other DAs I can use. I think HD speed will work great with your choice of pads. On the F-150 you can definetly use the speed on a cutting pad and have it finish down LSP ready if you need more cut. If your gong to spend the money on all of those awesome items I would I courage you to spend an extra $20 or so a get a good sealant to base your wax. Waxes generally will burn off after one setting of high temerature. I keep a sealant on my truck and top it with Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax whenever I want a warm glow. Here in Florida though one week on the parking lot at work and that carnauba is gone.

Congrats of the new baby and your order of detailing supplies. I hope you enjoy your journey with detailing and products as much as I have. Please post up some pictures when you have time.

[chadcj7]

What sealant do you recommend? I thought Megs ultimate wax was a sealant

[AZpolisher15]

What sealant do you recommend? I thought Megs ultimate wax was a sealant

Megs Ultimate Liquid is a sealant-- you are correct. No "wax" in it at all. If you have it and like it, go for it. It's a decent product. May as well use it up.

If interested in trying others, here are a few forum favorites:
Menzerna Powerlock
Wolfgang Deep Gloss 3.0
Blackfire Wet Diamond
Duragloss 111
Finish Kare High Temp Paste Wax

If you're planning on doing two dedicated steps anyway (speed and ULW), most guys will recommend using a dedicated polish instead of an AIO as your first step.

AIO's are great, but durability typically lags behind their purer cousins (paint sealants). In theory (and likely practice), you'll get better longevity if your ULW isn't applied on top of Speed.

But a lot of people also do what you're planning on doing and have decent results. I just thought I'd explain why you're getting the responses you're getting.

[chadcj7]

That helps a lot. I think I will hold off on the speed and use the ULW as a sealant and then probability use Ultimate polish as I actually already have that. I will start there and always try something else if I don't like the results.