What do I need? So many choice!

[DonovanJM]

So I'm new to all this quality detailing stuff and need to get the gear. I have been looking and trying to figure out what to buy and the more I look the more I don't know what to get! :laughing: I know ultimately I want to ceramic coat my Mustang but I have a couple other cars that will need done but maybe sealed only. I haven't decided yet. So I have been making a list of what do get and figured I would ask you all if you thought I was making good choices. Opinions, other options, additions all welcome!

I'm gonna go with the last step first. I think I will go with the CQuarts UK 3.0. It seems like it's one of the top coats and gets pretty good reviews.
Cquartz UK Edition (https://www.autogeek.net/cquartz-uk-edition.html)

Not to forget the Eraser.
CarPro Eraser Intense Oil & Polish Cleanser, IPA, paint cleaner, polish remover, wax remover (https://www.autogeek.net/carpro-eraser-ipa.html)

I was thinking about BlackFire for the paint correction.
BLACKFIRE Total Swirl Remover Kit (https://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-total-swirl-remover-kit.html)

Sticking with the same company always seems like a good idea to me so Blackfire for the decon it is.
BLACKFIRE Paint Decon Deluxe Kit (https://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-decon-deluxe-kit.html)

Clay and lubricant
BLACKFIRE Poly Clay Bar, detailing clay, polyclay (https://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-poly-clay.html)
https://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-clay-lubricant.html


Buffer? I was thinking of one of the Griots kits.
Griot's Garage 5.5 inch FLAT Pad Complete Kit (https://www.autogeek.net/griots-garage-flat-pad-kit.html)

Or maybe this!
https://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-porter-cable-kit.html

Now is where I get a bit lost. Which pads should I get? I know the few in the kits aren't enough. How many of what do I need? My Mustang's paint is pretty good. The car only has about 10K miles but the other cars are older about 90K miles so I know it will need more. Do I need anything else? An all in one maybe?

I appreciate any advice you have.
Thank you,
Donovan

[The Guz]

Cquartz UK 3.0 is a good choice. Eraser will work as a prep wipe as well to prep prior to coating the surface.

I had the blackfire polishes and they are good. I found other polishes that are better in overall performance.

You are going to get many recommendations.

With that said this is what I would look at

GG DA
5" backing plate
Griot's boss pads
Meguiar's M110
CarPro Essence or Meguiar's M210 (Essence is not necessary but a good option as it is a primer polish for Cquartz coatings)
CarPro Eraser
CarPro UK 3.0
CarPro Elixir

[DonovanJM]

When using the Essence do I still use the Eraser? I assume so since you added it to your list. Just want to make sure. Also about how many pads do I need? Can I get away with just a couple if I clean them between sections? Or do I need a bunch?

[Bruno Soares]

When using the Essence do I still use the Eraser? I assume so since you added it to your list. Just want to make sure. Also about how many pads do I need? Can I get away with just a couple if I clean them between sections? Or do I need a bunch?

Eraser is optional when you use Essence but we all recommend you use it. Don't need to go heavy, just a light application to remove dust and any oils leftover after you leave Essence curing overnight. If you need to coat right away then a heavy Eraser application is needed.

I'd say get at least 5 pads. 6 would be ideal for a car.

[Bruno Soares]

And I would get some automotive masking tape and cover the trim. Better doing that than dealing with trim that get stained due to polish/compound. They have a selection of those tape rolls at Autogeek.
Don't forget towels. There are towels that work better for polish removal, towels that work better for the IPA wipe, and towels for the coating leveling. You'll need all types to get the job done properly without introducing defects back onto the paint you just corrected.

[DonovanJM]

So do you guys have a favorite chemical Decon? CarPro?
So I'm looking at the follow. Does that look right?
Wash
Chem decon
clay
M110
Essence
Eraser Cquartz
Elixir

The M110 seems pretty course according to the description. Is that just for more serious problems like my 2014 car that has seen little to no work? Not my newer Mustang?

Is that 6 pads of each type I plan on using? 6 correcting and 6 finishing?

Lots of towels, got it!

[The Guz]

So do you guys have a favorite chemical Decon? CarPro?
So I'm looking at the follow. Does that look right?
Wash
Chem decon
clay
M110
Essence
Eraser Cquartz
Elixir

The M110 seems pretty course according to the description. Is that just for more serious problems like my 2014 car that has seen little to no work? Not my newer Mustang?

Is that 6 pads of each type I plan on using? 6 correcting and 6 finishing?

Lots of towels, got it!

Let the test spot tell you what direction to go in. Meaning try Essence first and see if you are happy with the results.

I am not certain what the wait time is for using Elixir after CQUK. Typically it is 1 hour to use Reload. I would wait for the next day to use Elixir.

Any iron remover will get the job done. Ironx is a good product.

Good link to read through.

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-articles-by-mike-phillips/88109-how-many-pads-do-i-need-buff-out-my-car.html

More info on Meguiar’s

YouTube (https://youtu.be/U-7E-j3oDJM)

[Paul A.]

You list clay and lube after the BF decon kit and the decon kit already has some lube and a clay towel.

My personal choice would be the Griot's machine kit. Better machine than the PC and that kit comes with smaller diameter pads.

[DonovanJM]

Let the test spot tell you what direction to go in. Meaning try Essence first and see if you are happy with the results.

I am not certain what the wait time is for using Elixir after CQUK. Typically it is 1 hour to use Reload. I would wait for the next day to use Elixir.

Any iron remover will get the job done. Ironx is a good product.

Good link to read through.

How many pads do I need to buff out my car? (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-articles-by-mike-phillips/88109-how-many-pads-do-i-need-buff-out-my-car.html)

More info on Meguiar’s

YouTube (https://youtu.be/U-7E-j3oDJM)

Thank you for those links. That helps quite a bit!

[DonovanJM]

You list clay and lube after the BF decon kit and the decon kit already has some lube and a clay towel.

Good catch! Thank you!