What to buy?

[my01ws6]

Ok well i just purchased a porter cable 7424 and i want to use it on my car. Im wonder what all I should buy, my car is black and has swirls EVERYWHERE and a few lights scratches and scuffs etc etc I have almost EVERY product you can purchase thro autozone but was wondering what are the best products to use on black for what i need?

Also any techniques i should know about for a black car?

[FloridaNative]

The XMT polishes are really nice. They can be used in the sun and heat and they breakdown beautifully with hardly any dust. http://autogeek.net/xmt.html (http://autogeek.net/xmt.html) here is the link to the page on the AG site with the XMT, if you scroll down towards the bottom of the page you will see two video links, that is a great place to start. This is another good video link made demonstrating polishing with the PC.
http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/video/ (http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/video/)

When polishing it's important to be patient. Take your time and work each section thoroughly giving the polish at least 5 minutes to fully break down. After you get your swirls out you need to protect the paint's finish. If you choose to go with a paint sealant, I recommend the Wolfgang paint sealant. If you're going with a wax and money is no object than I suggest Souveran. It is absolute bliss on black and red. The kits is the best way to purchase Souveran. If you need something a little more budget minded then I highly suggest Max Wax or Natty's blue.

Once you've got your paint picture perfect you'll want to keep it that way and it all starts with your washing techniques. Especially with black you need to cultivate good wash habits and use quality products and materials to protect your paint. Here is a good thread that talks about basic care for black cars.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1315 (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1315)

This is another good thead for basic car care. IT was written by one of our moderators who is also a college student. You have to scroll down a bit but it's a worthy read. Look for the posts by Neothin. :)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1110&highlight=school+paper (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1110&highlight=school+paper)

My best suggestion is to watch the vidoes and read the how to articles on AG's site http://autogeek.net/detailingtips.html (http://autogeek.net/detailingtips.html) practice what you learn and keep asking questions and you will be able to achieve the look you want in your vehicle. Don't forget to post pics so we can share your joy over your details. :) I hope this helps you. Take care and welcome to our little family. :)

[my01ws6]

ok well out of the XMT line which should I buy, I have read all those post and watched every video.

[P1et]

How about the Poorboys line? I have used it with excellent results on my black Dodge Ram 2500. Check out the pics in the Show 'n Shine section.

[FloridaNative]

The Poorboy's is very good, but I find the XMT to be even better. The XMT 3 is equivalent in cutting power to the 2.5 and the XMT leaves less haze and doesn't dust as much as the PB's

In answer to your question, if you are going to get a kit then I would just choose one of the kits and then just buy the missing polish on the side. For example if you were to get the Intermediate Swirl Remover Kit you could just buy the XMT #2 on the side. http://pinnaclewax.com/pixmtinswreb.html (http://pinnaclewax.com/pixmtinswreb.html)
The pad conditioner and cleaner are also excellent products and will help you prep and clean your pads to keep them in good condition.

Remember to use the discount code "MOVEIT" when ordering so that you can take advantage of the 15% discount being offered right now and as always if you make your purchases from the Pinnaclewax.com store you will get free shipping on orders over $75.00

I hope this helps you. :)

[my01ws6]

ok so i will buy the intermediate kit and then buy XMT #2....what else do i need? do i need to buy the pad cleaning stuff now or can that wait till later? also do i need any wax? sorry about all the dumb questions....im completely brand new to this stuff, ive only used store bought stuff....

[ScottB]

http://www.autogeek.net/clkitformaap.html (pads needed seperately)
or
http://www.autogeek.net/popoprkit1.html

[my01ws6]

http://www.autogeek.net/clkitformaap.html (pads needed seperately)
or
http://www.autogeek.net/popoprkit1.html

i really like that second kit great price and lots of good stuff....is this what you use on your car? Is it good for beginers?

[FloridaNative]

You can clean the pads other ways yes. :) If you want to go with the XMT and need a good wax for your last step product then would recommend Max Wax or Natty's Blue. Both are excellent. :) Poorboy's makes great products and whichever products you choose to go with I think you will be very happy. :)

[my01ws6]

hmmmm now i cant make up my mind....i dont want to buy the wrong one 0_0

I just want my car looking beautiful agian :(

[FloridaNative]

hmmmm now i cant make up my mind....i dont want to buy the wrong one 0_0

I just want my car looking beautiful agian :(

I can point out to you my own observations about the similarities and differences that I see between the XMT polishes and the Poorboy's. Keep in mind that both are excellent and the differences between the two although small, are there.

similarities- both can be used in full sun and in high heat. Both sets of polishes have similar cutting power. Both sets of polishes have the same price.

differences- In my observation the XMT finishes cleaner after breaking down with less haze and it dusts very little in comparison to the Poorboy's.

These are my own observations from using both products. I hope it helps. :)

[ScottB]

i really like that second kit great price and lots of good stuff....is this what you use on your car? Is it good for beginers?

we sell about 10 of these kits a week on the corvetteforum. No complaints, and easy to use beginner or professional. I added the Clearkote kit as it is a hidden gem in detailing especially dark colors.

[my01ws6]

we sell about 10 of these kits a week on the corvetteforum. No complaints, and easy to use beginner or professional. I added the Clearkote kit as it is a hidden gem in detailing especially dark colors.

what all do you use to keep your corvette looking so good?

[ScottB]

what all do you use to keep your corvette looking so good?

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/Vette_005.jpg

Wash --- Poorboys, Duragloss, or Pinnacle

Clay --- Pinnacles Ultra Clay

Drying --- Leaf Blower, Waffle Weave Guzzler, Lots of qd'er (Quikshine, 425. CM)

Polish --- Menzerna Ceramiclear Line

Protect --- originally UPP and Souveran Paste
( I might go Duragloss 105 and Souveran Paste, we no longer carry UPP)


If you do some searches I have offered some techniques. But its not just what brands I use, but how I use them. You can properly "prep' a show-winning finish with alot of different products. The hardest part is the extra time needed at each wash (2X weekly) to avoid big details. Its much easier to do smaller steps in each area (under hood, rear compartment, door jambs)

[ScottB]

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Ernie_008.jpg


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Ernie_005.jpg


Wash --- DP Extreme Foam w/ Foam Gun

Clay --- Wolfgang Clay

Polish --- Mezerma Final Polish (discontinued)

Protect ---- DP Updated Shield Shine, Poorboys Spray/Gloss

Wheels --- DP Gel Cleaner, DP Gel Tire Protectant

and you can see I leave no area unturned ... well thats my friend Ernie and his truck, but I wont let him skimp either.