Hello from Maxima Mom

[Maxima Mom]

Hello everyone! Greetings from Philadelphia PA... home of the tragic duck accident :cry:
We are new to Auto Geek and we are trying to figure out which polisher to purchase. There are so many to choose from! We are total amateurs and (gasp) used to purchase our car wax at Walmart. Any must have supplies that you recommend?

[cobalt9123]

Welcome to the forum! You'll love it here Im the MAN

I would start by learning to clean the car right and making sure it's completely clean before you begin worrying about a polisher. That way, when you learn how to keep the car clean, and not put scratches in it while doing it, you'll be ready to maintain the perfect finish after you buff it out :props: .

For starting off, I'd start out small and learn how to properly wash/dry/clay/wax the car. I always suggest DP products to beginners so that they don't break the bank when first starting off detailing. Quality microfibers, quality wash mitts, and quality car soap are essential to keeping the car clean and scratch free. You may think at this point that the products on AutoGeek are useless, overpriced, and won't work any better than the ones you find at WalMart. While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I don't buy my detailing supplies at Walmart...and for good reason :) Here are a few helpful links for you:

This is a great mitt, very soft on your paint and cleans extremely well.
Cobra Blue Micro-Chenille Wash Mitt: Microfiber Wash Mitt, car wash, shampoo mitt (http://autogeek.net/cobra-blue-microfiber-mitt.html)
You'll want two of these so that you can use what we all call the two bucket method. You'll use one for your washing soap, and one full of plain water to rinse your wash mitt out after cleaning the car, as seen in the video:
5 Gallon Wash Bucket Combo - CLEAR (http://autogeek.net/au5gawabuco.html)
This is a great carwash and at only $30/gallon, it's a good deal:
Optimum Car Wash Gallon: Concentrated auto shampoo with optimum suds to wash away grime from your car. (http://autogeek.net/opt200128.html)
You'll love this for drying your car, apply FK425 to the car after washing it and rinsing it down and dry with this:
The Guzzler Waffle Weave Microfiber Drying Towel by Cobra is a better drying towel than a chamois, or terry cloth towel. Microfiber makes the best (http://autogeek.net/microfiber-waffle-weave.html)
This stuff is great, it really does leave your paint extremely slick as if you just waxed. Use after washing when you rinse your car off or whenever you feel like bumping up the shine:
Finish Kare 425 Extra Slick Final Body Shine, finish care quick detailer, ultra slick detail spray (http://autogeek.net/finish-kare-425-detailer.html)
This is a great clay bar, it isn't the BEST at removing contaminants, but it is very user-friendly. It's easy to shape and mold and doesn't mar from my experience. The cinnamon smelling quick detailer lube it comes with (showtime) is awesome as well:
Mothers California Gold Clay Bar - Mothers California Gold Clay Bar Paint Saving System, detailing clay bar, 2 clay bars (http://autogeek.net/motcalgolcla.html)
After claying, I suggest applying a synthetic (polymer) paint sealant (this one is currently BOGO) :
DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant, polymer paint sealant, auto paint sealant, DP Policoat paint sealant, paint sealer (http://autogeek.net/dp-poli-coat-paint-sealant.html)
A carnauba wax doesn't last as long, but gives a great, warm glow :props:
DP Max Wax- Made with pure carnauba wax and advanced polymers. (http://autogeek.net/carnauba-car-wax.html)
These are great for applying either a wax or sealant:
Pinnacle Foam Wax Applicator- Great applicators- Great results! (http://autogeek.net/pinfoamwaxap1.html)
For removing the sealant:
Mango Breeze Microfiber Towel, mango buffing towel, microfiber towel, detailing towel (http://autogeek.net/mango-breeze-microfiber-towels.html)
For removing the carnauba wax (carnauba is notorious for being difficult to remove) these make quick work of it:
Arctic White Edgeless Microfiber Polishing Cloths, microfiber towels, wax remover, buffing towels (http://autogeek.net/cobra-teal-edgeless-microfiber-cloth.html)

Also, drop by the Buy one Get one free section. If you add one of those products to your cart, you'll get another one free Im the MAN :
Buy One, Get One Free! (http://autogeek.net/buy-one-get-one-free.html)

Here are some very helpful and informative videos on proper washing/drying/claying/waxing techniques:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mkvg_aFuz0&feature=PlayList&p=BF68EBDFBF2D59AF&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=40]YouTube - Washing your car featuring Pinnacle Natural Brilliance[/video]
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgRi_NFJDdk&feature=PlayList&p=BF68EBDFBF2D59AF&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=28]YouTube - Pinnacle - Drying your car[/video]
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ayn4IAAdIDw&feature=PlayList&p=BF68EBDFBF2D59AF&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1]YouTube - Pinnacle - How to use a Clay Bar[/video]
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MIWmHJxJQw&feature=player_embedded]YouTube - Autogeek on Two Guy's Garage - How to apply a Carnauba wax by hand[/video]

Good luck!

[fancyfootwork]

Welcome to the forum! You'll love it here Im the MAN

I would start by learning to clean the car right and making sure it's completely clean before you begin worrying about a polisher. That way, when you learn how to keep the car clean, and not put scratches in it while doing it, you'll be ready to maintain the perfect finish after you buff it out :props: .

For starting off, I'd start out small and learn how to properly wash/dry/clay/wax the car. I always suggest DP products to beginners so that they don't break the bank when first starting off detailing. Quality microfibers, quality wash mitts, and quality car soap are essential to keeping the car clean and scratch free. You may think at this point that the products on AutoGeek are useless, overpriced, and won't work any better than the ones you find at WalMart. While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I don't buy my detailing supplies at Walmart...and for good reason :) Here are a few helpful links for you:

Cobra Blue Micro-Chenille Wash Mitt: Microfiber Wash Mitt, car wash, shampoo mitt (http://autogeek.net/cobra-blue-microfiber-mitt.html)
5 Gallon Wash Bucket Combo - CLEAR (http://autogeek.net/au5gawabuco.html)
Optimum Car Wash Gallon: Concentrated auto shampoo with optimum suds to wash away grime from your car. (http://autogeek.net/opt200128.html)
The Guzzler Waffle Weave Microfiber Drying Towel by Cobra is a better drying towel than a chamois, or terry cloth towel. Microfiber makes the best (http://autogeek.net/microfiber-waffle-weave.html)
Finish Kare 425 Extra Slick Final Body Shine, finish care quick detailer, ultra slick detail spray (http://autogeek.net/finish-kare-425-detailer.html)
Mothers California Gold Clay Bar - Mothers California Gold Clay Bar Paint Saving System, detailing clay bar, 2 clay bars (http://autogeek.net/motcalgolcla.html)
DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant, polymer paint sealant, auto paint sealant, DP Policoat paint sealant, paint sealer (http://autogeek.net/dp-poli-coat-paint-sealant.html)
DP Max Wax- Made with pure carnauba wax and advanced polymers. (http://autogeek.net/carnauba-car-wax.html)
Pinnacle Foam Wax Applicator- Great applicators- Great results! (http://autogeek.net/pinfoamwaxap1.html)
Mango Breeze Microfiber Towel, mango buffing towel, microfiber towel, detailing towel (http://autogeek.net/mango-breeze-microfiber-towels.html)
Arctic White Edgeless Microfiber Polishing Cloths, microfiber towels, wax remover, buffing towels (http://autogeek.net/cobra-teal-edgeless-microfiber-cloth.html)

Also, drop by the Buy one Get one free section. If you add one of those products to your cart, you'll get another one free Im the MAN :
Buy One, Get One Free! (http://autogeek.net/buy-one-get-one-free.html)

Here are some very helpful and informative videos on proper washing/drying/claying/waxing techniques:
YouTube - Washing your car featuring Pinnacle Natural Brilliance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mkvg_aFuz0&feature=PlayList&p=BF68EBDFBF2D59AF&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=40)
YouTube - Pinnacle - Drying your car (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgRi_NFJDdk&feature=PlayList&p=BF68EBDFBF2D59AF&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=28)
YouTube - Pinnacle - How to use a Clay Bar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ayn4IAAdIDw&feature=PlayList&p=BF68EBDFBF2D59AF&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1)
YouTube - Autogeek on Two Guy's Garage - How to apply a Carnauba wax by hand (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MIWmHJxJQw&feature=player_embedded)

Listen to Cobalt, he knows alot! :xyxthumbs:

[S2K]

I am a newbie at this too. I just ordered the Griot's Garage tonight with a bunch of products. I was on the fence between the Porter-Cable and the GG but went with the GG because of warranty and power. From everything I have read they are all good polishers and a lot comes down to opinion. The Flex is a little different, more like a rotary than a random orbit and since I've never used a polisher I went with the ROP, maybe one day I can graduate to a Flex or even a rotary. There is so much good info on AG and the pro's here will help you make the right decision.

[omgitselaine]

Welcome MM !! Nice to see yet another female and mother here in AutoGeek !! I've learned so much from these guys already !!

[gibbsj87]

Hello everyone! Greetings from Philadelphia PA... home of the tragic duck accident :cry:
We are new to Auto Geek and we are trying to figure out which polisher to purchase. There are so many to choose from! We are total amateurs and (gasp) used to purchase our car wax at Walmart. Any must have supplies that you recommend?

Welcome. .so you have a maxima :-) any pics?

[Maxima Mom]

Thanks for the replies! You guys rock! Keep the advice coming!

[ScottB]

For buffer packages consider one with PC-XP or Griots Random Orbital to keep $$ down. Make sure to purchase kit or seperately either Menzerna, Wolfgang, or Megs polishes. You can then add washes, towels, and waxes when/if time permits.

Use the BOGO area ... for instance right now you have a BOGO for DP Poli-cost sealant (synthetic wax) and a steal. Much better than the Walmart offerings too.

[cobalt9123]

For buffer packages consider one with PC-XP or Griots Random Orbital to keep $$ down. Make sure to purchase kit or seperately either Menzerna, Wolfgang, or Megs polishes. You can then add washes, towels, and waxes when/if time permits.

Use the BOGO area ... for instance right now you have a BOGO for DP Poli-cost sealant (synthetic wax) and a steal. Much better than the Walmart offerings too.

:iagree:

You can't go wrong with any of those polishes. M105/M205 are on the cheaper end, IIRC, if you want to keep costs down. Wolfgang's polishes are really easy to use IMO. And menzerna has some of the best cutting/finishing polishes out there.