Not new to detailing, but need help with Orbital buffers and high end products.

[2008Mustang4.0]

I am 19 and I have been a car enthusiast for quite some time now. I have always taken care of my car and wash and wax them. Well my baby, my 2008 Grabber Orange Mustang, has swirl marks. I am looking into getting myself a Porter Cable 7424 to remove them. I need help though. I was thinking about ordering the one that comes with 5 pads. Remember I am new to this. I need help choosing pads and products. Here are some bullets.

What 5 pads should I get? (They will be used for removing swirl marks, polishing, and waxing)

What products should I use? I currently use Meguiars?(What I can find locally) I don't mind spending money, but I dont want to spend $50 on a wax...

Also in order to do a full body detail what do I need? I have always washed with Dawn to strip the wax, wash again with car wash, claybar the car, cleaner wax, and then gold class or NXT gen.

Thanks! Im sure I will have many more ?'s

[Ted S.]

You want to make sure the pads are 5.5" if you get the PC. I think some of the kits come with 6.5" pads.

Maybe two orange, and either two white or two black, and one whatever color is for waxing (blue/red?). Depends on what products you will use.

[mg6045]

I would suggest that you get the Griots DA polisher instead of the Porter Cable. There are many reasons for this but the main 3 are

- It vibrates WAY less, and doesnt cause your hand to go numb.
- It has WAY more power and you will not need to go above speed 5
- Lifetime Warranty !

As for polish's, I like to make life VERY easy with a simple 2 step procedure that has worked on every single car I have corrected.

***Compound and matching pad***
- Meg's Microfiber DA correction compound - 16oz is more than enough
Meguiars Microfiber Correction Compound, polishing compound, paint correction (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-da-compound.html)

- Meg's Microfiber cutting pad - I suggest 4 pads in total
Meguiars DA Microfiber Cutting Discs, compounding discs, cutting pads (http://www.autogeek.net/5in-microfiber-cutting-discs.html)

- Meg's Backing plate for 5" pads - required IMO as it has very light Hook and Loop material that is easier on pads
Meguiars Mirror Glaze W67DA G110 DA Polisher 5 inch Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-w67da-5-inch-backing-plate.html)

***Finishing Polish and Pads***
- Menzerna Super Finish- 16oz - Works EVERYTIME for me. Super easy to use, impossible to mess up, finish's super clear. works well in all sorts of temp's and conditions
Menzerna Nano Polish PO 106 FA, Menzerna Final Polish, Nano abrasives, finishing polish, professional polish (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-super-nano-polish.html)

- Lake Country Black Finishing Pads - These will clean up any trace of compounding haze and even light swirls when teamed up with Menzerna Super finish.
Black Lake Country 5 1/2 Inch Flat Foam Pad (http://www.autogeek.net/beveled-black.html)

6 pack
Lake Country 5 1/2 x 7/8 inch Beveled Edge Foam Pads, buffing pads, Lake Country curved edge pads, polishing pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-edge-pads.html)

--------------------------

My personal suggestions. Dont waste your time buying 5 different color pads. With todays polishing compounds and process's there is no need for an enthusiast detailer to have a million products. You will only waste money and confuse yourself. Is there a million ways to skin a cat ? yes, but there are solid , proven process's where life is made simple.

I highly suggest you use 5.5" pads and matching backing plates. Avoid the 6.5" pads as they are not as effective with a DA polisher for correction.

I will not suggest a wax or sealant as there are so many different options that all work very well.

I once spent a ton of money on buying all different polish's and pads, polishers, and wax's. While everyone's suggestions were great, I realized I wasted a TON of money and only confused myself. Try to keep things simple. If you do not need a 5 step process, avoid it. most DD and even show cars can be polished out in 2 or even 1 step. If you make things a huge process you will likely wear yourself out and detailing will become a dreadful process and you will likely loss interest fast.

-------------------------------

Check this video out. I only use the compound as I prefer my own finishing polish without wax. But the video shows how simple the compounding step is. And how clear it finish's out when used correctly.

Autogeek.net - New Meguiars Microfiber DA System - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WhJYFLgIjhE)

[mg6045]

Since on the topic, I mentioned polishing in 1 step.

I have an 11" Audi with a very hard clear coat. I can actually polish this car out in 1 step and remove swirls and finish really clear. My process for doing so consists of these products.

Like I mentioned earlier, if you can do it in 1 step, go for it. Dont make things more complicated than they need to be. There are other 1 step polish's that I hear work great, but this is a process that has again, never let me down and has worked on a wide variety of hard and soft clear coats.

***Polish***
- Menzerna Power Finish
Menzerna Power Finish PO 203, one step polish, swirl remover, finishing polish, car polish, german car polish, menzerna polishing compounds, power (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-power-finish.html)

***Pad***
Lake Country White pad
Menzerna Power Finish PO 203, one step polish, swirl remover, finishing polish, car polish, german car polish, menzerna polishing compounds, power (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-power-finish.html)

I can do the entire car using 4 pads in total.

I have used this polish with an orange pad as well. but it may not finish out with super clear like it will with a white pad. On a hard clear coat, can use the orange pad and finish of satisfied.

[2008Mustang4.0]

Wow thank you both for the help. I will have to take it in, and figure out exactly what I will be doing. I would like to get some others inputs as well.

[mark58]

Get anything but a PC. G110V2 has worked great for me. In addition just get Meguiars Microfiber System which includes D300, D301, Backing plate (short loop)
Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System 5 Inch Starter Kit, paint correction kit, dual action polishing kit (http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfiber-starter-kit-5in.html)

[2008Mustang4.0]

Wow this is a lot to take in. So I can use the Menzerna Power finish and then a sealent and then maybe a wax?

[2008Mustang4.0]

Also why buy the Griots if I will have to change the backing plate in order to get the right size pads? Is the meguiars better than the PC?

[BobbyG]

Wow this is a lot to take in. So I can use the Menzerna Power finish and then a sealent and then maybe a wax?

Hello,

Menzerna Power Finish is a nice product but you might find you'll need to finish polishing with something a bit finer like Menzerna Super Finish PO106FA.

For sealants Menzerna Power Lock is a great sealant and here's a list of additional quality products...

Sealants


Menzerna Power Lock (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-power-lock-sealant.html)
Prima Hydro Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/prima-hydro-seal.html)
Four Star Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/four-star-ultimate-paint-protection.html)
Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-wet-diamond-sealant.html)
Klasse High Gloss Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/klashiggloss.html)
Ultima Paint Guard Plus (http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-paint-guard-plus.html)

Wax


Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/carnauba-wax.html)
Wolfgang Fuzion (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-fuzion-wax-sample.html)
Dodo Juice Supernatural (http://www.autogeek.net/natural-carnauba-wax-200.html)
Pinnacle Souveran (http://www.autogeek.net/pinsouvwax.html)
Blackfire Midnight Sun (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/blackfire-midnight-sun-wax.html)
Collinite 845 (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html)

Here's some great information that will help you if you need it.


Sectional Pass With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-car-garage-how-videos/24074-show-car-garage-video-how-do-section-pass-when-machine-polishing-da-polisher.html)
Removing Swirls (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/20021-definitive-how-article-removing-swirls-scratches-water-spots-using-porter-cable-7424xp-g110v2-griot-s-garage-polisher.html)
DA Trouble Shooting Guide (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/37769-da-polisher-trouble-shooting-guide.html)
Waxing With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pinnacle-wax/28651-how-machine-apply-wax-using-da-polisher.html)

[Setec Astronomy]

Also in order to do a full body detail what do I need? I have always washed with Dawn to strip the wax, wash again with car wash, claybar the car, cleaner wax, and then gold class or NXT gen.

IMO it's important to understand the process before you get to the products. In your process, you are washing the car twice in a row for no apparent reason, and then using two very similar "wax" products in a row. Bear in mind the Meguiar's 5-Step process, or this: Auto Detailing Facts, auto detailing Tips, How to detailing Guides, how to polish, how to wax, DIY detailing, do it yourself guides (http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html)

You want to wash/clean to remove gross soil. Then clay to remove bonded contaminants. Then use a paint cleaner to remove below-surface contaminants, or the appropriate compound/swirl remover(s) if you have swirls. Then you want to protect with a sealant and a wax or both.


Get anything but a PC. G110V2 has worked great for me. In addition just get Meguiars Microfiber System which includes D300, D301, Backing plate (short loop)
Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System 5 Inch Starter Kit, paint correction kit, dual action polishing kit (http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfiber-starter-kit-5in.html)

This is a really good suggestion if you are feeling overwhelmed and since you like Meguiar's. You can top the 301 with a wax like #26. Just make sure to get some extra pads.

[2008Mustang4.0]

How does this list look?
I already have Meguiars glaze, tire shine, glass cleaner, alluminum wheel cleaner, and interior products by Meguiars.
Griot's Garage 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher, Dual action buffer, DA polisher (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-random-orbital-polisher.html)
Meguiars #26 Hi-Tech Liquid Wax is a polymer liquid car wax that offers excellent paint protection and shine! Meguiars #26 High Tech Liquid Wax is (http://www.autogeek.net/meg26hityelw.html)
Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System 5 Inch Starter Kit, paint correction kit, dual action polishing kit (http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfiber-starter-kit-5in.html)
Meguiar’s D111 Shampoo Plus, 1 Gallon (http://www.autogeek.net/mg11101.html)

You said I need more pads? Which ones would you recommend? I also would like a good leather cleaner and conditioner, if Meguiar's isn't that good?(Thats the one I have)

Also I am looking for a car air freshner that works well. I would prefer new car scent, but I haven't found one that smells like a new car.

[mg6045]

How does this list look?
I already have Meguiars glaze, tire shine, glass cleaner, alluminum wheel cleaner, and interior products by Meguiars.
Griot's Garage 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher, Dual action buffer, DA polisher (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-random-orbital-polisher.html)
Meguiars #26 Hi-Tech Liquid Wax is a polymer liquid car wax that offers excellent paint protection and shine! Meguiars #26 High Tech Liquid Wax is (http://www.autogeek.net/meg26hityelw.html)
Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System 5 Inch Starter Kit, paint correction kit, dual action polishing kit (http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfiber-starter-kit-5in.html)
Meguiar’s D111 Shampoo Plus, 1 Gallon (http://www.autogeek.net/mg11101.html)

You said I need more pads? Which ones would you recommend? I also would like a good leather cleaner and conditioner, if Meguiar's isn't that good?(Thats the one I have)

Also I am looking for a car air freshner that works well. I would prefer new car scent, but I haven't found one that smells like a new car.

That looks great ! That shampoo is super high quality, I like it a LOT. I think you are making a great choice in choosing the Griots DA. like the other member said, get any polisher except the PC. (IMO). YOu will see that the Griots is the most powerful machine and super popular. The lifetime warranty is what really makes it a better buy than any other polisher on autogeek.

Megs 26 wax is super easy to use as well. great selection.

As for pads, yes, You will want extra Microfiber cutting pads in 5". Like I said, I prefer about 4 microfiber cutting pads on hand when i'm doing a car. Sometimes you can bump rubber trim or the pad can get caked up and you dont want to fully clean the pad during a detail. and having a few extra on hand makes life easy. The good thing about the pads is that you can clean them up nicely with an APC after using them, rinse and dry and there perfect for the next use. Just be sure to follow Meg's advice and use speed 4 on the Griots DA for long life out of the pads adhesive material.

I'm gonna stay out of the leather cleaner/conditioner debate to be honest. You also may want to start another thread for that question or do some search's. lol :) But you are correct, Meg's does not make a good leather protectant IME.

for air fresheners/odor eliminators look no further than DP Pro Series products.
Detailer's Pro Series Dual Action Odor Eliminator 3 Pack (http://www.autogeek.net/dp-odor-eliminator-3pack.html)

[Personal Touch]

When looking to get into buffing my car (I'm another enthusiast and do it for friends), I chose the Griot's orbital, I bought 5 pads, and the Wolfgang Swirl Remover 3.0 setup. I agree with the advice not to buy all those pads. I use my orange one and my blue one only. I was very impressed with the Wolfgang (did wonders on my black 1997 BMW that had never been buffed). I may eventually try other products seeking that "perfect combination".

[mg6045]

When looking to get into buffing my car (I'm another enthusiast and do it for friends), I chose the Griot's orbital, I bought 5 pads, and the Wolfgang Swirl Remover 3.0 setup. I agree with the advice not to buy all those pads. I use my orange one and my blue one only. I was very impressed with the Wolfgang (did wonders on my black 1997 BMW that had never been buffed). I may eventually try other products seeking that "perfect combination".

The Wolfgang polish's are made by Menzerna and are top of the line with an incredibly simple learning curve. chances are you may be more let down than not when sampling other products. The only reason IMO to look around would be for products that cut more and faster. (ie: the D300 Megs MF compound with cutting pad for compounding)

[rider9195]

I would get the Porter Cable 7424 XP. Match that with a 5" backing plate and Lake Country 5.5" Flat pads and you will be good to go. The Porter Cable has a very good reputation in the DA polisher industry, some people still have and use their first generation non-XP model to this day. That shows that this machine works very well and is long lasting.

I would pair that with the Blackfire SRC Compound and Polish and Blackfire's Wet Diamond sealant.

The Meguiar's Microfiber System could also be a good choice.