Noob looking for input on what to purchase to begin.

[GeoGoGo]

Hi Everyone,

I have finally decided to get into detailing. I am not doing it professionally, just on a personal basis. I have a 2007 black Kia Sportage and 2000 silver Cadillac Deville. Both are daily drivers and have fairly neglected paint. The get the once a month pass through the car wash but that is about it. They will both need paint correction, swirl and oxidation removal.

I have never don anything like this with a machine so I have decided on the Porter Cable 7424XP. I am not sure what supplies I will need to go with the polisher as well as the quantities. I am mostly looking for ideas such as pad type, microfiber applicators, and microfiber towels, both drying and detailing.

There is so much information it is a little difficult for me to sort or what I need. As for products, I have not gotten that deep into it. I have been a huge fan of Zaino for years but for hand use.

Any information, ideas, or suggestions will be greatly appreciated! Thank you all in advance for your time!

Respectfully,

George D.

[Mike Phillips]

Hi George,

Read through these two articles and then order some 5.5" foam pads a 5" backing plate to go with them...

The short how-to guide for using a DA Polisher
How to maximize the ability of the 1st Generation Porter Cable Dual Action Polishers (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/27166-how-maximize-ability-1st-gen-porter-cable-dual-action-polishers.html)

How to prime a foam pad when using a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/35292-how-prime-foam-pad-when-using-da-polisher.html)

DA Polisher Trouble Shooting Guide (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/37769-da-polisher-trouble-shooting-guide.html)

Wet Buffing Technique (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/36237-wet-buffing-technique.html)

How-to Machine Apply Wax using a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pinnacle-wax/28651-how-machine-apply-wax-using-da-polisher.html)

The Free Floating Spindle Assembly - The Story Behind The Story... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/23995-free-rotating-spindle-assembly-story-behind-story.html)

Handle? Or No Handle? - Using DA Polishers Without the Handle (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/30822-handle-no-handle-using-da-polishers-without-handle.html)

DA Polisher Articles - Help for Newbies to Machine Polishing (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/38399-da-polisher-articles-help-newbies-machine-polishing.html)



If the finish on both your cars is the factory finish you could also consider the Meguiar's Microfiber DA Correction System or get the Optimum Microfiber Pads and their compounds and polishes.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhJYFLgIjhE&hd=1]Autogeek.net - New Meguiars Microfiber DA System - YouTube[/video]




Both systems work great and I had my students use both on a white Corvette in my last class and the car came out swirl free...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Sunday%20Boot%20Camp/IMG_9903.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Sunday%20Boot%20Camp/IMG_9905.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1374/1DetailBootCamp072.jpg





Consider any or these,


Resources

E-book (http://www.autogeek.net/art-of-detailing-e-book.html)
(Displayed on iPad - iPad not included)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/medium/EbookCarWashingPage.jpg

Paperback
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/medium/paperbackDetailingBook01.jpg (http://www.autogeek.net/art-of-detailing-paperback-book.html)


How to Properly Use the Porter Cable 7424XP Dual Action Polisher Updated! (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-dvd.html)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1313/PorterCableDVD.jpg


Pinnacle Complete Car Care System Instructional How-to DVD (http://www.autogeek.net/picocarcasyi.html)



:buffing:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1313/PinnacleDVD.jpg


Mike Phillips' The Art Of Detailing Audio Book (http://www.autogeek.net/art-of-detailing-audio-book.html)
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2201_75669630


Mike Phillips' Principles of Machine Polishing
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/824/AGSCGDVD001.jpg (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/new-car-care-products/24852-autogeek-show-car-garage-video.html)

[BobbyG]

:welcome: To Autogeek Online George! :xyxthumbs:

This is "the" place to learn some of the finest ways to detail your car. There is a wealth of knowledge here for the beginner to the most advanced. A simple question is all that's needed to initiate helpful responses from members here and also Autogeek Professional Staff.

Everyone starts off as a beginner but with some reading, questions, and trial, error, and practice you'll be amazed how much you'll be able to do. After reading and understanding some of the basics, the more hands on your are the quicker you'll build your knowledge and gain experience.

This link contains articles written by Mike Phillips and has allot of great reading within.

Articles by Mike Phillips (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-articles-mike-phillips.html)

Basic steps in order are:


Wash
Clay
Paint Correction & Polish
Seal
Wax

Dual Action Polisher

Having the right tools for the job always the best way to start.

Paint correction and polishing by hand is a surefire way to discourage anyone from defect removal. The machines of today are worth their weight in gold and will make paint correction and polishing so much more efficient and quick you'll wonder how you got by without one.

As a side note, I apply 98% of my sealants and waxes with my Porter Cable 7424 dual action polisher using a blue or red foam pad.

1. - Working with a dual action polisher


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)

2. - My Porter Cable 7424, backing plate, and pads


Porter Cable 7424xp (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424xp.html)
Lake Country Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/lc43125.html)
Lake Country Flat Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html)


Polishes


Menzerna Bundle (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-polish-bundle3.html)
Meguiar's M105 (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-105-compound-8oz.html)
Meguiar's M205 (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-205-polish-8oz.html)

Meguiar's is one of the biggest names in detailing products and have been around. Life for them began in 1901 so this should give you some idea of their quality. Here are two over the counter products that work incredibly well.


Meguiars Ultimate Compound (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-ultimate-compound.html)
Meguiars Swirl X Swirl Remover (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-swirl-remover.html)


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)


One of my favorites


Collinite 845 (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html)


Some great 1-Step products

Hybrid Cleaner Waxes/Sealants


Meguiar's Mirror Glaze #6 Cleaner/Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/meg6clean.html)
Duragloss Total Performance Polish (TPP) # 105 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-total-performance-polish.html)
Meguiar's M20 Polymer Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/meg20polseal.html)
Meguiar's ColorX (http://www.autogeek.net/g11816.html)
Meguiar's M66 Quick Detailer (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-quick-detailer-.html)
Meguiar's D151 Paint Reconditioning Cream (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-paint-reconditioning-cream-d151.html)
1Z Einszett Metallic Polish Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/1z-einzett-polish-wax.html)
Duragloss Wet Look Paste Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-paste-wax-104.html)

[mjlinane]

Welcome to AGO!

Best advice I could give you is to listen/read what Mike and Bobby tell you.

[GeoGoGo]

Guys,

Thanks so much for the imput. It gives me some reading to do this weekend. I really appreciate it! Have a great weekend everyone!

George D.

[embolism]

before you go through all the information, are you willing to forego the "once a month trip through the carwash?". If not, then all your hard work will be for naught because just one trip through an improper wash will mess up your rides.

If you must go through a carwash then make sure it's a touchless. The right lsps can handle the harsh soaps and at least then the most you'll have to worry about is some waterspots that you can remove with a rinseless or waterless once you get home.