Another Noob detailing help thread

[dbark]

Ok, I'm new to detailing at this level so I'm trying to get a good shopping list and get started. I've always taken fairly good care of my vehicles but mostly with Walmart or Autozone purchased products and usually by hand until I bought an inexpensive DA from Home Depot a couple years ago.

My vehicles:

1. 2007 Honda Ridgeline, Aberdeen green exterior. I think it still looks pretty good overall, it has some minor scratches and imperfections and just doesn't pop like it used to. I've washed with two buckets, dried with cheapo Sams Club MF towels, used Megs NXT Car Wash and Wax, it has seen an automatic car wash on occassion.

2. 2012 Ford Edge, Triple White Platinum, 3 weeks old (and my main motivation for getting better at taking care of my vehicles). It was cleaned up by the dealer and I haven't done anything to it yet.

For washing, I already have two buckets with grit guards and NXT car wash. I'll be buying some sheepskin mitts to replace my old ones along with quality MF drying towels.

I plan to buy a Griots Garage 6 inch polisher, 5 inch backing plate and Lake Country 5.5 inch flat pads 6 pack (combo of orange, white, black, blue?).

I will start with my Honda since it's older. The plan is wash, clay, polish, sealant and wax. I currenty own Megs Swirl X, Ultimate Compound and NXT Tech Wax. Can I use those and if so, where? I'm pretty clear on washing, claying and waxing; it's the polishing and sealing that are new to me. From reviews I read, I was planning to use Menzerna power lock for the sealant. Considering using the least aggressive product to get the job done, what is a good polish to use? With what pad? Is the NXT good to use over the Menzerna or should I go ahead and get a good carnuba (Poorboys)? ANY other suggestions, critiques or recommendations are welcome.

The only thing I'll say is that I want to stay with moderately priced products ($30 or less per product is probably a good target).

Thanks in advance...

[Klasse Act]

Welcome and although I'm no pro, I would like to suggest to you to buy quality drying towels, Cobra and Griots sell good ones, among others here. Its good to see you using the 2 buckets and you've got the grit guards already too, good job! Also congrats on ordering the Griot's wheel, you'll love it, I have one and its really easy to use and the results will speak for themselves once you get it and use it. Honestly, there's nothing wrong with store bought products, its more about the prep work you put into the ride and now that your here and willing to listen and learn, well, you'll take your skills to the next level in no time, welcome to AG!

[A-train]

Hey and welcome, I'll throw my two cents worth out there. IMO is just go ahead and purchase some different polishes. The menzerna line is good. There is a good chart somewhere on here you can look at to give you the different levels of abrasiveness. I don't use them but I know a lot of guys that do. You could also do a Meguiars 105&205 combo.y personal favorite is the Meguiars microfiber pads with D300 and finishing wax. It's simple you have cutting pads and finishing pads. No guess work. Also you could do the same thing with Optimum microfiber pads and optimum polishes. A lot of options out there those are just a few off the top of my head.
Power lock is a good and durable sealant. Some others to look at are Blackfire, Collinite 845, Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint sealant. I noticed you were taking about carnubas also. You don't have to top a sealant but you certainly can if you want that look. Nattys red or blue are definite bang for the buck with great reviews. As far as the pad combo bwith the Griots you'll just have to do a test spot. But if it's heavily swirled I would tend to think starting with an orange pad and your compound and followed with a white pad and your polish if you go the lake country route.

[swanicyouth]

Wolfgang TSR 3.0 is a versatile and fairly easy to use polish. However you are you going to get many different suggestions. Also, Wolfgang is easy because there are just 2 polishing products: TSR and the glaze(it's really a final polish). I think that also makes it good for your first time because if your using Meg's or Menzerna, they make many polishes and putting together a successful pair that compliment each other may be a little confusing and overwhelming. If you stick to one line (like Wolfgang or Blackfire) you have a proven system of products that will work on 90%+ of the vehicles out there. I think the most effective and user friendly pads for a DA are any of the LC 5.5" pads with the correct backing plate. That size is more important than the series of pads, as anything larger may be harder to get rid of swirls or scratches.

[dbark]

Thanks for all the replies so far...

Atrain, I have thought about the Megs DA microfiber system just for the simplicity of it. If I go 105/205, are those the only products to use outside of washing and claying. Sorry, lots of questions and all this is a little overwhelming at first but I'm learning.

Thanks again.

[Old Tiger]

I think the new Optimum polishes and compound are very easy SMAT water based products. I agree with my pal Adam about MF pads, Best for beginners and veterans too IMO.

[A-train]

Thanks for all the replies so far...

Atrain, I have thought about the Megs DA microfiber system just for the simplicity of it. If I go 105/205, are those the only products to use outside of washing and claying. Sorry, lots of questions and all this is a little overwhelming at first but I'm learning.

Thanks again.

if your referring to this being all the products you need to maintain your vehicle then the answer is no. I may have misunderstood your question but you'll need a quality glass cleaner, trim dressing, tire dressing, wheel cleaner, interior cleaner, APC, Tire cleaner...etc. I would steer away from OTC products for these.

[A-train]

I think the new Optimum polishes and compound are very easy SMAT water based products. I agree with my pal Adam about MF pads, Best for beginners and veterans too IMO.

Jim is spot on. Very good polishes plus Jim introduced me to their metal polish and it's exceptional.

[BobbyG]

Basic steps in order are:

Wash
Clay
Paint Correction & Polish
Seal
Wax

Taking care of your vehicle takes time and practice in order to grasp how each phase of the process works and what it does.

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)

I prefer to put my own package together rather than buying a kit.


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)
Meguiar's DA Microfiber Correction Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfiber-starter-kit-5in.html)


Meguiars Ultimate Compound (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-ultimate-compound.html) is a nice product and will remove minor swirling and this level of surface defect. Use this with an Orange foam pad on speed setting 4 to 5.

Meguiars Swirl X Swirl Remover (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-swirl-remover.html) is a great over the counter polish for bringing that surface gloss up a notch or two leaving a high gloss finish ready for sealant and or wax protection. This is generally used with a White and Gray foam pad and again on speed 4 to 5.

Menzerna Power Lock (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-power-lock-sealant.html) is a great sealant. Apply it with your dual action polisher using a blue or red pad on speed 3. Once the product hazes, 30 minutes or so, buff it to a high gloss shine.

For additional protection and shine, allow the sealant to cure moisture free for 12 hours or so then apply the second coat in the same manor.

One of my favorites


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

Don't overlook some nice 1-step products as they perform well and leave a layer of protection behind. They do a great job at cleaning the finish and removing minor swirling.

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)

[dbark]

if your referring to this being all the products you need to maintain your vehicle then the answer is no. I may have misunderstood your question but you'll need a quality glass cleaner, trim dressing, tire dressing, wheel cleaner, interior cleaner, APC, Tire cleaner...etc. I would steer away from OTC products for these.

No, sorry if I was vague. I'm specifically referring to the paint.

[Mike Phillips]

The plan is wash, clay, polish, sealant and wax. I currently own Megs Swirl X, Ultimate Compound and NXT Tech Wax. Can I use those and if so, where?




Wash
Clay
Ultimate Compound on 5-6 setting with cutting or polishing foam pad
SwirlX on 5-6 setting with polishing or finishing pad
NXT on finishing or waxing pad on the 4 setting



Read my articles below...

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)

Video: How-To do a "Section Pass" when Machine Polishing with a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-videos/24074-video-how-do-section-pass-when-machine-buffing.html)

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)

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)

Why it's important to clean your pads often... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/28755-why-s-important-clean-your-pads-often.html)

How to clean your foam pad on the fly (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/20135-how-clean-your-foam-pad-fly.html)

How to correctly fold and use a Microfiber Towel (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/29230-how-correctly-fold-use-microfiber-towel.html)

Test Spot - The story behind the story... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/24043-test-spot-story-behind-term.html)

Kissing the Finish (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/29792-kissing-finish.html)

Knock out painted roofs first, then tackle the rest of the car... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/29746-knock-out-painted-roofs-first-then-tackle-rest-car.html)

Here's a tip... don't lift the pad off the paint till you've turned the polisher off and the spinning pad has slowed down... (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/28940-here-s-tip-don-t-lift-pad-off-paint-till-you-ve-turned-polisher-off-spinning-pad-has-slowed-down.html)


[/QUOTE]

That should get you going... consider this as a resource for out in the garage...


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



:xyxthumbs:

[dbark]

Thanks Mike, I''ve learned a lot reading your articles and watching videos and I appreciate your input on my plan. I'm putting a shopping cart together and seriously thinking about saving the Megs stuff for my daughter's car and getting the Wolfgang TSR and glaze for myself. Either way gonna figure it out tonight and ckeckout.

[BookemDano]

Thanks Mike, I''ve learned a lot reading your articles and watching videos and I appreciate your input on my plan. I'm putting a shopping cart together and seriously thinking about saving the Megs stuff for my daughter's car and getting the Wolfgang TSR and glaze for myself. Either way gonna figure it out tonight and ckeckout.
:props: on Mike's book. One of the issues a noob faces is the overall detailig process. Mike covers that very well.

Regarding the products... I'm becoming a fan of PakShak towels; they offer a great product at a very good price. I prefer Zaino polishes - Z2Pro and Z5Pro. And also Z6 and Z8 QD spray. I'm HUGE believer in Menzerna polishes; they are expensive but worth it IMO.

Make sure that you get the right pads for your polisher. I'm a long time user of Lake Country pads. Some pads work well on rotaries, some on forced rotation polishers like the Flex 3401, and some on standard DA's like PC and Griot's polishers. If your experience is like mine, get a couple of medium polishing pads (like white pads) to use with a heavier and finer polish. That gives you more flexibility.

Good luck with your decisions and if something doesn't work, try a new product or process. Lots of good stuff out there.

Regards,

Dan.

[dbark]

Thanks Mike, I''ve learned a lot reading your articles and watching videos and I appreciate your input on my plan. I'm putting a shopping cart together and seriously thinking about saving the Megs stuff for my daughter's car and getting the Wolfgang TSR and glaze for myself. Either way gonna figure it out tonight and ckeckout.


On second thought, I'll use my existing products for the time being...I saw the 3 hour free shipping at AG this morning so I loaded up my cart with everything I could think of and it came out to $320+ before any products so in the interest of peace at home I stopped there. I was able to get a free sample of Wolfgang TSR so I'll get to try it out. My birthday is coming up next month though...


1 GR-10750-1 - 6 Inch Griot's Garage Polisher ( NEW ) 129.99
(Standard)
1 LC-43-125DA - 5'' D.A. Hook & Loop Flexible Backing Pl 17.99
1 MB-500-2 - 2 Qty Cobra Indigo 6" Microfiber Bonnets 12.99
1 LC-77-216 - Lambswool 6" Leveling Pad 9.99
1 PB-BS32 - 32 oz.Poorboys Bug Squash Refill 15.99
1 PIN-900 - Pinnacle Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Pad 5.99
1 LC-75-6PACK - 6 QTY Lake Country 5 1/2 x 7/8 Inch Beve 34.99
1 GR-11146 - 35 oz. Griot's Garage Speed Shine Detailer 11.99
1 GR-11022 - Griot's Garage Finest Sprayer 2.99
1 COBRA-CK - **The Guzzler Combo Kit 27.99
1 COBRA-1624WW-3 - 3 Qty 16x24 Cobra Microfiber Waffle W 29.99
3 GS-PAD - Sheepskin Wash Pad 15.00
1 MF-CB1616-B - 2 Qty 16x16 Microfiber Clean & Buff Towe 7.99
1 SAMPLES - One Free Sample Per Order 0.00

[dbark]

Finally getting around to reporting back in on this. On my '07 Honda Ridgeline, after wash and clay, I used Meguiars Ultimate Compound on an orange LC flat pad, Meguiars Swirl X on white pad and two coats of NXT about 18 hours aparts. I didn't quite get all the water spots out but it looks better than it has in years. Anything I should try different next time (this fall probably) to get those stubborn water spots?