Getting a order together

[Frycztech]

I always kept my car clean and I how noticed that the paint is getting cloudy(white) and my other car has a lot of swirls (black metallic). So I decided that im going to buy a 7424XP and start to take my cleaning to the next step.
I need some help picking out what products to get.
I was thinking:

Porter Cable 7424XP
Lake Country 5.5 Flat pads
2 orange
2 white
1 black
1 blue

and a 4'' carpet scrubber
(also gonna get a 5.5 and 3.5 backing plate)

I was thinking of getting the meguiars M105 and M205
then getting some Ultima Waterless wash to do a quick wipe down.

Is this a good way of doing things or am I not going to get the look of the car I want?

Im i forgetting anything?
I know I need some soap and something to clean the interior.

Thanks for the help in advance i just dont wanna mess the paint up sorry for all the questions


Stephen

[Buckskincolt]

I always kept my car clean and I how noticed that the paint is getting cloudy(white) and my other car has a lot of swirls (black metallic). So I decided that im going to buy a 7424XP and start to take my cleaning to the next step.
I need some help picking out what products to get.
I was thinking:

Porter Cable 7424XP
Lake Country 5.5 Flat pads
2 orange
2 white
1 black
1 blue

and a 4'' carpet scrubber
(also gonna get a 5.5 and 3.5 backing plate)

I was thinking of getting the meguiars M105 and M205
then getting some Ultima Waterless wash to do a quick wipe down.

Is this a good way of doing things or am I not going to get the look of the car I want?

Im i forgetting anything?
I know I need some soap and something to clean the interior.

Thanks for the help in advance i just dont wanna mess the paint up sorry for all the questions


Stephen

You need clay to clay it first and a good LSP.

I'd get a couple more orange and white pads.

And for a beginner I wouldn't choose the M 105/205 combo. I'll get flamed for saying that but that's my opinion.

Get something like the Wolfgang combo or some Menzerna polishes.

:props:

[Frycztech]

You need clay to clay it first and a good LSP.

I'd get a couple more orange and white pads.

And for a beginner I wouldn't choose the M 105/205 combo. I'll get flamed for saying that but that's my opinion.

Get something like the Wolfgang combo or some Menzerna polishes.

:props:


What is a LSP?

What other polishes should i get then??

[rider9195]

I agree with Buck. The M105/205 combo is great, but can have issues for users that are new to the product and machine polishing. I would look into the Wolfgang Twins. The Total Swirl Remover and Finishing Glaze(this is actually a fine polish, not a glaze). These products are much easier to work with and will produce great results when paired with the right pad and tool.

I would pick up one yellow pad just in case. And another black pad for final polishing on your black vehicles.

LSP is Last Step Product. It is usually a wax, sealant, or paint coating. My favorite LSP is Blackfire Wet Diamond. This paint sealant looks great on darker colored cars and is effortless to wipe off.

[ziggo99]

I would swap out the PC 7424XP for the Griot's Garage 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher, Dual action buffer, DA polisher (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-random-orbital-polisher.html). To me, the Griot's is the benchmark of the random orbital polishers. I've owned one for a two and a half years, and have yet to have any issue with it.

If you're looking for an easy to use kit, the 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) is a great kit and one that I own. It has everything you'll need to get a high shine finish without any guess work.

But, if you're wanting to buck the trend, then you have a vast variety of choices to select from. You have the Wolfgang twins as already mentioned. You can create a two step system from the Menzerna line, depending on the condition of your pant. I'm not as experienced with their polishes as others, but forum member BobbyG uses the line and uses Menzerna Power Gloss, menzerna powergloss, menzerna S34A, menzerna s34, menzerna compound (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-powergloss-compound.html) for compounding and 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-polish-po203.html) for polishing. For an over the counter two step system, Meguiars Ultimate Compound, polishing compound, rubbing compound, meguiars rubbing compound, meguires, meguiars polish, auto compound polish (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-ultimate-compound.html) and Meguiars Swirl X Swirl Remover, SwirlX, car polish, Meguiar's Swirl Remover, Meguiars polishes, meguires, megwires (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-swirl-remover.html) are the products that I used until the Microfiber kit came out, but I'll still go to them because I know they work. Selecting a polish can be overwhelming, given the amount of choices out there. But rest assured, almost any you choose will be great products.

If you decide to hand pick your polishes, you'll have to decide on pad choices. Just looking at the page can be overwhelming. So many lines, colors and sizes to choose from. As Mike Phillips would says "KISS: Keep it Simple Simon". You were right when you wanted 5.5" pads. The smaller a pad on the dual action, the faster the results will come. Lake Country Hydro-Tech 5 1/2 x 7/8 Inch Foam Pads 3 Pack - Your Choice! (http://www.autogeek.net/hydrotech-low-profile-3pack.html) or Lake Country Constant Pressure Technology 5.5 Inch Flat Pads, foam pads, buffing pads (http://www.autogeek.net/constant-pressure-flat-5-5-pads.html), sticking with Orange-Green-Black for the second one. Of course, getting 5.5" pads means switching out the backing plate with a 5" one. Meguiars Mirror Glaze W67DA G110 DA Polisher 5 inch Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-w67da-5-inch-backing-plate.html) is the one I would reach for, and is the one that comes with the Microfiber kit I linked in the previous paragraph.

As previously answered, LSP=Last Step Product. It products all that hard work of polishing. If you're wanting a long lasting sealant, Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845, liquid wax, heat-resistant wax, car wax (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html) , BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection, paint sealant, synthetic sealant, blackfire sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-wet-diamond-sealant.html) and We Are Car Care -- Car Wax, Car Polish, Auto Detailing Supplies, Car Buffers & Car Accessories Store (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-power-lock-sealant.htmlare) excellent products, and are the three I grab the most when I'm looking for durability.

If you're wanting a beauty wax that you don't mind applying more often, then DP Max Wax- Made with pure carnauba wax and advanced polymers. (http://www.autogeek.net/carnauba-car-wax.html) and Pinnacle XMT 180 High Gloss Carnauba Paste Wax, XMT car wax, auto wax, best show car wax (http://www.autogeek.net/xmt-180-carnauba-wax.html) are quality choices.

[Buckskincolt]

What is a LSP?

What other polishes should i get then??

Sorry for that quick reply, I'm really short on time today!

LSP = Last Step Product.
For a reasonable priced easy to Use sealant I'd recommend DP Poli-Coat DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant, polymer paint sealant, auto paint sealant, DP Policoat paint sealant, paint sealer (http://www.autogeek.net/dp-poli-coat-paint-sealant.html)

For Polishes I highly Recomend the Wolfgang Twins,
Create a flawless finish in 2 simple steps with the Wolfgang Duo. (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgangduokit.html) you can buy this in different kits or individual bottles, this is just a link to one kit.
Very easy to use with great results.:props:

[Ohio Detailing]

I agree with Buck. The M105/205 combo is great, but can have issues for users that are new to the product and machine polishing. I would look into the Wolfgang Twins. The Total Swirl Remover and Finishing Glaze(this is actually a fine polish, not a glaze). These products are much easier to work with and will produce great results when paired with the right pad and tool.

My favorite LSP is Blackfire Wet Diamond. This paint sealant looks great on darker colored cars and is effortless to wipe off.

Hey Rider, just a couple of questions, great post(s) by the way.

What do you and Buckskincolt mean by 'issues' can happen with new users? I too, was swaying toward the well-known M105/205 combo along with my FLEX 3401 Dual-Action buffer when I make the purchase during the next No Restrictions sale at AutoGeek. I have watched all of the buffing videos over the years demonstrated by Mike, and really think although it requires a great detail of focus and attention to detail, buffing isn't exactly neural surgery. Let me know what to look out for please.

Also, I'm seeing a lot about the Wolfgang combo for compounding and polishing here... what makes them better than the 105/205?

Lastly, you say you use a sealant as your LSP, but I've read so many times sealants have to be applied directly to freshly stripped and washed paint to adhere and bond DIRECTLY to the clear coat, and then I hear of people using sealants AFTER applying glazes etc etc. So... what's the best/right way to do it, and do you apply yours after a carnauba since it's your LSP?


Sorry for that quick reply, I'm really short on time today!

For Polishes I highly Recomend the Wolfgang Twins,
Create a flawless finish in 2 simple steps with the Wolfgang Duo. (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgangduokit.html) you can buy this in different kits or individual bottles, this is just a link to one kit.
Very easy to use with great results.:props:

Please also share your thoughts on what makes the Wolfgang combo for compounding and polishing better than the 105/205?

[BobbyG]

Hi Stephen,

A dual action polisher is defiantly a worthwhile investment. These machines take the drudgery out of polishing and improving uniformity and consistency of your work.

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.

Make detailing enjoyable and practice.

Take your time and do not become overwhelmed. Just because there are a thousand products doesn't mean you have to use them all.

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)

Pick one product for each of the steps below.


Basic steps in order are:


Wash
Clay
Paint Correction & Polish
Seal
Wax

Everyone should have a good supply of 5 1/2" flat pads and also take a look at Meguiar's DA Microfiber Correction Kit.

The Porter Cable 7424xp


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)

Here's some great information by Mike Phillips 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)
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 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)
How to MAXIMIZE your DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/27166-how-maximize-your-da-polisher.html)

(http://www.autogeek.net/da-microfiber-starter-kit-5in.html)
A few nice products you might want to take a look at...

Wash - Duragloss #901 (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-car-wash-concentrate.html)
Clay - Meguiar’s Clay (http://www.autogeek.net/motcalgolcla.html)
Compound - PG 1000 – PowerGloss Compound (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-powergloss-compound.html) (POS34A)
Polish - PF 2500 – Power Finish Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-polish-po203.html) (PO203)
Finishing Polish - SF 4000 – Super Finish Polish (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-nano-polish-po-106-fa-finishing-polish.html) (PO106FA)
Sealant - Ultima Paint Guard Plus (http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-paint-guard-plus.html)
Wax - Collinite 845 (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html)
Spray Wax -Optimum Spray Car Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-spray-wax.html)
Tire Cleaner - Meguiar's Super Degreaser (http://www.autogeek.net/mg10801.html)
Tire Treatment - CarPro PERL (http://www.autogeek.net/perl-coat-protectant.html)
Trim - Ultima Tire and Trim Guard (http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-tire-trim-guard.html)
Wheel Cleaner - Meguiar's Wheel Brightener (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiar-s-wheel-brightener.html)
Wheel Protectant -Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-coat.html)
Glass Cleaner - Meguiar's Glass Cleaner (http://www.autogeek.net/mg12001.html)
Glass Treatment - Aquapel (http://www.autogeek.net/rain-repellent.html)
All Purpose Cleaner - Optimum Power Clean (http://www.autogeek.net/128oz-optimum-power-clean-apc.html)
Interior Protectant - Meguiar’s M40 (http://www.autogeek.net/mg40128.html)
Chrome & Stainless Steel - BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond Metal Acrylic Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-all-metal-sealant.html)

[Buckskincolt]

Please also share your thoughts on what makes the Wolfgang combo for compounding and polishing better than the 105/205?
I'm not saying they are better in general, I'm saying they are more forgiving to use for a new person using a RO.

I feel the diminishing polishes are more forgiving to people that maybe aren't doing everything perfect. As the abrasives break down they cut less and less. The WG polishes seem to have a longer working time than 105/205 and once the working time is done you are now adding not removing swirls with a SMAT product like the 105. If you let the 105 get a bit dry you can get a mess pretty fast.
Again I'm not saying you can let the WG get dry and keep going without problems, but as the diminishing abrasives break down the product gets transparent and when you can't see much it time to stop and wipe off, the meg polishes don't do that.

It's hard to explain on a forum. But I think you will find many more people having finishing problems with the 105/205 than say Menzerna or WG polishes. You must also keep in mind the 105 is much more aggressive than the WG TSR. unless you are skilled with a good eye I think 105 is an overkill for 90% of the correction needed on most cars.

Keep in mind also, THIS IS ONLY MY OPINION AND IS NOT MENT TO SAY ONE PRODUCT IS BETTER AT ANYTHING OVER ANOTHER!:dblthumb2:

[Frycztech]

Ok so im gonna go with the WG 3.0 that was mentioned and i have some Collinites 845 so ill do:
Wash
Clay
WG Twins
Collinites 845

is that the right thing to do?

thanks for your help

[Frycztech]

Also what is a good interior product to use on the dash board and all the interior panels?

[swanicyouth]

The Wolfgang Twins are great, but not super agressive. If you cars arent to bad, they will work great. I would also pick up a yellow pad just in case, as it does add the extra bite if needed. Also, keep in mind, if you need something a little stronger in a pinch, you likely can get some 105 or Meg's Ultimate Compound locally

[BobbyG]

Ok so im gonna go with the WG 3.0 that was mentioned and i have some Collinites 845 so ill do:

Wash
Clay
WG Twins
Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0
Collinite 845

is that the right thing to do?

thanks for your help

I've added the Wolfgang sealant after the twins and it should be applied after the correction and before the wax. Be sure to let the sealant cure overnight before applying the wax....

Take your time and be sure each step is complete then move on to the next.

[Frycztech]

I've added the Wolfgang sealant after the twins and it should be applied after the correction and before the wax. Be sure to let the sealant cure overnight before applying the wax....

Take your time and be sure each step is complete then move on to the next.

Dose the sealant get applied by hand?

[BobbyG]

Dose the sealant get applied by hand?

Both sealant and wax certainly can be applied by hand and has been for years. Applying either by hand requires concentration as a thin consistant layer is all that's needed.

Personally, other than the clear sealants such as Optimum Opti-Seal or Ultima Paint Guard Plus, I apply everything with my dual action polisher and a soft blue or red foam pad.

Application of sealants and waxes become sure easy and the machine does the work. With the speed setting on 3 the machine lays down a super thin layer efficiently and easily. Allow the product to haze then buff...

Once you try this method you'll be scratching your head asking yourself why you hadn't been doing it this way all along! :props: