A Few Questions Before Making Another Purchase

[Kappy]

I debated whether to post this, and I'm apologizing in advance. You guys must cringe whenever you see another "what to buy" post, and I'll bet there are about a million of them. I know. I've read them all. I'm just in the habit of trying not to spend a lot of money on the wrong things - trial and success vs. trial and error - so I've been searching for some type of consensus on a number of products. Good luck with that.

I started out by buying just what I needed to wash and clay the car, and I'm hoping to do that this weekend. I had intended to wait before getting a DA, pads and polishes, but now after reading at least 5,000 posts on the subject, combined with the current surprise AG sale on buffers, I'm tempted to make a purchase and set everything aside until I'm ready to tackle the job. The madness continues.

One of the first videos I watched was Junkman's series on paint correction. All that's required is a Porter Cable DA, some Hex-Logic pads, M105, M205 and I'm done. Of course a little technique wouldn't be bad either.

Then I watched a number of videos produced by Mike Phillips, featuring a variety of other products that all appear to do a great job. The decision got far more complicated.

There are 3 DAs that seem to be popular, with similar features and prices. I'm now leaning towards the Griot's, along with an LC 5" backing plate, based on the preference of many forum members, as well as the lifetime warranty. I'm not going into the detailing business, and this will just be for personal use.

Pads are still a big question, and I know that everyone has a favorite. There are probably hundreds of threads with pad questions, again, most of which I'll bet I've read. Even though I had initially considered the Hex-Logic pads, for no other reason than Junkman recommended them, I think I've narrowed down my choice to the 5.5" LC flat pads - 3 orange and 3 white. I can order them from AG with other supplies; they get good reviews, and seem to be a good option for someone starting out. The Hydro-Tech, or even some microfiber pads, were others I considered, and I might order a few samples just to try. Anything that I missed, or any reason to stay away from these? It looks like one advantage to the microfiber pads is that they might be easier to clean, or at least that's my initial impression.

I have a black car with very faint dealer-inflicted swirls. My original idea was to use the combination of M105 and M205, on orange and white pads respectively, though at this point I haven't determined if M105 is necessary, which, I know, requires a test. I read some posts about skipping the application of M105, but can you start with M205 and possibly use it on a pad with more cut, like orange, versus white, or should certain pads only be used with certain products? This is about the time I'd like to find an experienced detailer in the Dallas area, who might be willing to share some advice after looking at my car.

In any case, am I on the right track for a starter kit?

Thanks.

Ron

[SRConcepts]

You're on the right track! The Griot's is a very capable DA, I'm ordering one this weekend myself, and your pad choice is a good one as well. You're right about needing to do a test spot on your car to determine the right combination of pad vs product, it's the only way to truly tell. You can use a more aggressive pad with the M205 to get a bit more cut if need be, however if the swirls are as faint as you say they are, I doubt it will be necessary. Any other questions, feel free to ask, I'm sure others will chime in to help as well. Welcome to AG! :xyxthumbs:

[rms64]

Defintitely on the right track! The GG6 is a great deal with the current sale, and IMHO the 5" backing plate with LC 5.5" pads are a great combination and a must have.

Of course, this is how I got my start too! You won't regret picking up the GG6!:xyxthumbs:

[hernandez.art13]

Man you've done you research!!!

Yes stick to a test spot. IPA wipe down, dawn, I think chemical guys sells something probably AG too before your test the spot and after IMO then seal


So you don't do your whole car and are not happy with your results (waste your time)

Welcome and buff away!

[rms64]

Man you've done you research!!!

Yes stick to a test spot. IPA wipe down, dawn, I think chemical guys sells something probably AG too before your test the spot and after IMO then seal


So you don't do your whole car and are not happy with your results (waste your time)

Welcome and buff away!

Art, not sure if you're suggesting an IPA wipedown before a wash with dawn, but no reason to do an IPA before any kind of wash. I think he's on the right track with test spot with 105/205, trying least aggressive first - then the IPA would come into play prior to whatever LSP he's going with.

Regards!

Rob

[Evan.J]

Rob I agree with you. IPA wipe downs are for removing oils and checking results to ensure of full defect removal. IPA are used after polishing and prior to sealants coatings and waxes.

Ron you have a great choice there in the GG6" polisher and good choice in the smaller pads as well. The LC flat pads are great pads and on the cheaper side as well. I have some of the hydro tech pads and the hybrid pads and they both are great. It really comes down to what you want and what you would like to spend.

Nice to see you know about the test spot and the least aggressive method first. One thing I will say is that when it comes to M105 it can dust very bad and cake your pad so make sure your cleaning your pad on the fly often when using 105.

[hernandez.art13]

Art, not sure if you're suggesting an IPA wipedown before a wash with dawn, but no reason to do an IPA before any kind of wash. I think he's on the right track with test spot with 105/205, trying least aggressive first - then the IPA would come into play prior to whatever LSP he's going with.

Regards!

Rob

Yes that is what I meant Rob

Polish out the test spot then IPA wipe down.

To see if he is happy with the results. Then just repeat for entire car.

For test spot:
Wash
Polish
IPA
Review results
Then when happy with the results do the polishing part for entire

Of course seal last

[Rmd]

You cannot go wrong with the Griot 6" DA. Get a 5" backing plate from lake country and you're good to go with 5.5" pads. Lake country CCS might be a touch easier to use than the flat pads but its a difference of degree, not kind. M105 has a pretty steep learning curve and is not really beginner friendly. You might have a more enjoyable experience starting with something a bit more forgiving. For a heavy cut Menzerna FG400 works great, or Meg's ultimate compound, chemical guys V34, and many others. There is no one right product, as your post indicates you are aware, so have fun with it and try a few different products to see what works best for what you are trying to achieve.

[psynx]

Just get a rupes21

Sent from my SCH-I605 using AG Online

[Kappy]

Rob I agree with you. IPA wipe downs are for removing oils and checking results to ensure of full defect removal. IPA are used after polishing and prior to sealants coatings and waxes.

Ron you have a great choice there in the GG6" polisher and good choice in the smaller pads as well. The LC flat pads are great pads and on the cheaper side as well. I have some of the hydro tech pads and the hybrid pads and they both are great. It really comes down to what you want and what you would like to spend.

Nice to see you know about the test spot and the least aggressive method first. One thing I will say is that when it comes to M105 it can dust very bad and cake your pad so make sure your cleaning your pad on the fly often when using 105.

Thanks for the feedback.

If I wanted to do a test with M205 first, would I try it on a white pad, which appears to be a standard combination, or on an orange pad if I wanted to try and remove light swirls?

I'm also trying to figure out how many pads I'd need to do an SUV. If it takes more than a day I'd have a chance to clean the pads overnight and reuse, but otherwise I'm not sure how many pads would be needed, even while trying to clean them between sections.

[Kappy]

You cannot go wrong with the Griot 6" DA. Get a 5" backing plate from lake country and you're good to go with 5.5" pads. Lake country CCS might be a touch easier to use than the flat pads but its a difference of degree, not kind. M105 has a pretty steep learning curve and is not really beginner friendly. You might have a more enjoyable experience starting with something a bit more forgiving. For a heavy cut Menzerna FG400 works great, or Meg's ultimate compound, chemical guys V34, and many others. There is no one right product, as your post indicates you are aware, so have fun with it and try a few different products to see what works best for what you are trying to achieve.

Thanks for your comments.

The only thing that concerned me about the CCS pads were the dimples, which I read that some users feel collect too much polish and are harder to clean. That might not be the case, but I'd like to start out as simple as possible, avoiding as much disaster and frustration as possible.

Anyone try the LC microfiber pad? Since there's only one type, it seems to take the guesswork about which pad to use.

I'm still trying to decide on polishes, and might not get any until I do a little more research. I want to take advantage of the sale prices on the DA and pads, and since it's already hot here in Dallas, don't know if I'd even want to do any work other than washes until it gets cooler.

[Evan.J]

I have heard the same thing about the CCS pads as well. Like I said I never had an issue using the hybrid or hydro tech.

As for the MF pads Meg's are the ones to go with from everything that I have seen. They offer the best cut and finish although they do fail but that's due to not cleaning after every section pass, not using compressed air to clean the fibers, not switching the pads often enough, too much product used, too much downward pressure, and finally too fast of speed. (I think I named them all). They are great though when used the right way the results are fantastic.

As for polishes really it's all in preference. Menzerna is great Meg's is great they all have there place. Every paint job is different so some polish may not work others will.

[dlc95]

I don't have an issue cleaning ccs pads, but I'm not sure if I'd like them as much if I were using a non smat product. I'd hate to be working product down only to have new product introduced. With the products like Ultimate Compound / Ultimate Polist, and their Mirror Glaze counterpars, it's not an issue.

[Kappy]

Not knowing exactly what I need to do the job, if I wanted to try M105 and M205, how much would I need to do one SUV? I don't want to buy a small amount for testing and then need to order more product, and also don't want to over order. Would 2, 8 oz bottles of each be enough?

[SRConcepts]

I believe that will be enough. I don't see you needing much more than that. If you are, it's either very large, or you're using way too much product, but you should be alright. :xyxthumbs: