Cammyfive
01-31-2014, 03:09 AM
Long time lurker here.... Last week I had my beloved 2009 Acura TSX in crystal black pearl (shimmers between jet black and a super dark blue with tons of metallic flake) fully corrected including wet sanding of the hood and roof from severe water etching and a 2 stage polish with Adams Polishes/Shine Supply using a Rupes (not sure of the exact model) and Flex 3401 and finally topped off with the PBL paint nano coating. I have a great friendly relationship with the detailer that did the work and chose to have him give me a perfect blank slate to maintain as I learn this craft of ours.
I have all of the basic supplies ordered or sitting here at home (2 buckets with grit guards, shampoo, Dodo wookie fist and other soft mits, Daytona wheel brush, several super soft waffle weave drying towels as well as Rinseless Wash tools to maintain on the days I can't do a full 2 bucket traditional wash). I've bought and read (watched) Mikes detailing guide on my iPad and apprenticed with the detailer as far as proper wash/dry techniques so I'm confident in my ability to basic wash/dry. 6-12 months from now I'd like to try my hand at a (hopefully) minor correction to keep it looking perfect. What specific polishers/pads/product would you recommend to a learning novice? My priorities would be ease of use (nothing frustrates like not feeling like you're making progress) and easy maintenance. I'm fairly certain I want to stick with a nano coating as the car sits outside most days and is exposed to the Alabama heat.
FYI: this is the same metallic black paint Honda/Acura has used for 10-15 years or so. It's generally regarded as fairly soft.
I have all of the basic supplies ordered or sitting here at home (2 buckets with grit guards, shampoo, Dodo wookie fist and other soft mits, Daytona wheel brush, several super soft waffle weave drying towels as well as Rinseless Wash tools to maintain on the days I can't do a full 2 bucket traditional wash). I've bought and read (watched) Mikes detailing guide on my iPad and apprenticed with the detailer as far as proper wash/dry techniques so I'm confident in my ability to basic wash/dry. 6-12 months from now I'd like to try my hand at a (hopefully) minor correction to keep it looking perfect. What specific polishers/pads/product would you recommend to a learning novice? My priorities would be ease of use (nothing frustrates like not feeling like you're making progress) and easy maintenance. I'm fairly certain I want to stick with a nano coating as the car sits outside most days and is exposed to the Alabama heat.
FYI: this is the same metallic black paint Honda/Acura has used for 10-15 years or so. It's generally regarded as fairly soft.