First DA to Apply Wax

[jakesxt]

So we have made it through the long hard Chicago winter (OK maybe not such a bad winter this year). I am getting ready to really clean the car next weekend. I am looking to purchase my first DA and think I have decided on the GG6. Looks like good reviews and the warranty seems great. I would only be using it for my two cars and possibly a friend here or there.

Never having used a DA I would like to just start by using it to apply the wax which I used to do by hand (Collonite 845). Having a black car I am just worried I would not use it correctly the first few times. It is a daily driver so I know it will never be perfect. I am just hoping it will cut down the time it takes to wax.

I was wondering would I need just 1 Red 6.5" pad for the whole car (Challenger)? I want to make sure I place the order with everything I need at once.

Thanks for help in advance.

[mrbtd]

If you are in the Northern suburbs and want to try a GG6 out let me know. Welcome to use/borrow mine.

[FocusSTguy]

One pad for wax and sealants is fine.

[briarpatch]

I have the GG6....also my first DA.....I'd buy more than one pad....I bought 3 and then three of the 3-inch for those tight spots.....and get either the yo-yo hand applicator of the palm applicator to go with them

[Paul A.]

It's understandable being somewhat nervous about diving into using a DA machine for cutting or abrading your paint. Trust me, i was absolutely the same way when i first started. What i would suggest is to try a pre wax cleaner first before applying your Coll. You can't get a good feel of the machine and not cut anything AND prep the paint well to hold onto that Collonite for a while.

Just a suggestion as a way to get comfortable with it. Hopefully you'll get over your hesitation once you use it a bit and realize you aren't doing any harm.

And, yes, get 2 six packs of pads!

[kwwhite1]

I started with a Harbor Freight DA and with a 20% off coupon that can always be found online ended up costing me less than fifty bucks. It has lasted me several years with no issues. Just a backup idea to the gg6.

[hollerstiltner]

One pad to wax a vehicle is just fine. Just realize you'll be waxing some areas by hand still. That 6.5 pad won't fit everywhere on most cars.

If you're nervous about how it feels to run it with polish later on, try using it on a glass door or something you won't damage. It'll give you a chance to work the polish through a full cycle to see how it feels.

[jakesxt]

Thanks everyone for the great advice (And for the chance to try it mrbtd).

I know once I use it I will get over the feeling of doing any damage. Just that I have waxed my car by hand for so long without using any machine I just have to do it.

Puckman, do you have any suggestions for a pre wax cleaner? I have never used one before but it does sound like a great idea.

One last question is how to clean the pads afterwards? My hand pads I usually just use some hot water and let dry. I usually don't use them more than twice since they are cheap before I switch to a new one.

Thanks again everyone.

[Jaretr1]

You might want to go with a 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads. One pad is fine for applying wax / sealant.

There is a sticky on Collinite 845 on the forum.

The advantage of applying 845 by machine is while it might save a little time, it does allow you to spread the product out nice and evenly. Remember, thin is in!

[Kamakaz1961]

You should be fine! 1 pad is all you need to apply wax. The 6.5" Pad is fine. Once you apply wax by DA you will never do it by hand again. As for the spots you can't reach with the DA just remove the pad and apply the wax by hand. Why waste 2 pads for one job. Additionally, the pad will have quite a bit of wax on it so you do not need to get more...eventually.

Make sure the speed setting is on the lower end. For the GG6 I would go no more than Speed 3. Again, have fun and if you can show pics!

[davidc]

You might want to go with a 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads. One pad is fine for applying wax / sealant.

There is a sticky on Collinite 845 on the forum.

The advantage of applying 845 by machine is while it might save a little time, it does allow you to spread the product out nice and evenly. Remember, thin is in!

What he said. As for cleaning the pad I use Maintex cleaner from Costco. I use the hottest water my hands can take then mix about 2oz of Maintex and work my thunbs thru the pad squeezing the wax out. After I have them as clean as possible I rinse then air dry by spinning on the DA or Rotary. Be advised that you will never get 845 completely out so you may want to have some more pads around and keep the 845 pad for collinite products.

Dave

[kevincwelch]

Where in Chicago are you? Lots of good folks in this area who I'm sure would be willing to help you out.

[Paul A.]

These are a few of my favorite pre wax/sealant paint cleaners and gloss enhancers:

BLACKFIRE Gloss Enhancing Polish, prewax polish, car polish (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-gloss-enhancing-polish.html)

Duragloss Marine RV Polish #501 cleans, polishes, and shines gelcoat fiberglass boat and RV finishes. Duragloss durable boat and RV polishes. (http://www.autogeek.net/duragloss-marine-rv-polish--501.html)

Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion will restore and preserve your car's original beauty. (http://www.autogeek.net/pinpainclean.html)

[briarpatch]

For the record.....I practiced on my John Deere riding mower....

[Mike@ShineStruck]

My first polisher was a Griot Boss 21
You'll get over the intimidation after you do you're first car or a couple good test spots