Need Advice on Initial Purchase

[The Critic]

Hey everyone,

This is such a great forum-- I have learned so much over the last few days by just searching and reading old posts.

I want to learn detailing as a new hobby. So, it's time for me to make that initial purchase and I am coming here to ask all of you for some advice.

Based on what I have read on this forum (and others), I plan to purchase the following items:

(1) Flex XC3401 VRG
(1) Flex Bag
(2) Lake Country CCS Orange Pads
(2) Lake Country CCS White Pads
(1) Lake Country CCS Yellow Pad
(1) Lake Country CCS Black Pad

+ few microfiber towels..

Package is $319 (From Auto Detailing Solutions, but autogeek says they will pricematch)

(1) Meguiar's M105-- 32oz-- $28
(1) Meguiar's M205-- 32oz-- $30
(1) Wolfgang's Deep Gloss Paint Sealant-- 16oz-- $30
(2) Cobra Guzzler HD Waffle Weave Drying Towel 16X24-- $20 (BOGO)
(2) White/Yellow ShMITT Wash Mitt-- $22
(4) Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay-- $40 (BOGO)
(1) ONR-- 32 oz-- $16

Total for chemicals: $186 (from Autogeek)

So, all together it should be around $505.

I am still trying to decide between the Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant and less-expensive alternatives such as Poor Boy's EX-P and the Duragloss #105.

Also, how does my pad selection look? Should I get more pads? If so, what brand/model? Are the Hydroclear pads worth a look? What about the uber Flex pads? Remember, I only plan to detail my own car (Saturn sedan) and perhaps the family cars.

Thanks in advance!

[TheGLL]

Maybe a red pad to apply your sealant.

[frosty]

I would recommend LC Foamed wool Foamed Wool 6.5 x 1 Thick Polishing / Buffing Pad

With the M105, I really like the way it gets out the tough stuff with minimal effort. (As compared to the others you have listed.) I would personal even substitute it for the yellow. I if I have something the Orange won't get out in one session, I go straight to the this pad.

If you're looking for an alternative to the DG 3.0, I just ordered some Meg's #21 2.0 Sealant. Meguiars #21 Synthetic Sealant

Haven't gotten a chance to try it yet.

I did get a gallon of the AIO Optimum Poli-Seal. I have used it one car to date. I used a machine and I liked the results. Will just need to wait to see how durable it is.

I like the AIO so I don't have to clean the paint before putting on a sealer like WG DPG 3.0.

[DLB]

The Hydro pads work well with the M105 and M205. I really like them being flat too. But, they are much harder to get clean.
And with that said - pick up some Pinnacle XMT Pad Cleaner.

DLB

[Mike Phillips]

What are you working on?
Is this for just your own car(s) or are you going to do some detailing on the side?

[DLB]

What are you working on?
Is this for just your own car(s) or are you going to do some detailing on the side?

(Last line.
To not had any coffee yet Mike - you are on a roll this morning. )

DLB

[jake66]

I'd change "a few microfiber towels" to "a lot of microfiber towels" and maybe add some sort of nuba wax to top the DGPS and when you want to do a quick "wow" boost. I like the addition of the foamed wool pad too. Order looks great, I'm jealous!!

[calhoun1]

I would get more CCS pads. You want at least 4 LC Orange, and 4 LC White. Then some blues are good for Applying Sealant or Jeweling.

So more pads.

[The Critic]

I did get a gallon of the AIO Optimum Poli-Seal. I have used it one car to date. I used a machine and I liked the results. Will just need to wait to see how durable it is.

I like the AIO so I don't have to clean the paint before putting on a sealer like WG DPG 3.0.

Is the AIO Optimum Poli-Seal similar to Klasse AIO?

How much cleaning can I expect from an AIO-type product?

Also, I see a lot of detailers mention a "one-step polish" as part of their service. I've read about some detailers using Menzerna SIP with a white pad as their one-step polish. Yet others have used Menzerna Power Polish with a white pad as a one-step solution. I like the idea of a one-step polish for situations where perfection is not critical, but the Merezna stuff is a bit pricey. Could Meguiar's M205 work just as well as Menzerna Power Polish?

What are you working on?
Is this for just your own car(s) or are you going to do some detailing on the side?

Just for my own cars, at least for now. Now, if I wanted to start working on other people's cars, I would be interested in hearing what changes you'd recommend for the order.

I'd change "a few microfiber towels" to "a lot of microfiber towels" and maybe add some sort of nuba wax to top the DGPS and when you want to do a quick "wow" boost. I like the addition of the foamed wool pad too. Order looks great, I'm jealous!!

What do you think of these towels?

Cobra Microfiber Towel Multi Pack

Also, what are your thoughts on Duragloss #105? It is much less expensive than the Wolfgang sealant, and may make more sense for me considering the age of the cars.

[The Critic]

For now, I have decided to skip the Flex purchase so that I can do more research on the various options. I want to do some research on that new Meguiar's DA before I pull the trigger. In the meantime, I still want to purchase some wash/clay/seal products, so here are the products that I just ordered. I wanted to get my order in so I can take advantage of the free gift from autogeek:

From Autogeek:

Cobra Guzzler HD Waffle Weave Drying Towel-- $19.99 for two
Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay-- $39.99 for four bars
Package of 3 Pinnacle Foam Wax Applicators-- $4.99
Duragloss #105-- $21.98 for two 16oz bottles
Pinnacle XMT Speed Clay Lube-- $9.99 for two bottles

From Chemical Guys

Chemical Guys Citrus Wash & Gloss-- $18.95 for one gallon
3" Thick Microfiber Wash Mitt-- $6.95
Microfiber Super Towel, Slick Branded, 16X16-- $17.95 for 12 pack
209g Gray Clay Bar medium-duty + 16oz spray of LUBER-- $22.95