new to this site and need help

[houndheaterguy]

Hello All!

I just found this site and am really looking forward to learning from anyone who will take the time to help. I know NOTHING about polishers/buffers but want to make my GMC truck look like new. It is a 2004, 2500 Sierra. I love the truck and love detailing it except I do everything by hand. A guy told me he does a 2 or 3 step buffing process but I did not listen very well. I would love to know what is the best DA polisher for the money and process etc. Again, please remember, I have NEVER done this and simply want a better system than my hand washing and hand application of wax. I do not need the best unit available but want the best abng for my buck. I plan to watch the vidoes on this site but just excited to hear what the "pro's" say as well. Any information would be appreciated!!!

Hound Heater Guy

[JohnnyC]

Your best off going under (Ask the Expert featuring Mike Phillips).to get all the info you will need. This will help get you started with everything from the right polish and waxes to videos of using a polisher the correct way.

[BobbyG]

To Autogeek Online

This is "the" place to learn some of the finest ways to detail your car. There is a wealth of knowledge here for the beginner to the most advanced. A simple question is all that's needed to initiate helpful responses from members here and also Autogeek Professional Staff.

This is something I've posed several times and it covers many areas at a high level but give you an idea of what's available and some of the prices.

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.

This link contains articles written by Mike Phillips and has allot of great reading within.

Articles by Mike Phillips

Basic steps in order are:

• Wash
• Clay
• Paint Correction & Polish
• Seal
• Wax

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

Pick one product from each category from the steps above. You already have some great waxes so you're that far ahead of the game..

Autogeek has a kit section that contains everything you need to get started. For starting off I recommend a dual action polisher. These come on a variety of flavors and Autogeek carries most of them so take your time and educate yourself.


Kit Page

Car Care Kits, Car Care Cleaning Kits, Complete Detailing Kits

Decent kit

Pinnacle Twins & Meguiar's G110v2 Dual Action Polisher Kit FREE BONUS

Much better kit

Menzerna Porter Cable XP Maximum Shine Kit FREE BONUS

Flex Kit

If I were in the market for a kit this would be the one I'd choose.
Pinnacle Flex XC3401 Polishing & Swirl Remover kit, Pinnacle polishes, swirl removers, finishing polish, flex buffer

Don't overlook a one step product

One Step Product

Klasse

Klasse ALL-IN-ONE Auto Polish, Klasse All In One, klasse aio, Acrylic polish

Menzerna Sealing Wax

Menzerna Sealing Wax APO 60, Menzerna APO 60, Menzerna wax

Meguiar's D151

Meguiars Paint Reconditioning Cream D151

Pinnacle XMT

Pinnacle XMT Clean & Shine Bundle

Forum Favorite

Klasse All-In-One, Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze, Pinnacle Souveran, Pinnacle Crystal Mist Spray Wax come together to create a forum favorite kit.

Sealants

Menzerna Power Lock Paint Sealant

Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant, Menzerna auto sealant, car sealant, paint sealant protectant

Other quality sealants

• Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant
• Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze
• DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant

Wax

Collinite 845

Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845, liquid wax, heat-resistant wax, car wax

Pinnacle Signature Series ll

Pinnacle Signature Series II Carnauba Paste Wax will give you a deep, wet finish will exceed your expectations. car wax, carnauba paste wax, pinnacle
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[houndheaterguy]

thank you very nice and informative!!!

Hound Heater Guy

[embolism]

One thing that has been said time and time again on here is that for DA polishers like the porter cable, you should have a 5 inch backing plate and 5.5 inch pads (flat vs dimpled, thin vs thicker are important, my preferences in bold, but not as much as the bp and pad sizes)

Bobby, your reference to the Menzerna Max shine kit is one of those that offer the 5 in bp and 6.5 inch pads with the porter cable. If shine is what you want, then the kit should be fine but if efficient paint correction is what you are after, then you will need to also buy 5.5 inch pads separately if you get this kit.