What equipment/product for a noob?

[dsg03gt]

I would also go with the 5.5" pads and skip the gray. I have the nano skin wash mitt and like it a lot, much better than traditional clay.

[Ecko]

don't get the wash mitt, get the nanoskin towel or the sponge, you won't be able to clay in small areas like under the door hand with the wash mitt.

Switch to 3 orange and 3 white, no need for gray

did you decide on a soap or wax? Don't see one there

The CG foam cannon comes with three different soaps.

As for the wax I am still trying to figure out the different products and order to use them. Like waxes, polishes and sealers. It gets a little overwhelming trying to figure out what is needed and which ones to get with so many choices.

[ski2]

I second the recommendations to go with a 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads on the Griots. What you spend on the backing plate you'll save on the cost of the pads and it will be more effective and easier to use. Here's a link to an article from Mike Phillips about how many pads you should get--http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...ut-my-car.html

You don't really need to get a foam cannon or gun. Just give the car a good strong wash with the CG Red to start out. Then do your claying, then polish, then apply your LSP either wax or sealant. NOTE: if you're going to use 205 make sure you wipe the car down well with IPA or Eraser before applying your LSP as 205 leaves behind allot of polishing oils which can interfer with your LSP bonding to the paint.

Here are a ton of threads by Mike that will help you out--just read the ones that apply to you and watch some of the videos. Read the ones about how to remove swirls and trouble shooting polishing and how to clean your pad on the fly. Also, how to do a test spot. http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...-phillips.html

You want tho use the least aggressive method to polish your paint and you can't do that without a test spot. Since you're just starting out you might want to keep it simple with a one step product like HD Adapt which is really easy to work with.

[ski2]

Totally forgot AG was now carrying Buff & Shine 5.5" flat pads. Great pads--very durable and the recessed Velcro is a nice margin of safety when polishing around protruding objects like mirrors etc. Their 5" backing plate is reasonably priced also.

[Paul A.]

Lots of good info so far and i will add my new favorite wash soap...Duragloss 901/902.

I also agree with going smaller diameter on the pads to a 5.5".