Detailing Kits

Daniel3507

New member
Im new to detailing and am wanting to possible detail cars on the side in the future after i get some more practice in. Ive looked around for detailing kits and am blown away with how many are out there. Does anyone have any recommendations on a solid detailing kit?
 
i personally think that you are better off mix and matching products. I know that it is not the cheapest way, but some of the detailing kits are a combination of mediocre products. If you are looking to detail for profit in the future, I would try and use the best stuff that you can afford. I am personally a huge fan of the Meguiar's line especially 105 and 205
 
ive been looking at pinnacle products lately. anyone have expierence with them or can anyone reccommend a better brand? im guessing a lot of it is just personal pref.
 
There is a lot of information available and opinions vary greatly. It often depends on who is reading the forums the day you post your questions. You can usually get results from many different products but some may work easier, faster, or be more cost effective.



Are you looking for paint correction products or sealants/waxes or both?
 
thats what i kind of figured. im looking for both paint correction and sealants/waxes. i dont want to dive straight into heavy paint correction but my truck now has a few water spots and swirl marks. it will be the guinea pig for my adventures into paint correction
 
if you are new to machine polishing, this new PC kit would be a great choice...

Menzerna Porter Cable XP Ceramic 5.5 Inch Polishing Pad Kit



autogeek_2055_26677637


note: the pic above is the older PC7424 and you would be receiving the new PC7424XP pictured below with the kit...

autogeek_2060_27802572
 
I put this together for a fellow Autopian (lot's of information so be forewarned).



Here's the evolution of the Starter Kit I picked up along with other items/products I found I needed. The links tie to the best deals I could find at the time. (NOTE: I don't have the new PC, but the initial reviews are positive so check it out).



Post # 4 on this thread has my process/novel ( http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-detailing/120283-beginner-detailer.html )





Supplies



Starter Kit:

Uber Porter Cable 7424XP with Menzerna Polishes/ Einszett Glanz



Extra Polishes:

Meguiar's Ultra-Cut Compound 105

Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 Ultra-Cut Compound New D.A. Version With FREE BONUS

Menzerna Final Polish II (PO87MC)

Menzerna Micro Polish PO87MC Final Polish



Lake Country Pads:

Dual Action CCS 5.5 Inch Foam Pad Kit



MF Towels:

Uber Classic Microfiber Towel Blue

MONSTER MICROFIBER JUMBO ABSORBER



Optimum No Rinse (ONR):

No Rinse Wash and Shine



Grit Guards:

Grit Guard



Gilmour 75QGFMR Foamaster:

Amazon.com: Gilmour 75QGFMR Foamaster Adjustable Multi Ratio Cleaning Gun: Home Improvement



DP Xtreme Foam Formula Shampoo:

Amazon.com: 32 oz. DP Xtreme Foam Formula Auto Shampoo: Automotive



SONUS SFX Ultra-Fine Detailing Clay:

Car Detailing Clay Bar - Sonus Ultra Fine Detail Clay



Menzerna Full Molecular Jacket (FMJ):

Menzerna FMJ Full Molecular Jack Paint Sealant



Chemical Guys Jet Seal 109:

Auto Detailing Resin Paint Sealant/Protectant JetSeal 109



Chemical Guys Pete's 53' – Black Pearl Signature Paste Wax & Applicators:

HOW AND WHEN TO USE PASTE WAX



P21S Wheel Cleaner Gel:

P21S Wheel Cleaner Gel Formula



Wheel Wax:

Wheel Wax



Optimum Opti-Bond Tire Gel:

Optimum Opti-Bond Tire Gel, Tire gel protectant, OPT Tire Dressing Gel, protect tires, optibond tire gel



Finish Kare 425 Ultra Slick Poly Wipe Spray Detailer :

Finish Kare FK1 Consumer Detailing Products





Home Depot:

Buckets

3M Scotch-Blue Painter's Tape for Delicate Surfaces

Goof Off

Grade # 0000 steel wool (some prefer cooper wool – available at boat supply store like West Maine)

Halogen lights (500W x 2)

Spray Bottles



Pep Boys:

Sheepskin Wash Mitts

Tire Gel Applicators

Mother's Micro Power Ball

Mother's Billet

Westley's Bleche-Wite

Aerospace 303

Extended Handle Wheel Well Brush

Generic Brand Armor All

Stoner Invisible Glass

Generic Wash Mitt (for wheels)

Generic Brush (for wheel wells when wheels are off)



AutoZone:

CD-2 Engine Detailer



Target:

Meguiar's Gold Class Shampoo

Zymol leather conditioner and cleaner

Simple Green

ISP (Isopropyl Alcohol)

Wool-lite



ACE:

Dawn Power Degreaser

Hand Pump Spray Bottle
 
Daniel3507 said:
well thats gonna make the wallet a hell of a lot lighter. spend money to make money i guess. i appreciate the help



It took me 6+ months to build my arsenal and you don't need the entire list to start. The best investment I made was:



#1 (by a landslide): The time I spent researching/reading this forum

#2: The PC kit (and lot's of YouTube/Autopia/Vender-based videos on proper technique)

#3: Quality MF towels



Post some pix of your work when you take the plunge.



Good luck :2thumbs:.
 
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