Got some tools, ready to go, but... questions.

P

PDoyle

New member
Hello, this is my first post.

I have been around a long while reading many posts.

So much to learn and so little time.

I don't detail full time. You guys who do, my hat is off to you. It ain't easy!

I had an SUV detailed a couple different times by detailers and they never touched the SUV's roof.

I've been told I'm OCD. I'm sure that is how I found this site. Anyway,



I have a boat, 3 cars, jetskis, snowmobiles, and a polaris ranger.



I have a Craftsman 3/8 hp that I want to use. I don't want to spend any cash on a machine and I have this one now. I will need to stand on a ladder to do this.

I am stuck on which pad (s) to use.



The boat is my first project. It is 5 years old and white with a red (faded) stripe. There is a couple of scratches as well. I have never used a polisher. I want to buff out the fade of the red paint and then lightly buff out the rest of the boat.



So what pads are the safest for me to use with the Craftsman ? And do I need backing plate too? What product can I use that will give me the red back? I will use the boat paste wax to finish up.

I'm going to take it real slow and take my time.





(I used to buy the usual car wax. Reading around the forum found out a can of $25.00 Boat paste wax would make my Black 03 Jeep TJ look good and

I am very impressed at the results.)







Thanks for any help.
 
My advice is get rid of that Craftsman and get a DA polisher. Yes, I know you don't want to spend any cash on something else, but from what I've seen doing a quick google search, that thing is a piece of garbage. Not to mention if you've never buffed with a rotary before, you risk doing some major damage to your paint. You can get a Porter Cable 7424XP for around $120 and you won't risk any damage to your paint. You should be able to find a kit with everything you need to get started for around $200 - $250. IMO you should do more reading if you are even considering using that Craftsman. Spend the money on the right tools and you won't be spending even more to have your paint fixed if and when you mess it up with that Craftsman.



If you do insist on using what you have, practice on some scrap fenders or a beater car before you try anything on your boat or cars. It's just the nature of the rotary, they can do some very serious damage in unexperienced hands. Stay in one spot a little too long and you will burn through the paint. Also they are very difficult to learn how to finish down nicely with. Very long learning curve to get it right. Use a DA and you will be polishing like a pro in no time.
 
Actually, instead of the Porter Cable, I'd get the HD polisher kit and the HD Detailing kit available on this site. This will set you up with everything you need to get started for a very good price. I suggested the Porter Cable at first because that's what I've been using, but the HD polisher is better and the price is just as good and everything is included. Here's the link:



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Not sure why the link is showing as that little diamond, but the link works.
 
PDoyle said:
I had an SUV detailed a couple different times by detailers and they never touched the SUV's roof.

I've been told I'm OCD. I'm sure that is how I found this site. Anyway,
Click to expand...



Wow...just wow. Anyway, grab a real DA. The 3D kit looks nice, I have a Griots that I'm very happy with.
 
Dan said:
Wow...just wow. Anyway, grab a real DA. The 3D kit looks nice, I have a Griots that I'm very happy with.
Click to expand...



Dan, I had bought some guys video detailing course a couple years back hoping to pick up some of his "time saving tips" and in one videos he says "on the larger SUV's don't bother with the roof, nobody ever looks up there". Looks like someone took it to heart. At least I was only out about 30 bucks.
 
Dan said:
Wow...just wow. Anyway, grab a real DA. The 3D kit looks nice, I have a Griots that I'm very happy with.
Click to expand...



Have you tried the new HD polisher? Just wondering as you mentioned your very happy with the Griots and yet you suggest the HD one?
 
Time 2 Shine said:
Have you tried the new HD polisher? Just wondering as you mentioned your very happy with the Griots and yet you suggest the HD one?
Click to expand...



No I haven't tried the 3D. It looks nice on paper and has a great warranty. If I was shopping now I'm not sure which I'd decide on.
 
Thanks for the info. you guys. Got to look over the two DA's. I'll follow up when my head stops spinning.
 
I'm taking in all the info. from all your posts. I gotta read the detailing write up, thanks for that. Does this guy do the roof, he he.

I'm wicked pumped about picking up a DA though!!!!

Griots DA looks good, life time warranty and all. But the HD has a great package with it. (I need the package)And I won't be using it everyday like some of you guys.

Called the boat manufacturer to be sure. The red color is Gelcoat.
 
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