Help with Product Selection and Use

[silvergray]

Hey Guys,

I am new to the forum, and relatively new to detailing. Recently, I decided I would start detailing on the side for some extra income/hobby. I already ordered several products, and would appreciate some guidance on which products/pads to use and when.



What I've Bought:

-Menzerna Car Care Kit from Properautocare.com, which consists of:

-Menzerna Auto Shampoo

-Menzerna Final Polish II

-Menzerna Finishing Touch Claze

-Menzerna FMJ

-Menzerna Intensive Polish

-Porter Cable 7336SP from Lowes



Pads:

-Lake Manufacturing 6.5" Pad Kit, which consists of:

-One Velcro Backing Plate

-2 Hi-Gloss Orange Power Pads

-2 Hi-Gloss White Polishing Pads

-1 Hi-Gloss Red Concours Finishing Pad

-1 Hi-Gloss Black Glazing/Finessing pad



The pads are my largest concern. I don't want to cause irrepairable damage to my/friends cars. All these colors and names are confusing as hell.



Pad Kit Link



Menzerna Car Care Kit Link





The car I am most unclear on is my 2005 Black Sapphire Metallic BMW X5. We bought it used, and it was clearly automatic car washed. It has moderate swirling.



I can't figure out what pads to use with which polishes, and how many coats are needed. Basically, I am clueless. I have read numerous other forums, including AudiWorld.com, where I received a lot of help, but I still am worried.



I would appreciate any help walking me through the processes.



Thanks guys!

 

[firegate]

Basically, just start with the least aggressive combination and move on up until you have something that works.. FP with the white pad would be a nice start - if that doesn't tackle the swirls, go to IP with a white, and then IP with an orange if necessary.



If you had to go with a more aggressive combo, you might need to move back down to a lighter one afterward to deal with hazing (particularly on black).



The best way to go about this is to just designate a test spot on part of the car and go at it. You really can't do any harm with the PC so don't be too worried about playing around with different combos.