Newbie, completely lost. Need some recommendations

[SteveO2005TSX]

I just picked up a Black Acura TSX and I really want this car to shine. I got it from the lot and it has lots of swirls, a couple fingerprint looking blemishes, and not a super slick shiny finish. I want to change this. After countless hours of reading I decided to pick up the UDM Model 1000 buffer. Now I just need to find out which pads and chemicals to use and hoping someone can point me in the right direction.



I'm a complete newbie to car detailing, so any advice would be appreciated.



Thanks

 

[BigAl3]

Now I just need to find out which pads and chemicals to use and hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

welcome

!



CCS 6.5 inch Smart Padsâ„¢ Dual Action Foam Pads by Lake Country



Lake Country 6.5" Flat Pads





Optimum Polish is a swirl remover, finishing polish & paint cleaner in one for the optimum shine! swirl remover polish, fine grade polish, final



Optimum Compound is an aggressive compound that finishes like a mild abrasive polish! Remove swirls and scratches with your polisher with Optimum

 

[howareb]

Great recommendations BigAL. I would also add to that to watch some of the videos on autogeek.net, they can help alot in understanding polishing. I can provide some links if you are unable to find the vids.



Paint prep is very important so pay particular attention to this detail. In your case you will need to clay your vehicle to get it silky smooth and remove the finger prints as well as other contaminents. Also do a search on "newbie" and you should pull up some more threads that will help.

 

[a.k.a. Patrick]

3 pad Polishing Kit, 5.5" or 6.5" and some of my favorites surface care products would be:

Four Star Body Shop Light/Medium cut compounds or

Einszett Paint Polish/Metallic Polish or

Optimum Polish/Compound (Extended working time)

Sealants:

Four Star UPP, or Einszett Glanz Wax.

About a dozen quality MF's....



Good to see you here Steve!

 

[DJ_JonnyV]

I've had pretty good results with Menzerna IP and an orange pad using both my PC and Flex polishers. Yeah, it dusts pretty bad, but it's nothing a quick rinse-down can't take are of afterwards. With the PC (similar to UDM), sometimes it helps to move to a smaller pad, like 4" or 5.5" which gives you quicker correction times and better correction overall. Black Acura paint usually cleans up pretty nicely. I"ve done a black TSX before along with a black TL and MDX. You might want to try to post some pics of the swirling in the sun for some better recommendations. Several online retailers carry smaller pads from both Edge (2K system), Erasure detailing pads (have a 5.5" correcting pads), and Lake Country pads. Detailer's Paradise has their own line as well, but I think they are OEM by LC.