Shawn...thanks much for the link! (I had no idea the subject was that complex!)
Newbie Could Use Some Advice....Too Many Choices Out There!
- Thread starter OzzieMike
- Start date
Shawn...thanks much for the link! (I had no idea the subject was that complex!)
OzzieMike- If using a QD for your Clay Lube works for you, then it works...no matter what *my* preferences areExperiences sure do differ (note danlc25`s satisfaction with his pre-XP PC, which contrasts sharply with my utter and complete *DIS*satisfaction with both of mine).
I`ll probably keep using QD as my clay lube for now. I may change to one of those polymer pads I`ve read about once my clay is gone.
Coatings...I only use them on wheels, in part because I fear they might not be Accumulator-proof for use on the rest of the car. And I`m never the dullest knife in any drawerBut again, YMMV and I tend to err on the side of caution (to put it mildly).
For some reason, I`ve used Meguiar`s products over the years with no bad experiences, so I`ll probably keep using them (unless I KNOW there`s a significant upgrade on the market).
Yeah, I hear you on the cost of good polishers. Easy for me to spend *your* money, huh?
LOL...I`m quite adept at spending OP money, too!
And I`d take that ~78K post-count with a grain (or a whole shaker full) of salt. I suspect they guesstimated it after the lastest Major Upgrade to this site. But actually, I *don`t* spend as much time on this stuff as many (most?) Autopians...just not a huge priority...but then again, when I do a "quick maintenance wash" it takes me a minimum of 5 hours of VERY hard/fast work, and I can`t remember the last time I actually did one that fast.
I`m probably a minority on this site, as I can`t see myself spending THAT much time on my cars. I`m just your average homeowner joe who likes a clean, shiny car. I`ve never been, and never will be, at a car show exhibiting my work. The only folks that will see my cars are my family and other drivers on the road. But I do get comments from family members who come to visit from out of state...one of my brothers, for example, tells me dirt doesn`t stand much of a chance on my cars.
My goal has been, and always will be, to keep my cars looking good for as long as I can. In the warmer months (here in OK that`s about 8-1/2 out of 12) I wash by hand. Both cars...total of about 90 minutes or so. I`ll clay/wax them three times a year or so. When it`s too cold to wash them by hand, I`ll alternate between the coin high pressure spray car washes, or the (gasp!) automatic car washes with brushes. (I don`t know of any truly "brushless" car washes near us).
I should have added to my earlier post that my interest in going with a DA machine is twofold:
-- The RAV4 needs more polish than I could reasonably apply by hand these days. (I`m not sure if it`s the paint Toyota uses or what, but the front of the hood has more paint chips in it than any car I`ve owned before!).
-- Though I only "detail" my cars a couple/three times a year, if the DA machine can make the job easier, I`m all in.
(And I`m sure my definition of "detail" is far different than many here...LOL).
-- The RAV4 needs more polish than I could reasonably apply by hand these days. (I`m not sure if it`s the paint Toyota uses or what, but the front of the hood has more paint chips in it than any car I`ve owned before!).
-- Though I only "detail" my cars a couple/three times a year, if the DA machine can make the job easier, I`m all in.
(And I`m sure my definition of "detail" is far different than many here...LOL).
Accumulator
Well-known member
OzzieMike- Despite my being off-the-scale on a few Detailing Topics, in many ways I`m a bit of an Autopian Heretic, in part because the whole Shiny Car thing isn`t one of my top priorities. So to me you sound perfectly sensible and/but it might be even more crucial that you go about this stuff the right way lest you be dissatisfied, perhaps to the paint of saying "oh, to [perdition] with this [stuff]" because it`s so lousy of a return on investment (thinking mainly time/effort).
So I`d sure avoid products/processes that are likely to lead to more work instead of less. E.g., I`d absolutely use a LSP that lasts/protects rather than something that might look better (to some people).
If the Rav4 has a lot of chips you might oughta take that into account with regard to product residue getting trapped in them and leaving unsightly "white stuff". And/or you might want to think about touching the chips up.
Oh, and just FWIW, I too only do our cars, with the (very rare) occasional exception of a partially disabled Pal`s old Jag.
EDIT: FWIW#2, I don`t even do a Major Detail annually on our daily drivers, and Ohio weather can be kinda tough. I absolutely hear you regarding not letting this stuff get, uhm....too extreme.
So I`d sure avoid products/processes that are likely to lead to more work instead of less. E.g., I`d absolutely use a LSP that lasts/protects rather than something that might look better (to some people).
If the Rav4 has a lot of chips you might oughta take that into account with regard to product residue getting trapped in them and leaving unsightly "white stuff". And/or you might want to think about touching the chips up.
Oh, and just FWIW, I too only do our cars, with the (very rare) occasional exception of a partially disabled Pal`s old Jag.
EDIT: FWIW#2, I don`t even do a Major Detail annually on our daily drivers, and Ohio weather can be kinda tough. I absolutely hear you regarding not letting this stuff get, uhm....too extreme.
4u2nvinmtl
New member
Hey Ozzie Mike,
I`d recommend sticking with the Portal Cable 7424xp. It`s a solid DA that hasn`t let me down and the price is right. Not that it`s better or worse than the Griot`s it`s just what I started on and I still use it regularly to this day. Keep in mind you`ll only use it a hand full of times so as long as the vibrations don`t bother you this a the best option IMHO.
The hardest thing to chose to buy after the polisher/DA are the pads and compound/polishes. for this I recommend the Hydro-Tech pads (you`ll need several pads of a few colors to complete a whole car) and one of the following companies for compound and polish (Meguiars, Menzerna, or 3D). Pick one compound or two, and one polish or two. For Meg`s I usually use M101 (one of the most aggressive compounds for deeper scratches) and M205 medium polish to finish off (refine any compounding marks from the M101). For Menzerna I use FG400 (or what ever it`s now called) as my compound, and 2500 for a middle step (can correct better than most polish), and 4000 as my final polish (nice jeweling effect). A lot of people really like 3d products and I picked up HD Cut and HD Polish both are excellent although I haven`t used them as much.
As far as sealants and waxes go I would think about considering a ceramic coating. Yes ceramic coatings require a near perfect surface (that the 7424xp can provide). Ceramic coatings last for years and you`ll only have to compound and polish you car 1-3 times over the span of their entire life! I`ve made the switch from waxes and sealants and don`t regret it one bit.
If wax/sealants are a only few really stand apart from the rest I`ve tried. I`d recommend FinishKare FK1000P or Collinite (915, 476s, or 845).
Notes:
-Before compounding or polishing you need to decontaminate the paint (even on a brand new car). This can be done by chemical decontamination and/or physical decontamination. I personal use a combination of both. I chemically decontaminate as much as I can using Iron-X and Tarminator and then clay with a clay alternative (nanoskin wash mitt).
-After compounding and polishing you will need to clean the paint of polishing oils before applying a coating (not wired for wax)
Good luck to you!
Accumulator....I couldn`t agree with you more! For me (and you) it`s more about the protection of the car`s paint (and a nice appearance, of course)...and, like you said, doing it right the first time. Hence, my presence here...LOL.
LOL...I kinda doubt I`ll do anything about the paint chips. I watched a video showing a guy correcting paint chips with touchup paint and a toothpick....and, if I recall, about three days worth of work. Trust me, the only way I`d be able to work on the wife`s car for that length of time would be if I rented her a car to use while I did the work. And since she isn`t nearly as particular about her car as I am mine, that "capital expenditure" would never be approved...LOL.
In fact, both of our cars are daily drivers...we have no others...LOL.
As I`ve been doing a ton of reading on this site (and, truth be told, the AG site), I`m almost at the point where I know what I want to do with both cars:
-- Wash
-- Clay
-- Polish (definitely for the RAV4...not so sure mine would need this step)
-- Wax (most likely a synthetic, as I`m reading it lasts longer)
-- LSP (reading good things about a new Meguiar`s Instant Shine (or is it Instant Wax...can`t recall) on top of the wax
Haven`t reached the point I can read up on what to use on the tires or glass yet...baby steps, eh? LOL (I`ll probably use up the Stoner`s product I`ve been spraying on them before changing).
My autopia double bucket bundle arrived today...shouldn`t have to worry as much about "nasties" getting swirled onto the paint as I wash the cars.
(And, as I`m originally from Michigan, I know all too well how rough Ohio weather can be!).
Thanks again for your thoughts!
LOL...I kinda doubt I`ll do anything about the paint chips. I watched a video showing a guy correcting paint chips with touchup paint and a toothpick....and, if I recall, about three days worth of work. Trust me, the only way I`d be able to work on the wife`s car for that length of time would be if I rented her a car to use while I did the work. And since she isn`t nearly as particular about her car as I am mine, that "capital expenditure" would never be approved...LOL.
In fact, both of our cars are daily drivers...we have no others...LOL.
As I`ve been doing a ton of reading on this site (and, truth be told, the AG site), I`m almost at the point where I know what I want to do with both cars:
-- Wash
-- Clay
-- Polish (definitely for the RAV4...not so sure mine would need this step)
-- Wax (most likely a synthetic, as I`m reading it lasts longer)
-- LSP (reading good things about a new Meguiar`s Instant Shine (or is it Instant Wax...can`t recall) on top of the wax
Haven`t reached the point I can read up on what to use on the tires or glass yet...baby steps, eh? LOL (I`ll probably use up the Stoner`s product I`ve been spraying on them before changing).
My autopia double bucket bundle arrived today...shouldn`t have to worry as much about "nasties" getting swirled onto the paint as I wash the cars.
(And, as I`m originally from Michigan, I know all too well how rough Ohio weather can be!).
Thanks again for your thoughts!
LOL...I meant to add to my previous post that I got a free gift when I ordered the two bucket system here....a bottle of Menzerna Endless Shine. (I`m chuckling because it says it`s a spray on LSP, yet didn`t come in a spray bottle...perhaps autopia gives them away as gifts with the expectation they`ll sell a spray bottle?).
Accumulator
Well-known member
ShawnF350- I`m sure you remember my reasons for not using a coating (except on wheels), and while some definitely wouldn`t apply to OzzieMike, the whole application thing might be a factor. I`m sure not the dullest knife in an drawer, but there`s no way I`m gonna deal with the potential for high-spots/etc. and I can fully understand if somebody who doesn`t consider himself an Expert Detailer were a bit leery about that.
skibik
New member
My main advice is to keep it simple. Don`t get caught up the the latest and greatest(from personal experience).
With that said I have the GG6, earlier model about 5 years old now. I use it a maybe 2 times a year for applying wax and/or correction/polishing. I have not polished my car now in a few years and this year it is due. The machine makes light work of it. It is the one piece of equipment I am glad I bought. At the time I thought it was quite expensive but I think now it was worth it. As for pads for it listen to the previous suggestions.
For the rest of your products all I can say is stick to one brand will help so they work with each other and not against.
This paragraph goes to my first statement. Even though I have been the average consumer for over 30 years and just went through the motions cleaning and waxing in the past. When I bought my black Camaro I wanted to keep it looking like new. I didn`t realize it would be a full time job(black you know). I found this site and started down the rabbit hole. I have a few waxes, a few different polishes, some sealants including a couple that are WOWA type to name a few. Some of these are unused and a few years old. I now know I went too far as it is only for one vehicle. So just keep it simple. Happy detailing
PS. I can say I did win a couple of these products I have from this fine site and at least one if not two of the many I items I have was a freebie with purchase from the store here(Excuses I tell myself).
With that said I have the GG6, earlier model about 5 years old now. I use it a maybe 2 times a year for applying wax and/or correction/polishing. I have not polished my car now in a few years and this year it is due. The machine makes light work of it. It is the one piece of equipment I am glad I bought. At the time I thought it was quite expensive but I think now it was worth it. As for pads for it listen to the previous suggestions.
For the rest of your products all I can say is stick to one brand will help so they work with each other and not against.
This paragraph goes to my first statement. Even though I have been the average consumer for over 30 years and just went through the motions cleaning and waxing in the past. When I bought my black Camaro I wanted to keep it looking like new. I didn`t realize it would be a full time job(black you know). I found this site and started down the rabbit hole. I have a few waxes, a few different polishes, some sealants including a couple that are WOWA type to name a few. Some of these are unused and a few years old. I now know I went too far as it is only for one vehicle. So just keep it simple. Happy detailing
PS. I can say I did win a couple of these products I have from this fine site and at least one if not two of the many I items I have was a freebie with purchase from the store here(Excuses I tell myself).
Good advice, Dean!
I can see how (too) easy it would be to accumulate an entire storage cabinet`s worth of products, following advice from several different sources here.
I`m getting closer to narrowing my search for what might be right for me. I`ve all but decided on the GG6 (25` cord) with a 5" backing plate and 5-1/2" pads. I just think the standard unit that comes with a 6" backing plate (and would use 6-1/2" pads) is too big...I`m not working on trucks or vans. I`ve used Meguiar`s products for 20 years or so....and I may consider changing out some things there. I`ve used their Gold Class car wash soap with good results over the years, so I probably won`t change that. And I`ll continue to use their QD when I clay bar the cars. Haven`t decided on what polish and wax I`ll use yet....hope to figure it out soon so I can order them with the machine.
Accumulator and others have provided some good tips that I`ll follow. Still soaking it all in!
I can see how (too) easy it would be to accumulate an entire storage cabinet`s worth of products, following advice from several different sources here.
I`m getting closer to narrowing my search for what might be right for me. I`ve all but decided on the GG6 (25` cord) with a 5" backing plate and 5-1/2" pads. I just think the standard unit that comes with a 6" backing plate (and would use 6-1/2" pads) is too big...I`m not working on trucks or vans. I`ve used Meguiar`s products for 20 years or so....and I may consider changing out some things there. I`ve used their Gold Class car wash soap with good results over the years, so I probably won`t change that. And I`ll continue to use their QD when I clay bar the cars. Haven`t decided on what polish and wax I`ll use yet....hope to figure it out soon so I can order them with the machine.
Accumulator and others have provided some good tips that I`ll follow. Still soaking it all in!
Mary B
New member
Check out some BlackFire. I like it for the waterbased compound and polish, easy to wash out of pads.
Mid.Sun is a Good long lasting wax.
My sealants of choice are WG or PA if I don`t have much cure time.
Please keep posting with updates.
Mid.Sun is a Good long lasting wax.
My sealants of choice are WG or PA if I don`t have much cure time.
Please keep posting with updates.
Just an update....I`d planned to wash the Toyota yesterday, but it wasn`t available, so I cleaned the new Edge instead. (Probably didn`t really need it, but I did it anyway).
Washed with Meguiar`s Gold class. (I actually used a 3 bucket system...started with a bucket just for the wheels/tires/wheel wells...then on to the traditional 2-bucket technique for the rest of the car).
Clayed with Meguiar`s QD and their light clay system
I was a bit surprised at how many contaminants the clay picked up on the hood of the Edge. Not much was picked up on the rest of the car, though. I did three passes on the hood before moving to the rest of the car.
Since I had it, I used the Menzerna Endless Shine I got free with the 2-bucket combo I picked up here. (And to retract from an earlier post...they did include a spray nozzle for the Menzerna...I just didn`t see it earlier). The Endless Shine worked pretty well, and I think it will provide a (small) bit of protection until I can apply something more robust.
Washed with Meguiar`s Gold class. (I actually used a 3 bucket system...started with a bucket just for the wheels/tires/wheel wells...then on to the traditional 2-bucket technique for the rest of the car).
Clayed with Meguiar`s QD and their light clay system
I was a bit surprised at how many contaminants the clay picked up on the hood of the Edge. Not much was picked up on the rest of the car, though. I did three passes on the hood before moving to the rest of the car.
Since I had it, I used the Menzerna Endless Shine I got free with the 2-bucket combo I picked up here. (And to retract from an earlier post...they did include a spray nozzle for the Menzerna...I just didn`t see it earlier). The Endless Shine worked pretty well, and I think it will provide a (small) bit of protection until I can apply something more robust.
Accumulator
Well-known member
OzzieMike- Yes indeed, many new vehicles seem to get delivered without a thorough decontamination, even though Ford (to refer to this case) has the ValuGard stuff available, even has its own Ford part number.
OK....so I`ve got my shopping list in pretty good shape:
-- GG6 w/5" backing plate w/25` power cord and Blackfire combo (sold here)
-- Lake Country 6 pack of 5-1/2" low profile pads
-- Nanoskin "synthetic clay" pads (I`m hoping that what looks like chips on the Toyota`s hood might have clay embedded in them...and that this might remove any left over clay. Also plan on using it on the Toyota`s windshield)
-- Leaning towards Meguiar`s Ultimate Shine as the last step, as it sure seems convenient as heck
-- Haven`t decided on the AIO yet...may just try my luck with the Backfire polish and see how that works
-- Pad cleaner/conditioner
I`m not sure how many pads most folks use per car. I"m guessing I won`t need more than six for the Toyota. Leaning towards getting 4 white pads and 2 reds.
LOL...patiently waiting on a killer sale to buy.
-- GG6 w/5" backing plate w/25` power cord and Blackfire combo (sold here)
-- Lake Country 6 pack of 5-1/2" low profile pads
-- Nanoskin "synthetic clay" pads (I`m hoping that what looks like chips on the Toyota`s hood might have clay embedded in them...and that this might remove any left over clay. Also plan on using it on the Toyota`s windshield)
-- Leaning towards Meguiar`s Ultimate Shine as the last step, as it sure seems convenient as heck
-- Haven`t decided on the AIO yet...may just try my luck with the Backfire polish and see how that works
-- Pad cleaner/conditioner
I`m not sure how many pads most folks use per car. I"m guessing I won`t need more than six for the Toyota. Leaning towards getting 4 white pads and 2 reds.
LOL...patiently waiting on a killer sale to buy.
rlmccarty2000
Active member
Get more pads than you think you need. 4 for compounding and 4 for polishing, minimum. You could probably get away with one for applying wax or sealant. Pick up a bottle of Iron-X (or any contaminate remover). You would be surprised at the amount of rail dust on new cars. It`s easy for me to spend your money. Take a look at the McKees lineup. It is well thought out and is a high quality line. I have not been disappointed with any of their products.
Another update to this thread...
Placed my order Saturday night for the following:
-- GG6 w/5" backing plate
-- 12 Lake Country pads (various colors)
-- Nanoskin pads (for the Toyota windshield)
My son-in-law has offered to give me a hand/teach with the GG6, and says he has some Menzerna polish we can use on the Toyota. (I offered to buy some, but he said the bottle he has will last for years).
The products should arrive Thursday...next step will be to ward the rain off this coming weekend.
Placed my order Saturday night for the following:
-- GG6 w/5" backing plate
-- 12 Lake Country pads (various colors)
-- Nanoskin pads (for the Toyota windshield)
My son-in-law has offered to give me a hand/teach with the GG6, and says he has some Menzerna polish we can use on the Toyota. (I offered to buy some, but he said the bottle he has will last for years).
The products should arrive Thursday...next step will be to ward the rain off this coming weekend.