Newbie on a budget - Which products should I purchase?

J

Joe Link

New member
I recently posted in the machine polishing thread about what I should buy as far as the actual product.



For reference, here's the link with the pictures of my girlfriends Integra I need to fix: http://autopia.org/forum/machine-po...-what-should-i-purchase-first.html#post828266



I currently have a white 1997 BMW 540i, a black 1989 BMW 325i, and the girlfriend's red 1995 Acura Integra. I'd prefer to buy products that I can use for all of them, but I understand if I should purchase separate products. As you can see her paint is very scratched (swirls) and faded. The paint on the 325i is in decent condition but needs some work, with some scratches. The paint on the 540i is in good shape.



I'm a college student, so I don't have a large budget. I'm thinking of purchasing this kit but I want to make sure it has everything I need aside from the wax and polish. Will a 6.5" pad work with a 5" backing plate?



Here's how I think - I like to purchase the best bang for the buck. I'm very frugal with my money but if the price from a good product to a great product is only $15, I'm going to go with the better stuff.



As far as what I want out of the product, I don't want to be detailing the vehicles monthly. I think every three months or so is a good period of time before I'll have to detail it again. I'm not sure if I'd rather have it "deep" or "wet" or "shiny", my eyes just don't have the experience to tell the difference.



With all of this considered, what would you guys recommend I purchase?
 
That seems like a good basic kit. I personally don't like those other ultra big packages because there is always something in there I wouldn't plan on using. You might want to look into the Edge pads and their adapter, it takes away the problem of centering the pad onto the velcro with the 'classic' backing plates, plus they're double sided so its basically two pads in one.



As far as products; Pinnacle XMT and Optimum's line are both good and they also dust very little compared to some others which is a big plus to me since I personally don't want to be inhaling any chemicals that are harmful to my health. I've also heard good things about Menzerna but its a little more expensive than XMT and OP.



If you're not planning on waxing too often (3 months you stated) I would go with a sealant (too many choices to list, I have been using Poorboys EX-P with great results). Maybe try out Poli-Seal, I think you can use it as a finishing polish (don't quote me on it though, I haven't used it yet) basically and it gives you some protection also, so you're knocking two steps into one.



I would finish it off with a wax personally (I'm a carnauba guy). Since you need durability I'd go with Collinite 845 or 476S; refresh with a spray wax after washes to help it last longer.



Post up when you're down to your final choices and we'll help out with whatever you need to know.
 
Optimum polish and Poorboy's paste wax. A little less than $15 each over at obsessivedetail.com. I dont think you'll be disappointed with either of them. I've had great results with them.
 
Check out my thread a few posts down, there is a lot of discussion about what products to choose. Scottwax broke it down for me into a very basic kit, saving myself a few dollars in the process.
 
What do you guys think of Superchargd's recommendations? Where can I buy these Edge pads, and are they worth the extra money for someone on a budget?



Thanks guys :)
 
In my opinion you can't go wrong with the Lake Country pads. They are great quality and will last for a long time. They are the most widely used pad here on autopia. As for polishes, the Optimum line is my go to polishes. Very easy to use, no dusting, and can be worked longer than most polishes.
 
Ok so now I'm deciding between the Optimum kit here:



Optimum Porter Cable 7424 Kit Remove swirl marks and paint flaws



or the XMT kit here:



Add the Porter Cable 7424 to the XMT kit



or the Poorboys kit here:



Poorboy’s Porter Cable 7424 Polish & wax Kit



Based on what I said in my original post about the swirls in my girlfriends car, which would you guys go with? I'd like to use whatever I get on all three cars. The thing I like about the Optimum is it's a synthetic sealant vs a caranuba formula. I'm thinking maybe I'll order the Optimum kit that comes with the PC then ordering the XMT kit that comes with the three XMT products and more pads. What else should I order while I'm at it? What do I use to clean the pads when I'm done? I'm also going to need some soap for washing the cars. If I'm going to buff and polish I don't need to clay the car first, or do I? I don't think it's ever been clayed.
 
Don't look past over the counter (aka 0TC) products. Too many people get caught up in the boutique product trap.



Lorne
 
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