Trying to get into the UDM game for less than $315

S

sdat1333

New member
Hi everyone.



First, I guess I should outline my goals and situation so you can help me choose the products right for ME. I drive a 2001 Volvo S60 with metallic silver paint. The paint is in pretty good condition, only a little micromarring. Since it's silver, the small scratches are only visible in direct sunlight and from certain angles. I would still like to get rid of them if I can. I've tried removing them with aggressive polishing using scratch-x, and still couldnt make much (if any) progress. I guess the clear is just too hard. This led me to think that a random orbit polisher was the next step.



I am looking at the UDM. From what I've read on these forums, the UDM is pretty much the best machine that I'll be able to get in my price range. Please correct me if I'm wrong.



So atleast one thing is fairly certain.



Now I need to find the best pads and polish for me.



Any suggestions on good pad/polish combos that don't cost too much? (I have some flexibility in cost, and I know you get what you pay for, but I don't want to spend tooo much if I can help it).
 
Personally, since your fairly new to polishing, I would go with Optimum Polish and Optimum Compound. Get some 5" LC CCS Pads and Backing Plate from Danase, and figure out whether you want a sealant or a wax and your set.



Danase Paste Wax looks good on silver so thats an option.



For the pads you'll probably want an orange, two greens, and a white to start.



Also, grab a bottle of Poorboys APC and Bold n Brite and your set for a cleaner and tire dressing.



All of this can be had from danase.
 
I just stocked up on stuff for the UDM. I went just a bit over $315, but I figure it's the price of the initial investment. Given how seldom I'll be using the products, if they last as long as advertised, I'm good for a year or two.



For better or worse, this is my list of items purchased through this site:



Sonus Der Wunder Mitt

Ultimate Detail Clay

Ultimate Detail Machine

DAS Pad Bundle

Extra Bonnets

Klasse All-in-One

Klasse Sealant Glaze

P21S Carnauba Wax

Sonus Carnauba Spritz
 
Wow thanks for the suggestions guys.

After looking at the LC 5" pads, they look great (and are half the price of the DAS pads on autopia). Anyone know how well these balance on the UDM? Also, do I need a new backing plate, or is the one that comes with the UDM compatible?



Also, on the whole wax vs. sealant thing. I think I'm leaning towards sealant. I really like the durability aspect, and it seems that sealant offers better protection for the paint than a wax is really capable of. If I had red or black paint wax might be better (since it offers that warm glow), but with silver I don't really see the point. Could you guys recommend some good sealants? I had originally planned on Klasse SG, but it seems that some others are better (and easier to apply!). What are your personal preferences? (I need something that looks great on silver but still won't look horrible on black if I decide to use it on another car)





EDIT: Answered one of my own questions already. Yes, I will need a different backing plate.
 
I've had good results with Poli-Seal on silver....

13.jpg
 
sdat1333 said:
Also, on the whole wax vs. sealant thing. I think I'm leaning towards sealant. I really like the durability aspect, and it seems that sealant offers better protection for the paint than a wax is really capable of. If I had red or black paint wax might be better (since it offers that warm glow), but with silver I don't really see the point. Could you guys recommend some good sealants? I had originally planned on Klasse SG, but it seems that some others are better (and easier to apply!). What are your personal preferences? (I need something that looks great on silver but still won't look horrible on black if I decide to use it on another car)





EDIT: Answered one of my own questions already. Yes, I will need a different backing plate.
Click to expand...



First, as far as protection goes waxes may have a slight edge, the main advantage of sealants is their durability. If you go with a wax like FK1 Pink wax, Collinite, or Chemical Guys 50/50 you can get a good 2-3 months depending on environment/garage/etc. But with optimal conditions a good sealant will last an easy 3-5 months.



Second, for sealants I would reccomend Zaino, however, its a bit pricey. But ZAIO and either Z2 or Z5 are durable and look great on silver. Otherwise Jeff Werkstatt (JW) is a good option, go with Prime Strong for an AIO and either Acrylic Jet Trigger or just AJ. Finally, you could just go with an AIO or your choice and Optimum Opti-seal or Zaino Clear Seal. All of these look good on black as well.



Another sealant option is FK1 1000P, its a paste sealant with good durability and reflection.



HTH, you have alot of good options, and there are more.

:usa



Edit: As per the above pic, Poliseal is a good AIO, but I would definitely top it with something if your looking for durability.
 
to keep costs down buy your polishes at the same time you buy the UDM. Get 2 white pads and 2 orange pads and you should be good.
 
This is what the UDM and the stuff I mentioned having purchased through this site (see my earlier reply to you) produced on my G35-S.



IMG_1938.jpg




IMG_1935.jpg




IMG_1930.jpg
 
Sorry about the long wait between posting. Alot of my posts were getting discarded (because of images and/or links in them). Now that I know that is a no-no for ppl w/ less than 10 posts, I feel confident typing out a long post w/o worrying if it will be lost.



I ended up ordering:



UDM 1000

7 LC CCS foam pads (one yellow, two orange, two green, one white, one blue)

2 Sonus Ultimate wool wash mitts

Optimum Polish, Optimum Compound, and Optimum HyperCompound

Backing plate for the LC pads

5 Buffing Towels

2 Drying Towels

FK1 303 Glaze

FK1 2180 Sealant

FK1 1000P wax

FK1 425 QD



What do you think?
 
NSXTASY said:
If you go with a wax like FK1 Pink wax, Collinite, or Chemical Guys 50/50 you can get a good 2-3 months depending on environment/garage/etc...
Click to expand...



Hold on.. Collinite can last for a minimum of 2-3 months. Most users have reported it to last 4-5 months, even more if kept as a garage queen.
 
sdat1333 said:
Sorry about the long wait between posting. Alot of my posts were getting discarded (because of images and/or links in them). Now that I know that is a no-no for ppl w/ less than 10 posts, I feel confident typing out a long post w/o worrying if it will be lost.



I ended up ordering:



UDM 1000

7 LC CCS foam pads (one yellow, two orange, two green, one white, one blue)

2 Sonus Ultimate wool wash mitts

Optimum Polish, Optimum Compound, and Optimum HyperCompound

Backing plate for the LC pads

5 Buffing Towels

2 Drying Towels

FK1 303 Glaze

FK1 2180 Sealant

FK1 1000P wax

FK1 425 QD



What do you think?
Click to expand...





looks good to me

i really like Fk's products
 
Yeah, I'm really impressed with what I've seen on these forums as far as FK1's products. I've been PM'ing with tdekany, and he really likes them too.



I'm so excited to get these products
 
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