Newbie...help me out please!
#1
Newbie...help me out please!
So I am tired of the paint on my wifes car looking so bad after she takes it to get the $39 hand car wash special. Its a 2006 Scion xB.
I thought since I plan on getting her a new car soon, it would be time to start practicing on my Tacoma and her Scion before I jump into doing her new car and my other car.
I have started reading and watching a lot of car detailers on other forums and trying to piece together a starter kit for me since this will be a first time that I use a DA Orbital buffer.
Since I am brand new to this I figured I would start with something cheap to learn with.
DA Orbital:
Griots DA Orbital 6: https://www.autogeek.net/griots-gara...sher-club.html
Pad recommendations?
Products:
Not sure what products to choose yet...any recommendations?
Meguiars?
Pinnacle?
Wolfgang?
Blackfire? (Just throwing names out there)
What I am looking for is ease of use (remember - beginner), that will get me nice results. Medium price range is fine. I don't want to spend hours making the car looking flawless, just something that I can learn with, use to make the car look decent, and not cost an arm and a leg.
For washing the car I use a pH neutral soap. I have used both Meguiars Gold Class and Zaino and they both seem to work well.
My understanding for a decent car detail is:
1. Wash car
2. Claybar vehicle - Important step for a better overall shine
3. Polish
4. Wax
Any other steps I am missing?
Thanks for you help!
I thought since I plan on getting her a new car soon, it would be time to start practicing on my Tacoma and her Scion before I jump into doing her new car and my other car.
I have started reading and watching a lot of car detailers on other forums and trying to piece together a starter kit for me since this will be a first time that I use a DA Orbital buffer.
Since I am brand new to this I figured I would start with something cheap to learn with.
DA Orbital:
Griots DA Orbital 6: https://www.autogeek.net/griots-gara...sher-club.html
Pad recommendations?
Products:
Not sure what products to choose yet...any recommendations?
Meguiars?
Pinnacle?
Wolfgang?
Blackfire? (Just throwing names out there)
What I am looking for is ease of use (remember - beginner), that will get me nice results. Medium price range is fine. I don't want to spend hours making the car looking flawless, just something that I can learn with, use to make the car look decent, and not cost an arm and a leg.
For washing the car I use a pH neutral soap. I have used both Meguiars Gold Class and Zaino and they both seem to work well.
My understanding for a decent car detail is:
1. Wash car
2. Claybar vehicle - Important step for a better overall shine
3. Polish
4. Wax
Any other steps I am missing?
Thanks for you help!
Last edited by 2008ISF; 01-06-19 at 11:29 PM.
#2
Some of the pro's will be by shortly...until them.
I used a Porter cable I had sitting around with some lake country light cutting orange pads and the BOSS correcting cream and BOSS fast correcting cream for a pretty good result. No definitely not pro level, but pretty happy with the results.
I washed the car, iron xed it, then clayed it, then started a polish with the BOSS creams over the period of a few days in my garage. Finally went with 22ple hpc ceramic coat. I'm pretty impressed with the BOSS system, it was easy to work with and lasted quite a long time, and there was minimal to no dusting. There is definitely better products but I choose the BOSS system as it seemed pretty mainstream and from most reviews seem to be fairly idiot proof. I did also pick up a astro pneumatic 50sl sunlight handheld light that really made it easy to see where the swirls and scratches were and where I needed to spend a bit more time.
I used a Porter cable I had sitting around with some lake country light cutting orange pads and the BOSS correcting cream and BOSS fast correcting cream for a pretty good result. No definitely not pro level, but pretty happy with the results.
I washed the car, iron xed it, then clayed it, then started a polish with the BOSS creams over the period of a few days in my garage. Finally went with 22ple hpc ceramic coat. I'm pretty impressed with the BOSS system, it was easy to work with and lasted quite a long time, and there was minimal to no dusting. There is definitely better products but I choose the BOSS system as it seemed pretty mainstream and from most reviews seem to be fairly idiot proof. I did also pick up a astro pneumatic 50sl sunlight handheld light that really made it easy to see where the swirls and scratches were and where I needed to spend a bit more time.
Last edited by ultimase; 01-07-19 at 05:46 PM.
#3
What I am looking for is ease of use (remember - beginner), that will get me nice results. Medium price range is fine. I don't want to spend hours making the car looking flawless, just something that I can learn with, use to make the car look decent, and not cost an arm and a leg.
Now that I have my new GS 350, I stepped up my game, but only a little. Still using a one-step product, but now using a Griots DA like you.
My initial detail consisted of:
Wash - Meguiars Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo
Rinse
Clay Mitt with Blackfire Clay Lubricant
Rinse
Dry
Clean and polish, Blackfire One Step, using orange pad with the DA polisher
Seal/coat with Sonax Polymer Net Shield
Subsequent washes occur every 2-3 weeks and I top the finish with Sonax Brilliant Shine Detailer every other wash.
And of course, use thick fluffy microfiber cloths... don't cheap out on these or you will simply end up scratching and destroying all your hard work. You don't have to pay an arm and a leg either, they are actually some really good affordable microfiber cloths out there. I think I took some recommendations from some of the youtubers out there.
Well that's my simple detailing process.. and I bought a silver car since the color hides imperfections so well. Good luck!
#5
#6
Looks like you are on the right track with mindset and gear. We all have our favorite Go-To Brands when it comes to car care products - mine has always been Pinnacle, and the Porter Cable 7424XP. Now that I had my RCF covered with Suntek Ultra and a CQuartz Ceramic Coating - I need to use "safer" products to ensure its lifespan = GTechniq products mostly. Rather than take up tons of real estate here in your thread, you may wish to browse thru some of the other Threads I made here in this section as it pertains to some of the best products, and resources to obtain them from. Good luck and enjoy!!!
#7
An with iron X, you may not need that step, but I definitely had iron deposits. I actually used the iron X as the lubricant for the clay bar. If you can stand the smell it worked fairly well for me and basically combined two steps to one.
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#8
Anyone have any recommendations for foam pads?
Country Lake? Hex Logic?
How about quantity of pads for use on a single car?
I don't want to get into TOO heavy of a correction pad...so I was thinking more along the lines of a medium to light correction pad, and then a nice light pad for finishing/polishing.
Thanks ahead of time for your suggestions and counsel...I really appreciate it.
Country Lake? Hex Logic?
How about quantity of pads for use on a single car?
I don't want to get into TOO heavy of a correction pad...so I was thinking more along the lines of a medium to light correction pad, and then a nice light pad for finishing/polishing.
Thanks ahead of time for your suggestions and counsel...I really appreciate it.
#9
Anyone have any recommendations for foam pads?
Country Lake? Hex Logic?
How about quantity of pads for use on a single car?
I don't want to get into TOO heavy of a correction pad...so I was thinking more along the lines of a medium to light correction pad, and then a nice light pad for finishing/polishing.
Thanks ahead of time for your suggestions and counsel...I really appreciate it.
Country Lake? Hex Logic?
How about quantity of pads for use on a single car?
I don't want to get into TOO heavy of a correction pad...so I was thinking more along the lines of a medium to light correction pad, and then a nice light pad for finishing/polishing.
Thanks ahead of time for your suggestions and counsel...I really appreciate it.
#10
Anyone have any recommendations for foam pads?
Country Lake? Hex Logic?
How about quantity of pads for use on a single car?
I don't want to get into TOO heavy of a correction pad...so I was thinking more along the lines of a medium to light correction pad, and then a nice light pad for finishing/polishing.
Thanks ahead of time for your suggestions and counsel...I really appreciate it.
Country Lake? Hex Logic?
How about quantity of pads for use on a single car?
I don't want to get into TOO heavy of a correction pad...so I was thinking more along the lines of a medium to light correction pad, and then a nice light pad for finishing/polishing.
Thanks ahead of time for your suggestions and counsel...I really appreciate it.
If you can find the Lakes on sale, go for it, you'll be plenty happy with them. You can also find a bunch of starter kits that will include the DA and pads, which would be a good choice for you if you are just getting started. One set of pads is fine to get started, you'll just have to wash clean them after each use, no biggy.
You're on the right tracking as far as starting, wash (aggressive) / decontaminate, clay, correct, polish, seal, wax, maintain.
Don't forget some waffle weaves and quality microfibers as well.
Edit: Just realized this thread is a couple of months old and the OP has more than likely already started on his detail journey.
Last edited by Beachtyme; 04-14-19 at 07:25 AM. Reason: Added info.
#11
I just got my order from Auto-geeks and I got Terry bonnets for my DA polisher and I thought I ordered Microfiber bonnets. Question: What's the difference? Is one better than the other? One for polish ad one for wax maybe? I'm such a rookie. The good thing is, I have mercury metallic paint so it's not like a black car. HELP.
From AG's site: "Use a microfiber bonnet for sealants like Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 and non-hazing paste waxes like Pinnacle Souveran™. For heavier products, like cleaner waxes, use a terry bonnet to remove the majority of the haze. Then follow up with a microfiber bonnet to remove any haze and to buff the paint to a gorgeous shine."
#12
Anyone have any recommendations for foam pads?
Country Lake? Hex Logic?
How about quantity of pads for use on a single car?
I don't want to get into TOO heavy of a correction pad...so I was thinking more along the lines of a medium to light correction pad, and then a nice light pad for finishing/polishing.
Thanks ahead of time for your suggestions and counsel...I really appreciate it.
Country Lake? Hex Logic?
How about quantity of pads for use on a single car?
I don't want to get into TOO heavy of a correction pad...so I was thinking more along the lines of a medium to light correction pad, and then a nice light pad for finishing/polishing.
Thanks ahead of time for your suggestions and counsel...I really appreciate it.
I prefer to have 2-3 of each type (light cutting and polishing). It saves time on cleaning and worrying about the pads getting overworked/overheated.
I just got my order from Auto-geeks and I got Terry bonnets for my DA polisher and I thought I ordered Microfiber bonnets. Question: What's the difference? Is one better than the other? One for polish ad one for wax maybe? I'm such a rookie. The good thing is, I have mercury metallic paint so it's not like a black car. HELP.
#13
I've never tried the hex logic pads, but I've been using lake country pads for 10 years with great results. You should be fine with either since they both have their own following.
I prefer to have 2-3 of each type (light cutting and polishing). It saves time on cleaning and worrying about the pads getting overworked/overheated.
Terry bonnets are a bit more aggressive and have a little more "bite" compared to microfiber.
I prefer to have 2-3 of each type (light cutting and polishing). It saves time on cleaning and worrying about the pads getting overworked/overheated.
Terry bonnets are a bit more aggressive and have a little more "bite" compared to microfiber.
#14
I personally wouldn't worry about it, I don't like doing anything by hand that a machine can do for me much faster and to a level that your hand cannot physically do (OPM's). I seriously doubt you are going to do any harm using a bonnet to apply and/or remove a polish, sealant or wax.
As I mentioned, it wouldn't be my go to way to detail, but can work just fine in its own right.
As I mentioned, it wouldn't be my go to way to detail, but can work just fine in its own right.
#15
DA Orbital:
Griots DA Orbital 6: https://www.autogeek.net/griots-gara...sher-club.html
Pad recommendations?
Products:
Not sure what products to choose yet...any recommendations?
Meguiars?
Pinnacle?
Wolfgang?
Blackfire? (Just throwing names out there)
What I am looking for is ease of use (remember - beginner), that will get me nice results. Medium price range is fine. I don't want to spend hours making the car looking flawless, just something that I can learn with, use to make the car look decent, and not cost an arm and a leg.
For washing the car I use a pH neutral soap. I have used both Meguiars Gold Class and Zaino and they both seem to work well.
My understanding for a decent car detail is:
1. Wash car
2. Claybar vehicle - Important step for a better overall shine
3. Polish
4. Wax
Any other steps I am missing?
Thanks for you help!
I mix and match product combinations, I don't stick with just one brand as you can tell...but I do tend to try and use compounds/polishes with the coinciding pads from the same manufacturer. There are entirely too many detailing products on the market these days, so try not to be overwhelmed. Check out Autopia or AutoGeek for an absolute wealth of additional info on the art of detailing if you really want to take things to the next level...
Last edited by 46750; 04-15-19 at 04:23 AM.
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