Help me stock my new garage!

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jcamls

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Hey guys first time post but long time lurker and first purchase from autogeek was about 5 years ago. Ive learned a ton from this site but now its time to stock my own personal garage. I finally have my own house with my own garage and need to fill it up. I used to use my fathers garage to detail my vehicles, mostly by hand, but I don't want to take every thing out and leave him empty handed. Ive used rotary and DA polishers before, but my father only had a rotary at his house so the past few years I've had to do everything by hand. So like I said before, time to completely stock my garage and I hope you guys can help.

I only detail my own vehicles and a few family and friends here and there. The main vehicles are my fathers silver Chevy pickup, grandfathers Green GMC pickup, girlfriends White caddy suv and then my personal truck, a black GMC pickup. And then there is my baby, a black SS Camaro. Then a few friends random vehicles here and there.

With that being said here is what I've put together so far.

Griots Garage 6" Random Orbital Polisher and a few 5'' backing plates
Griots Garage 3" Random Orbital Polisher (Maybe)

Pinnacle

Ultra Poly Clay
Advanced Compound
Advanced Swirl Remover
Advanced Finishing Polish
Paintwork Cleansing Lotion
Liquid Souveran Wax
Detail Spray
Body Work Shampoo
Interior and Wheel cleaning kits

Lake Country ThinPro Foam Pads
6 of Each color except gray. Don't think ill need the extreme cutting pad, and If i do ill order it then.

Then a bunch of sponges, Micro Fiber towels (color coded for paint, wheels), tire black, wheel polish, and all the random little stuff like bucket grit guard etc.

So I think that's about it. I stayed with pinnacle because It was in the "detailing how to" video and it seems to be a high regarded and easy applying product.
I also saw some sealant / wax combo. I like the idea of a sealant for more durability for the daily drivers but I have no experience with them so not sure how they work. One in particular I saw was BLACKFIRE wet ice over fire but again I have no experience with it, and not sure how it would work if I prepped with pinnacle products. Probably and older school of thought that my father taught me, but he always told me to stay consistent within the brand if possible

Let me know what you guys think on all that and help me spend my money LOL. Any suggestions are welcome. I'm also in the school of thought in buying quality the first time. Ive learned the hard way to get the good stuff the first time, and you'll always save money and time in the long run. I saw Griots Garage has the BOSS series Polishers but not sure if it is money well spent or just not necessary for my needs. That goes for the Pinnacle stuff as well. If you guys think that Id be better of another way I'm certainly open to it!

Thanks in advance guys! I appreciate it.
 
Congrats on the new home and garage. I was in the same shoes and had very similar concern on what products to use. At the end of the day I figured that while not being a professional detailer and maintain 2-3 vehicles all you'd need is one compond, one polish and a good synthetic wax/sealant (in case you don't want to go coating route). As far as compounds go I've enjoyed working with Griot's Fast Correcting Cream and Meg's D300 - both produce 0 dust and endless working time, both with MF and foam pads. Finishing polish - Meg 205 is an absolute killer, super easy to work with and yields great results. And yes, there are so many finishing polishes polishes out there but you don't really need them. What you'll need is good supply of the pads. I'd say at least 4-5 pads for cutting (either MF or foam, better both) and 2-3 for polishing. Clean and cool pads are very important, especially if you're working large cars/trucks. I'm absolutely in love with the MF towels from The Rag Company - huge selection for all needs.

One thing I'd do if I were you - see if you can spend a bit more for a decent polisher. if DA then 15mm, if gear driven - then flex or similar Chinese knock off. It will cut your working time tremendously. At least it did in my case when I bought Flex 3401 and used PC for 3" applications only. And make sure you get a good lights: minimum - inspection light, preferably proper lighting setup in the garage.

For wheel/tires cleaning you can easily buy APC and dilute as directed. For interior I personally use Griot's interior cleaner but you can also grab some ONR and use it virtually on any surface inside the vehicle.

But all in all, it's not as much about products u use as about hours you spend polishing and experience you gain. Every time I grab polisher I learn something new, sometimes at the cost of an error but oh well. There's a learning curve to every single thing is this world and detailing is no exception. Good luck with your hobby
 
Once the prep/polishing is done, maybe skip the wax/sealant and go with Gyeon CanCoat. Great longevity and self cleaning characteristics, easy to apply as a spray wax.
Autogeek Gyeon CanCoat: YouTube
 
I agree on conversion of a GG6 or other DA vs the GG3 inch. I have one but it's power is limited. I converted my PC into a dedicated 3 inch by changing the backing place as previously mentioned.
 
thanks for the replies so far guys I really appreciate it. There are SO many wax, polish, sealant, and now these ceramic coatings available that it can be mind boggling. What is the deal with the coatings like the Gyeon can coat? Is that technically a sealant or ceramic type coating? What is the maintenance like for these coatings? If you do a Gyeon can coat is it more for protection versus looks? Is there any benefit to putting a good coat of wax on top of it?

And for a DA what would you guys recommend. I'm open to spending more especially if it helps cut time (who really has lots of extra time) and I like to buy quality the first time, not realize I need to upgrade down the line. I have seen the FLEX 3401 and Griots Garage Boss 21/15 as crowd favorites. I didn't even think of just slapping a 3'' backing plate on there but that will definitely give me more funds to step up to the better DA polisher.
 
jcamls said:
thanks for the replies so far guys I really appreciate it. There are SO many wax, polish, sealant, and now these ceramic coatings available that it can be mind boggling. What is the deal with the coatings like the Gyeon can coat? Is that technically a sealant or ceramic type coating? What is the maintenance like for these coatings? If you do a Gyeon can coat is it more for protection versus looks? Is there any benefit to putting a good coat of wax on top of it?
Click to expand...

CanCoat is an entry level coating for someone starting out who and who is looking to venture into the coating world. It will offer more durability than a wax or sealant. It will also offer better self cleaning characteristics compared to a wax or sealant. The look will be more "glassy" to quote Mike Phillips. But a majority of the look comes from polishing.

Maintenance is pretty straight forward. You can use something like Gyeon Cure after a wash every few weeks. Some member on autopia mentioned that he is approaching 1 year and uses Gyeon Bathe+ as his maintenance product. I am at 7 months on my mom's car with it and maintained with Cure every few weeks. CarPro Ech20 at 1:20 is a great product to use as a drying aid or detail spray for it as well.

There is no need to apply a wax or polymer sealant as it will negate the coating like properties. A simple prep wipe (ie Gyeon Prep, CarPro Eraser, GTechniq Panel Wipe) after polishing and you are good to go with application. CanCoat is a great product.
 
jcamls said:
thanks for the replies so far guys I really appreciate it. There are SO many wax, polish, sealant, and now these ceramic coatings available that it can be mind boggling. What is the deal with the coatings like the Gyeon can coat? Is that technically a sealant or ceramic type coating? What is the maintenance like for these coatings? If you do a Gyeon can coat is it more for protection versus looks? Is there any benefit to putting a good coat of wax on top of it?

And for a DA what would you guys recommend. I'm open to spending more especially if it helps cut time (who really has lots of extra time) and I like to buy quality the first time, not realize I need to upgrade down the line. I have seen the FLEX 3401 and Griots Garage Boss 21/15 as crowd favorites. I didn't even think of just slapping a 3'' backing plate on there but that will definitely give me more funds to step up to the better DA polisher.
Click to expand...

I'd strongly recommend you try 3401 first, it is very different from free spinning DA. It requires less technique but man this machine wears out. At least it does that to me. Way too much of the reactive torque plus conterclockwise pad motion is a bit weird. The price I paid for it was too good to say no but I doubt I'd buy it again for full price. Cheers
 
I would get some HD Speed or Blackfire One Step. Four or five orange pads and four or five white pads You will end up using the HD Speed or the Blackfire One Step 90% of the time. The results are too good and the time savings is too great to go with anything else. I have hundreds of dollars invested in Rupes optimum and other products. They are all great. They give incredible results but they take lots of time. While you will want to make your work perfect, and you think that you can only achieve the perfect finish after hours of toil and finer and finer passes with compounds and polishes, at some point you will appreciate how truly great the HD Speed and One Step really are. Trust me. I’m a doctor. Best of luck to you. Phil
 
parshisa said:
I'd strongly recommend you try 3401 first, it is very different from free spinning DA. It requires less technique but man this machine wears out. At least it does that to me. Way too much of the reactive torque plus conterclockwise pad motion is a bit weird. The price I paid for it was too good to say no but I doubt I'd buy it again for full price. Cheers
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Do you mean the machine wears you or the paint out? Lol. And dumb question but I'm guessing the main difference between a free spinning DA and Gear driven, is that the free spinning will almost stop if your applying too much pressure, where the gear driven will always spin?
 
lj993 said:
I would get some HD Speed or Blackfire One Step. Four or five orange pads and four or five white pads You will end up using the HD Speed or the Blackfire One Step 90% of the time. The results are too good and the time savings is too great to go with anything else. I have hundreds of dollars invested in Rupes optimum and other products. They are all great. They give incredible results but they take lots of time. While you will want to make your work perfect, and you think that you can only achieve the perfect finish after hours of toil and finer and finer passes with compounds and polishes, at some point you will appreciate how truly great the HD Speed and One Step really are. Trust me. I’m a doctor. Best of luck to you. Phil
Click to expand...

I have seen the one step stuff, but how does it last compared to conventional multi step polish and then sealant? I think the first time I do my truck and Gf's car Ill have to do a multi step to get the results I want, but once I get the cars into a "maintenance mode" I'm not opposed to a All in one, if it can last a good while.
 
Multi step with an AIO as last step will give you 2 machine polishing steps, resulting 8n the limited durability of the sealant in the AIO; HD Speed has very limited longevity.

Dedicated compound/polish with a longer lasting LSP will require same 2 polishing/machine steps but the 15 extra minutes to apply something more durable will push your longevity out to 9 months to a year depending on maintenance. Additionally, CanCoat will provide far better self cleaning and hydrophobic properties than a sealant/AIO.

For personal vehicles, I never quite understood the point of AIO's; if you're gonna take the time to haul a machine out and use it, why not end the process with something more durable than the sealant in an AIO. And for those who top AIO'S, you are then saving no time at all vs dedicated compound/polish/LSP.

That however, are just my thoughts. Extenuating circumstances may come into play that may alter that approach. In the end, all you have to do is make yourself happy, not others.

Best of luck however you go, sure it will be a pleasing result regardless of path taken.
 
BudgetPlan1 said:
Multi step with an AIO as last step will give you 2 machine polishing steps, resulting 8n the limited durability of the sealant in the AIO; HD Speed has very limited longevity.

Dedicated compound/polish with a longer lasting LSP will require same 2 polishing/machine steps but the 15 extra minutes to apply something more durable will push your longevity out to 9 months to a year depending on maintenance. Additionally, CanCoat will provide far better self cleaning and hydrophobic properties than a sealant/AIO.

For personal vehicles, I never quite understood the point of AIO's; if you're gonna take the time to haul a machine out and use it, why not end the process with something more durable than the sealant in an AIO. And for those who top AIO'S, you are then saving no time at all vs dedicated compound/polish/LSP.

That however, are just my thoughts. Extenuating circumstances may come into play that may alter that approach. In the end, all you have to do is make yourself happy, not others.

Best of luck however you go, sure it will be a pleasing result regardless of path taken.
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Thanks for clearing that all up. I agree with the logic on All in one products. Id rather take a few extra minutes to apply a more durable coat, one that may even look better as well. I'm gunna search some more threads on the FLEX 3401 versus the BOSS 15, and a new one that I came across, the Rupes Duetto/Rupes Bigfoot15
 
There is so much info on this site, that it is tiring how much time you can spend researching products! I think ive narrowed it down to the pinnacle products, wolfgang sealant and a FLEX 3401, OR a maybe switching it up to a BOSS 15with pinnacle products or go ahead with the whole boss system. Point me in the right direction!
 
i have said it many times before and that is every detailer/enthusiast should own at least one pc-style DA and with that said i would get the GG6 with the 3" hd and 5" vented backing plates and appropriate size pads. you can always add another polisher (G15/21, etc.) later down the road if you feel the need to...
 
The benefit of getting the gg6 and recommended 5" and 3" backing plates first and do a couple of cars with. Is that you get a feel if you find your technique with free spinning DA is the right fitting for you. If you find it hard to get the pad spinning and it bogs down for you and you feel like you want not thinking of haveing the pad spinning or not. Then a gear driven polisher like Flex 3401vrg or Rupes Mille would be the ones I would look at getting. If you feel like you get the hang of the free spinning DA technique then the gg boss 15/21 or Rupes bigfoot 15 or 21 mark2 is good options. Going with the GG Boss or Rupes you have the option to follow their product line and getting a great synergy working pads and compound and polish for their polishers. Just some thoughts about polishing part.

I agree with you that the options of products is overwellming sometimes. And many of them works great also. A tip is to buy the small bottles first and if you like it then look at gallon sizes to get. Then keep reading and build up what you think would work for your needs. At the end many of the products and technique that members are recommending works good or great.

I agree with the Can Coat recommendations and to maintain that look into what gyeon has to offer.
 
Looks like you're getting good advise!

Another thing to consider...Why not buy into a system? Rupes and Griots have complete systems. Easy to use, dedicated compounds, polish and pads all at once. Both produce astonishing results!

After getting a good feel of how things work, better understanding of cause/effect, impact on different paints then you can start venturing off the reservation with different products. You'll have the basic foundation in which you can evaluate outside products much better and quicker too.

Tom
 
jcamls said:
I'm gunna search some more threads on the FLEX 3401 versus the BOSS 15, and a new one that I came across, the Rupes Duetto/Rupes Bigfoot15
Click to expand...

Started out with GG6, can get a lot done with that. For really heavy stuff. Megs D300 on microfiber cutting discs would often do better on that machine than Megs 101 on yellow LC Foam pad. The D300 works best 'low and slow' with machine speed/arm speed. Perfect for the GG6.

Picked up a LRH15 Mk2, LHR75 Mini and Flex 3401 during 2016 Holiday Gift Certificate sales. Added a Duetto during 2017 Holiday Gift Certificate sales.

Have kinda got into a groove using machines as follows:

Heavy 2 step correction: Flex 3401 w M101 w LC Force Hybrid pads for compound, Rupes 15 and Mini for polishing with applicable polishes like Sonax Perfect Finish, Jescar Finishing Polish, Rupes yellow top or white top polish, all on Rupes pads.

One step correction: If I'm in a hurry and wanna sacrifice comfort for speed of completion, Flex 3401. If time is not a consideration and I want to enjoy the process, Rupes 15, Duetto and Mini.

Fleet vehicles: Flex 3401 w 6.5" Force pads, compound and polish.

Not quite sure where the Duetto fits in, might a been a pretty redundant purchase w 15 and Mini already on shelf but is sometimes more comfortable, easier to use than 15 on vertical panels or other odd contortionist areas where I may be prone to poor technique with the longer 15; sometimes the longer handle of the 15 leads me to unknowingly 'teeter-totter' the machine, leaving pad not flat on surface, leading to stalling.

I'm still likely on 60-70% competent/effective with Rupes, have a way to go yet. It's certainly a learning process.

Flex on the other hand is fire and forget, Turn it on, and it just goes about it's business regardless of panel curves, nooks, accent lines. If you can jam the pad in there, it'll keep spinning. Despite many claims to contrary, you can finish well with a Flex. On a new, black Honda, Flex w Scholl S20 Black on honey spider pad followed by S40 on Crimson Hydrotech pad finished beautifully.

Both can get job done, Rupes a bit more elegant, Flex can take it's toll on your body after 6hrs especially if using 6.5" pads.

As for BOSS v Rupes, I struggled with that choice as well. In a practical, dollar-centric world, the BOSS makes more sense. It's ergonomics seem a little preferable with regards to handle angle, the progressive trigger would be better than the Rupes slow start nonsense. Rupes was avaliable in longer cord version though, BOSS was not and Rupes had aftermarket billet aluminum backing plate avaliable, BOSS did not. All minor things but in the end, I also just 'wanted' the Rupes more.

All luxuries, really.. .the GG6 w multiple backing plates can handle all but the most extreme tasks but the addition of the Flec and Rupes machines speed up and, in the case of the Rupes, make the process more enjoyable.

Recently I've been doing more stuff at work, larger space than my 2 car garage, Lots a room for keeping all 4 polishers plugged in, on the table and ready to go just by grabbing whichever one is appropriate at that time. Great time saver for me as I can get easily distracted; a simple 5.5" to 3" plate/pad swap on the GG6 would often stretch into an hour+ thing cuz I'd get distracted with other things, wander around, lose focus, admire my awesome skill etc.

"Know thyself..." and purchase machines accordingly.

EDIT: Not sure why but for most part prefer SMAT with Flex and DAT with Rupes with respect to abrasive technology...not a conscious thing but that's just kinda how it usually works out.
 
Thanks guys for the more replies. The more I read, the more it seems that people like to keep 2 Polishers, and all recommend having/starting with the GG 6" and then upgrading down the line and turning the GG 6" into a dedicated 3". I think that's the route Ill be going. Start with a GG 6" and get a 3" backing plate for tight spots, and keep my eyes open for a sale on a BOSS 15/ Rupes/FLEX down the line. Ill Probably be going with the pinnacle line and thin pads. Then a either the wolf gang or can coat sealant.

A little different direction now but can someone enlighten me more to the ceramic coats? I saw a high end car detailer near me using "CeramicPro" coatings on Ferarris, lamobs etc. I looked at a new truck yesterday and they were pushing "Simoniz" coating because it was a black vehicle and that supposedly protects the paint. Whats the deal on these coatings? Similar to the can coat/ WG sealeant or a totally different thing?
 
After more research, I went with the GG6'' with a vented 5'' backing plate, the LC thin pro 5.5'' pads, and the pinnacle swirl removal kit. I also got a few 3'' backing plates with 3.5'' plates. Then a bunch of towels, buckets etc etc. Spent WAYY more than I first set out to, but my garage is completely stocked for a while now! Thanks for all the help and ill report back in a few weeks after the first car is done. Gotta wait till at least march and hope that the snow will be done here. Thanks again for the help everyone!
 
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