Some detailing questions

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jproy12

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Alright, somewhat new to detailing, however, I've waxed lots of cars in the past, and all done by hand. Now I'm looking at detailing my car, and this time I'm trying to get more equipped with a Porter Cable polisher and the required stuff. I've got some swirls that I'd like to remove on my car and parents car, so looking at getting the Porter Cable 7424XP 5.5" with some pads and everything needed.

Here's my list of stuff that I have:
1002 Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax (No. 845)
1006 Collinite Liquid Sapphire Auto Wax #SS126 (16oz)
5404 CarPro IronX (32oz)
5444 CarPro TRIX Tar and Iron Remover
Chemical Guys Black on BLACK SPRAY DRESSING
Riccardo Blue Detailing Clay + Lubricant

Here's what I'm looking to buy to complete my kit:
Porter Cable 7424XP with 5" backing plate
Orange polishing pad
White polishing pad
Black polishing pad
Blue polishing pad
Meguiars #105
Meguiars #205

I've heard good things about the Meguiars, so I'll probably be sticking to that, but what I want to know is; should I be using a sealant after the polish and before the Collinite 845 wax? If so, which sealant?

I'll be doing these mostly on my car, which is white, but may do it on darker color cars, so need something that is good on all colors.

Thanks,
JP
 
I've read here on the forums that the Collinite 845 wax may be a sealant, if it is, can anyone suggest a good wax?

I just want to make sure that I have all bases covered before I start my job, so looking at getting polish, sealant then wax, which ones?

Thanks,
JP
 
I would personally suggest ditching the M105 and going with the D300 and MF cutting pads.

M105 can be a PITA to work with, D300 on the other hand is fantastic.

I would also recommend getting 2-3 of each of the pads you had previously mentioned, as you will want to switch them out for a clean one while you are working every now and then.

Sealant is not required if you are waxing, but if you are going to do both then you will apply sealant before the wax.

845 is a very durable wax, so you would be fine simply using that, however there is nothing wrong with adding the extra protection of a sealant... there are tons of great ones to choose from. If you like Meguiar's check out M21 synthetic sealant.
 
zmcgovern45 said:
I would personally suggest ditching the M105 and going with the D300 and MF cutting pads.

M105 can be a PITA to work with, D300 on the other hand is fantastic.

I would also recommend getting 2-3 of each of the pads you had previously mentioned, as you will want to switch them out for a clean one while you are working every now and then.

Sealant is not required if you are waxing, but if you are going to do both then you will apply sealant before the wax.

845 is a very durable wax, so you would be fine simply using that, however there is nothing wrong with adding the extra protection of a sealant... there are tons of great ones to choose from. If you like Meguiar's check out M21 synthetic sealant.
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Thanks, I had in mind to get about 3pads of each. Also, is there anyway to prep a car for a complete detailing? As in remove any remaining wax residue before applying new polish/sealant/wax?

I'll be washing, them IronX - TriX, then Claybar, then polish, sealant and then wax, is there any steps before to clean the car free of any leftover wax?

As for sealant, I don't have any brand in mind, is there anything else good other than Mcguiars?

Thanks,
JP
 
I tried posting but had an issue anyway. I would go with the Griots garage da more powerful and a lifetime warranty

I agree with the da microfiber correction kit and at the minimum of 2 of each pads to start
 
Thoryamaha919 said:
I tried posting but had an issue anyway. I would go with the Griots garage da more powerful and a lifetime warranty

I agree with the da microfiber correction kit and at the minimum of 2 of each pads to start
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Thanks, I'll look into it!

Now, would like a bit more info on sealants and the preparation before detailing
 
jproy12 said:
Thanks, I had in mind to get about 3pads of each. Also, is there anyway to prep a car for a complete detailing? As in remove any remaining wax residue before applying new polish/sealant/wax?

I'll be washing, them IronX - TriX, then Claybar, then polish, sealant and then wax, is there any steps before to clean the car free of any leftover wax?

As for sealant, I don't have any brand in mind, is there anything else good other than Mcguiars?

Thanks,
JP
Click to expand...

You can wash your car with a citrus based shampoo... ie Chemical Guys Citrus Wash to strip remaining wax/protection. These shampoos are very versatile in that they can be used for regular maintenance washing (when diluted properly) or for stripping your protection (when diluted to a stronger mixture of cleaner to water)... simply read the label on the product for the proper mixing ratios.

I also pre-wash/soak with citrus wash in a foam gun (not foam lance) to help break down any existing LSP.

**some people still use Dawn dish soap to strip LSP... it is effective, but not as preferred as a dedicated car washing shampoo**

For sealant, I love Menzerna Power Lock... however, like most detailing supplies, you will find there are TONS of excellent sealants out there.

Regarding the Meg's MF Correction Kit mentioned above... I would not get the "kit" and just get the cutting pads and D300, as I find the polishing pads and D301 are just not as good as a foam polishing pad and something like M205... just my opinion though.

Also, you mentioned your car was white... but you never said what kind of car it is... mind sharing that info?
 
zmcgovern45 said:
You can wash your car with a citrus based shampoo... ie Chemical Guys Citrus Wash to strip remaining wax/protection. These shampoos are very versatile in that they can be used for regular maintenance washing (when diluted properly) or for stripping your protection (when diluted to a stronger mixture of cleaner to water)... simply read the label on the product for the proper mixing ratios.

I also pre-wash/soak with citrus wash in a foam gun (not foam lance) to help break down any existing LSP.

**some people still use Dawn dish soap to strip LSP... it is effective, but not as preferred as a dedicated car washing shampoo**

For sealant, I love Menzerna Power Lock... however, like most detailing supplies, you will find there are TONS of excellent sealants out there.

Regarding the Meg's MF Correction Kit mentioned above... I would not get the "kit" and just get the cutting pads and D300, as I find the polishing pads and D301 are just not as good as a foam polishing pad and something like M205... just my opinion though.

Also, you mentioned your car was white... but you never said what kind of car it is... mind sharing that info?
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Thanks for the great info! Really appreciated.

I drive a 2012 Subaru Forester, 5th Subaru, il try to post pics of my older cars.

I'll look into a citrus based soap and some sealants, some great info in this thread that I'll keep handy when doing some research. I'll probably have more information to ask again, just a matter of time!
 
Alright, another questions; what is the ideal temperature to detail? The temperature these days in Canada are around 50-60deg F, is that warm enough?

Alright, here are some pics of my current car:
20121119_065920.jpg


My last car, that I sold since I bought a house
IMG_1441.JPG
 
jproy12 said:
I've read here on the forums that the Collinite 845 wax may be a sealant, if it is, can anyone suggest a good wax?

I just want to make sure that I have all bases covered before I start my job, so looking at getting polish, sealant then wax, which ones?

Thanks,
JP
Click to expand...

845 is a great stand alone product.
The last bottle that I ordered was a combo. Haven't found the need for the DP yet.Detailer’s Maximum Paint Protection Combo, best winter wax, best car wax winter protection


Wish that I woulda remembered the ... White Flip Cap
 
50-60F is excellent... living in the midwest, I see temps ranging from 0F to 100F and have detailed in the extreme heat and my garage usually stays in the 40's during the winter and I have never had much of an issue.

Good looking cars.. seems you like white subies :)
 
zmcgovern45 said:
50-60F is excellent... living in the midwest, I see temps ranging from 0F to 100F and have detailed in the extreme heat and my garage usually stays in the 40's during the winter and I have never had much of an issue.

Good looking cars.. seems you like white subies :)
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Yep, loving white cars, but a PITA to keep clean! If 50-60 is perfect, I'll probably attack the project next weekend! Im the MAN

Also to add to the list is my Meguiars gold class shampoo for regular maintenance, is that any good for the simple saturday wash?
 
jproy12 said:
Yep, loving white cars, but a PITA to keep clean! If 50-60 is perfect, I'll probably attack the project next weekend! Im the MAN

Also to add to the list is my Meguiars gold class shampoo for regular maintenance, is that any good for the simple saturday wash?
Click to expand...

Sure, can't go wrong with gold class... I just use Citrus Wash and Gloss for all of my washes. Like I said, they are great for regular washing or stripping LSP depending on how you dilute them.
 
Other than the Meguiars #205, is there another product similar to this one with the same details and all?
 
jproy12 said:
Other than the Meguiars #205, is there another product similar to this one with the same details and all?
Click to expand...

There are several similar polishes like this that will serve you well, however every product is slightly different

... what exactly are you looking for?

-Do you want DAT instead of SMAT?
-Do you want something with more or less cut than M205?
-?
 
jproy12 said:
Other than the Meguiars #205, is there another product similar to this one with the same details and all?
Click to expand...

Menzerna SF 4000, see it used here,

2012 Dodge Challenger + Menzerna Color Lock Makeover

2012_Challenger_Makeover_001.jpg




SONAX Nano Polish, see it used here...

1987 Corvette Show Car Makeover - SONAX Showcase

1987_Corvette_Show_Car_Makeover_0521.jpg



Gtechniq Jewelling Polish, see it used here,

1963 Impala and 1964 Chevy Delivery Truck - Show Car Makeover Pictures

Gtechniq_p2_Jewelling_Polish_02.jpg


Pinnacle Advacned Finishing Polish, see it used here...

1959 Chevrolet El Camino - Extreme Makeover - Modeled by Christina

1959ElCamino055.jpg



This car just keeps winning first places...

1970 Barracuda Extreme Makeover

Tommys70Cuda032.jpg



I received an e-mail from Tommy this last Sunday, he entered the above Cuda into a car show and took "Best of Show" at the Jupiter Ale House car show and 1000 dollar prize


Congratulations Tommy...


:)
 
Wow! Lots of great info! Thanks all! I'll do some research and report back with my finding and more questions
 
Ditch the 105 for 101. It does cost a good bit more, but it IS that much better when you start working with it.

Either that, or try the Meguiar's Microfiber Correction System. It'll come with 2 cutting pads and 2 finishing pads along with a bottle of D300 correction compound as well as D301 finishing wax. (plus of course a backing plate and the Megs apron)

If you have a small air compressor and clean the pad after every section pass you can do the entire car with only 2 microfiber pads. That is something that WILL NEVER HAPPEN with foam pads! ;)

It's a great system and while at first I wasn't using the finishing pads and finishing wax, I've found on several vehicles now (especially with hard paint) it's a Godsend!

Can still top that wax with a polymer sealant or the 845 as it's sort of more a cleaner/wax than a pure wax. Also, 845 is pretty decent for wheels too. ;)

Another one to look at is D151 crème as a nice middle of the road AIO. Takes out mild swirls and finishes down really nice with both MF and foam pads.
 
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