Mike Phillips
Active member
- Dec 5, 2022
- 51,004
- 7
I debated whether to post this, and I'm apologizing in advance. You guys must cringe whenever you see another "what to buy" post, and I'll bet there are about a million of them. I know. I've read them all. I'm just in the habit of trying not to spend a lot of money on the wrong things - trial and success vs. trial and error - so I've been searching for some type of consensus on a number of products. Good luck with that.
I started out by buying just what I needed to wash and clay the car, and I'm hoping to do that this weekend. I had intended to wait before getting a DA, pads and polishes, but now after reading at least 5,000 posts on the subject, combined with the current surprise AG sale on buffers, I'm tempted to make a purchase and set everything aside until I'm ready to tackle the job. The madness continues.
One of the first videos I watched was Junkman's series on paint correction. All that's required is a Porter Cable DA, some Hex-Logic pads, M105, M205 and I'm done. Of course a little technique wouldn't be bad either.
Then I watched a number of videos produced by Mike Phillips, featuring a variety of other products that all appear to do a great job. The decision got far more complicated.
There are 3 DAs that seem to be popular, with similar features and prices. I'm now leaning towards the Griot's, along with an LC 5" backing plate, based on the preference of many forum members, as well as the lifetime warranty. I'm not going into the detailing business, and this will just be for personal use.
Pads are still a big question, and I know that everyone has a favorite. There are probably hundreds of threads with pad questions, again, most of which I'll bet I've read. Even though I had initially considered the Hex-Logic pads, for no other reason than Junkman recommended them, I think I've narrowed down my choice to the 5.5" LC flat pads - 3 orange and 3 white. I can order them from AG with other supplies; they get good reviews, and seem to be a good option for someone starting out. The Hydro-Tech, or even some microfiber pads, were others I considered, and I might order a few samples just to try. Anything that I missed, or any reason to stay away from these? It looks like one advantage to the microfiber pads is that they might be easier to clean, or at least that's my initial impression.
I have a black car with very faint dealer-inflicted swirls. My original idea was to use the combination of M105 and M205, on orange and white pads respectively, though at this point I haven't determined if M105 is necessary, which, I know, requires a test. I read some posts about skipping the application of M105, but can you start with M205 and possibly use it on a pad with more cut, like orange, versus white, or should certain pads only be used with certain products? This is about the time I'd like to find an experienced detailer in the Dallas area, who might be willing to share some advice after looking at my car.
In any case, am I on the right track for a starter kit?
Thanks.
Ron
I started out by buying just what I needed to wash and clay the car, and I'm hoping to do that this weekend. I had intended to wait before getting a DA, pads and polishes, but now after reading at least 5,000 posts on the subject, combined with the current surprise AG sale on buffers, I'm tempted to make a purchase and set everything aside until I'm ready to tackle the job. The madness continues.
One of the first videos I watched was Junkman's series on paint correction. All that's required is a Porter Cable DA, some Hex-Logic pads, M105, M205 and I'm done. Of course a little technique wouldn't be bad either.
Then I watched a number of videos produced by Mike Phillips, featuring a variety of other products that all appear to do a great job. The decision got far more complicated.
There are 3 DAs that seem to be popular, with similar features and prices. I'm now leaning towards the Griot's, along with an LC 5" backing plate, based on the preference of many forum members, as well as the lifetime warranty. I'm not going into the detailing business, and this will just be for personal use.
Pads are still a big question, and I know that everyone has a favorite. There are probably hundreds of threads with pad questions, again, most of which I'll bet I've read. Even though I had initially considered the Hex-Logic pads, for no other reason than Junkman recommended them, I think I've narrowed down my choice to the 5.5" LC flat pads - 3 orange and 3 white. I can order them from AG with other supplies; they get good reviews, and seem to be a good option for someone starting out. The Hydro-Tech, or even some microfiber pads, were others I considered, and I might order a few samples just to try. Anything that I missed, or any reason to stay away from these? It looks like one advantage to the microfiber pads is that they might be easier to clean, or at least that's my initial impression.
I have a black car with very faint dealer-inflicted swirls. My original idea was to use the combination of M105 and M205, on orange and white pads respectively, though at this point I haven't determined if M105 is necessary, which, I know, requires a test. I read some posts about skipping the application of M105, but can you start with M205 and possibly use it on a pad with more cut, like orange, versus white, or should certain pads only be used with certain products? This is about the time I'd like to find an experienced detailer in the Dallas area, who might be willing to share some advice after looking at my car.
In any case, am I on the right track for a starter kit?
Thanks.
Ron
