Beginner: What to buy?

Calendyr

Calendyr

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Hello everyone,

Can anyone point me to a guide to purchase products for a beginner?

There are so many companies making so many products that I have no idea where to start.

In my mind, there must be one product of each type that is the best. For example, what is the best products to wash the car, what is the best rubbing compound, what is the best polish and so on.

Same for polisher pads, what is best to buy for a beginner?

So far, after watching about 60 hours of detailing videos, I have the following impression:

Chemichal Guys seems to make really good cleaning products
Maguire seems to make really good paint correction products and waxes

For pads, Hexlogic pads by Chemical Guys seems to be really good but I like the number system Maguire use for theirs, it's easy to understand the roughness of the pads when they are labelled 7000, 8000 and 9000 just like sandpaper system.
 
ALL companies have the same products that work VERY WELL.. ALL companies have products that are not so well

GG6 + 5" backing plate + 5.5 LC hydrotech pads (cyan, tangerine, and red) 2 of each at least

wash media
waffle weave drying towel
medium clay
M105+M205
pre wax cleaner
sealant/wax
pad cleaner
pad brush conditioner
 
Thanks, what company are those?

I will try to search for them but just in case ;)

My list of things to buy is about 20 times longer than this, but I have no company/products attached yet LOL

Someone mentionned that Duragloss? Durasomething anyhow..... what really cheap and performed as well as products 10 times it's price. Any comments on that?

Will have a look at GG6 and Hydrotech and M105+M205 in the meantime. Thanks again.
 
I really like the Hex Logic pads. I recently ordered a few from both Hex Logic and Chemical Guys. You may find through experimentation, a system the works for you. I started with Meguiars because I feel that the products work, they are somewhat easy to obtain locally, and with a little research, easy to understand the line. Next on my list is Menzerna, and Chemical Guys products. Part of the fun for me is trying new products. I suppose I'd be less inclined to do that in a production setting.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using AG Online
 
Hello dlc95,

I was really tempted by CG Hex Logic pads too. I watched all their videos on youtube so I think I got brainwashed LOL

On the other hand I read a review on this forum yesterday about the new Meguiar's pad that just came out and the poster made some very good comments about them.

So now I am a bit torn. What I might end up doing is buy the new Meguiar's 7" pads and get some smaller sizes Hexlogic pads for jobs that are in tighter spots...

would that make sense? I have never used a polisher before, I will use it for the first time tomorrow. My feeling is that the 7" pads will be great for large surfaces like roof, hood and doors but will be very hard to use in tight spots.

Anyway I ran out of money today (well, busted the allocated budget really)... Out of the 500$ I was planning to spend, I spent 650$. LOL So I will wait a bit and order the pads in about 2 weeks... Will give me time to try the ones I have and see if I like them.

Cleaning them will be a pain since I don't have a pad wash system. I hope I can do a good job by hand. Only have 2 pads so if I make one (or both) unsuable I am screwed LOL
 
Dont get cg hex logic those pads suck

Sent from my SCH-I605 using AG Online
 
I would shy away form the megs pads as these are very large. Are they nice sure. I have have them and used them with my polisher but I would go with the 5.5" pad size.

Have you looked at the LC pad line up? The flat pads are great if you on a budget!

The Hydro Tech and the Hybrid pads are great as well.

Cleaning your pads will be fine but make sure your keeping the pads clean while working. This would be known as cleaning you pad on the fly!

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/20135-how-clean-your-foam-pad-fly.html
 
Calendyr said:
Hello dlc95,

I was really tempted by CG Hex Logic pads too. I watched all their videos on youtube so I think I got brainwashed LOL

On the other hand I read a review on this forum yesterday about the new Meguiar's pad that just came out and the poster made some very good comments about them.

So now I am a bit torn. What I might end up doing is buy the new Meguiar's 7" pads and get some smaller sizes Hexlogic pads for jobs that are in tighter spots...

would that make sense? I have never used a polisher before, I will use it for the first time tomorrow. My feeling is that the 7" pads will be great for large surfaces like roof, hood and doors but will be very hard to use in tight spots.

Anyway I ran out of money today (well, busted the allocated budget really)... Out of the 500$ I was planning to spend, I spent 650$. LOL So I will wait a bit and order the pads in about 2 weeks... Will give me time to try the ones I have and see if I like them.

Cleaning them will be a pain since I don't have a pad wash system. I hope I can do a good job by hand. Only have 2 pads so if I make one (or both) unsuable I am screwed LOL
Click to expand...

One of my orders included a 5.5" sample pack of Hex Logic. Included was their pad cleaner, which is in a spray bottle. It seems to work really well on any pad I've used it on.

I have meguiars pads too. It's up to you what you'd like to do regarding this. I've had great luck with the Hex Logic and Lake Country CCS pads. My next order will be Hydro Tech pads from lake country. Because they are a smaller line up, with one pad dedicated to each basic function of paint care, they might be a great place for you to start. I've heard nothing but great things about them! You can also get them in the 5.5" size, which Meguiars doesn't offer at this time.

If you choose to go the Hex Logic, or Lake Country CCS route, starting with the orange, white, and black pads is a good place to start.

Sent from my SGH-T989 using AG Online
 
Thanks guys!

Do all pads fit all backing plates? Or will I need a different backing plate for LC 5.5" pads?
 
I will quote what one old Marine said to which I agree.... "technique triumphs product"

While there are some product that can be labeled as "garbage" as far as what it was meant for, but most do the job but you have to find the right method to apply. Some are stronger and some are weaker but they usually have their place. For example, if you have only light defects, you may not want something like M105 on LC yellow pads. That would be over kill unless you have some real hard paint.

Having said that, for chemicals, I would start with Meg's stuff since they are easily available and fairly inexpensive.

All pads will not fit one backing plate. Obviously if you have a 6" bp and you want to use a 4" pad... its not going to work. I guess it can work if you are real careful but I would highly not recommend.
 
I still consider myself a beginner but I am getting better with the set up I use:
PC
6" bp with 6.5 Lake county pads
I have tried the megauirs polish compound with my PC but not the best results..
So I tried the Pinnacle Line up and I love the results I highly recommend them.
Collinite 845
Pad conditioner and shampoo
 
Thanks for the suggestion Jaddie.

I have purchased a foam gun. Not sure if it's very different from a foam cannon but I use it everytime I wash a car and I love it ;)

As for a pressure washer, I use one at work (I do deliveries and I need to wash my car before every shift) and I am not too impressed with them. You still need to wash, so I don't see an improvement over a hose except that it uses less water. I guess if I need to carry water then it might make a big difference, is that why you suggest one?

Never heard of a master blaster, is it some kind of compressor? I already had a compressor in my list of things to buy.

Right now I am reading a book by Renny Doyle called "How to start a home-based car detailing business". Once I am done with that my next book that I need to read is Mike Phillip's. I wish there were more hours in a day, I work 2 jobs and spend all my free time watching detailing related videos and reading books about detailing LOL

I will definatelly check out The Junkman on youtube, thanks again!
 
Quick update, checked out what a Master Blaster is ;) I am using a large drying MF towel to dry the car right now... would a master blaster really help? I know some people use leaf blowers to dry cars, those are fairly inexpensive compared to a MB... but is it really needed?

Oh! And thanks for the tip regarding Junkman videos, they are great.
 
Dear Calendyr

I don't believe the Master Blaster is absolutely essential, but it's definitely nice and something you'd use on every vehicle. If you can afford it, I recommend getting it.

If you can't afford it now, save up for it and pull the trigger when there's a sale with no exclusions, usually for about ten-percent off.

The Junkman has a Master Blaster, but until he got it he used a leaf blower.
 
Hello and you won't be a beginner for long! :props:

There are hundreds of brand name products available and most do a decent job. These products can become very expensive but that doesn't mean they have to. Manufacturers like Meguiar's and 3M have been around for 100 years and in fact, not long ago 3M bought Meguiar's....

Some great reading by none other than Mike Phillips

To simplify the compounding and polishing, two over the counter products by Meguiar's do a great job at removing minor scratches, swirls, and like defects leaving the finish looking like glass.

Meguiar's Ultimate Compound

Meguiar's Ultimate Polish

If you'd like some product suggestions that perform, take a look at these. I will guarantee they will not disappoint...

Wash - Duragloss #901
Clay - Meguiar's
Compound - Menzerna FG-400
Polish - Menzerna PF-2500
Finishing Polish - Menzerna SF-4000
Sealant - CarPro Reload
Wax - Collinite 845
Spray Wax - Optimum Car Wax
Tire Cleaner - Meguiar's Super Degreaser
Wheel Cleaner - PoorBoy's World Wheel Cleaner
Tire Treatment - CarPro PERL
Wheel Protectant - Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0
Trim Protectant - CarPro DLux
All Purpose Cleaner - Optimum Power Clean
Glass Cleaner - Meguiar's Glass Cleaner
Glass Treatment - Aquapel
Interior Protectant - Meguiar's M40

For drying start out with an electric leaf blower. For about $50.00 you can get a quality blower and you won't believe how nice of a job it does....:props:

On the Porter Cable 7424 style machine stick with the 5 1/2" pads and smaller. While some machines can handle them most won't do it efficiently and they're tougher on the user...

Foam Pads

Yellow Cutting Foam - Use this pad to apply compounds or polishes to remove severe oxidation, swirls, and scratches. It is the most aggressive and should only be used on oxidized and older finishes. Always follow this pad with an orange or white pad and a fine polish to refine the paint until it is smooth.

Orange Light Cutting Foam - Firm, high density foam for scratch and defect removal. Use this pad with polishes and swirl removers. It’s an all-around pad that will work on most light to moderate imperfections.

White Polishing Foam - Less dense foam formula for the application of waxes, micro-fine polishes and sealants. This pad has very light cutting power so it’s perfect for pre-wax cleaners.

Gray Finishing Foam Pad - Composition is firm enough to withstand added pressure during final finishing to remove buffer swirls. It has no cut and will apply thin, even coats of waxes, sealants, and glazes.

Blue Finessing Foam – Pad has soft composition for applying glaze, finishing polish, sealants, and liquid waxes. Flat pad provides full contact with paint surface to minimize the pressure applied by the user.[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
 
BobbyG said:
Hello and you won't be a beginner for long! :props:

There are hundreds of brand name products available and most do a decent job. These products can become very expensive but that doesn't mean they have to. Manufacturers like Meguiar's and 3M have been around for 100 years and in fact, not long ago 3M bought Meguiar's....

Some great reading by none other than Mike Phillips

To simplify the compounding and polishing, two over the counter products by Meguiar's do a great job at removing minor scratches, swirls, and like defects leaving the finish looking like glass.

Meguiar's Ultimate Compound

Meguiar's Ultimate Polish

If you'd like some product suggestions that perform, take a look at these. I will guarantee they will not disappoint...

Wash - Duragloss #901
Clay - Meguiar's
Compound - Menzerna FG-400
Polish - Menzerna PF-2500
Finishing Polish - Menzerna SF-4000
Sealant - CarPro Reload
Wax - Collinite 845
Spray Wax - Optimum Car Wax
Tire Cleaner - Meguiar's Super Degreaser
Wheel Cleaner - PoorBoy's World Wheel Cleaner
Tire Treatment - CarPro PERL
Wheel Protectant - Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0
Trim Protectant - CarPro DLux
All Purpose Cleaner - Optimum Power Clean
Glass Cleaner - Meguiar's Glass Cleaner
Glass Treatment - Aquapel
Interior Protectant - Meguiar's M40

For drying start out with an electric leaf blower. For about $50.00 you can get a quality blower and you won't believe how nice of a job it does....:props:

On the Porter Cable 7424 style machine stick with the 5 1/2" pads and smaller. While some machines can handle them most won't do it efficiently and they're tougher on the user...

Foam Pads

Yellow Cutting Foam - Use this pad to apply compounds or polishes to remove severe oxidation, swirls, and scratches. It is the most aggressive and should only be used on oxidized and older finishes. Always follow this pad with an orange or white pad and a fine polish to refine the paint until it is smooth.

Orange Light Cutting Foam - Firm, high density foam for scratch and defect removal. Use this pad with polishes and swirl removers. It’s an all-around pad that will work on most light to moderate imperfections.

White Polishing Foam - Less dense foam formula for the application of waxes, micro-fine polishes and sealants. This pad has very light cutting power so it’s perfect for pre-wax cleaners.

Gray Finishing Foam Pad - Composition is firm enough to withstand added pressure during final finishing to remove buffer swirls. It has no cut and will apply thin, even coats of waxes, sealants, and glazes.

Blue Finessing Foam – Pad has soft composition for applying glaze, finishing polish, sealants, and liquid waxes. Flat pad provides full contact with paint surface to minimize the pressure applied by the user.[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
Click to expand...

Great list, thanks!
 
Thanks for the list. I am in the final stage of buying stuff, insane how many items that represents ;)

I have offered a friend to do a paint correction on his BMW. His car is about 15 years old and I don't think he takes much care of it ;) Can't wait to go around it with him and start working on it. Will provide great before and after pictures for my future website ;)
 
I got some great advice from BobbyG last year. He posted about Duragloss products. I tried several things before DG so I did learn a little variety. I gotta tell ya, DG is awesome! Their stuff is very reasonably priced. It's easy to work with in sun and shade. And the results are as good as the expensive stuff in my opinion.
 
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