Getting Started, Need wings to fly!!!

RevHeat

RevHeat

New member
Joined
Dec 14, 2012
Messages
29
Reaction score
0
Just getting to understand how clueless I have been about detailing vehicles. I have purchased and read Mike's Art of Detailing Book. Now, I am ready to begin the adventure. I just have the following questions that I would appreciate some expert advice.


Background: I am not going to do this as a business, just want to be able to work on a few cars a year. The primary purpose of buying a kit is to polish and wax a 1996 Dodge Viper GTS (Blue/White Strips). I plan to take my time with the Viper as I have no time limitations



1) PC 7424XP or Griots Orbital Polisher?

2) The paint on the 96 Viper has light swirls and minor imperfections. No major paint issues. As such, does XMT FineSwirl Remover #2 sound like a good product to use? If not, what? Also, which brand pad?

3) For a wax or sealant, I am not sure which brand to choose as there are just so many choices. Also, which brand pad?


Thanks for all your help in advanced!!!!!


Chris
San Antonio, Texas
 
Welcome to AGO.

I would chose the new Griots over the PC. Also pick up the hydrotech pad essentials pad kit and add a few more pads of each color so you have a minimum of 3 each. I would also look into the Wolfgang duo of Total Swirl Remover and Finishing Glaze. I would then seal that with Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Seleant.

Im sure you know of or have clay on hand?
 
smack said:
Im sure you know of or have clay on hand?
Click to expand...

Thanks for the welcome. Yes, i have actually used clay before and have some on hand. Just never have done anything with a DA before. Thanks for the advice!

One question though, should I put the sealant on by hand?
 
Polishing Compounds - Machine
Sealant - Machine
Glaze - Hand (some use machine)
Wax - Hand

That's how i'd do it at least.

As for wax to look into.. Wolfgang Füzion, Pinnacle Souveran and XMT 180, Blackfire Midnight Sun, and Chemical Guys 50/50 are a few to look into.
 
Between the GG and PC, I would definitely choose the GG *IF* you are doing this as a hobby. If you do this commercially where you need the device every day to generate revenue, the decision process changes a bit. As a hobby, you cannot beat the lifetime warranty.

If budget is not constrained the Wolfgang recommendation already mentioned is very versatile and stable. The XMT swirl remover line is good as well, and Wolfgang's 2 products (which do come in a GG polisher package) essentially replace XMT #1-4.

The Wolfgang sealant is top notch and durability is great. You do need to let the product cure for 8-12 hours.

Here is what I would do if your budget is tight.

- Griot's 6" DA w/ 5" backing plate
- A few squeeze bottles
- (6) Lake Country HT 5" Flat Pads (2 Cut, 2 Polish, 2 Finish)
- Duragloss 501 and 601 (mix 4-parts 501 to 1-part 601) (use a polishing pad)
- Collinite 845 (use a finishing pad)
- Optimum Car Wax

Here is what I like about my recommendations:

1- Each are very popular in their category (in the top 10 in my view) and hence fully tested across the board
2- Each are idiot-proof and simple to use for a beginner. If you have done any type of finishing work (home repairs, painting, etc...) you already have some skills that are transportable to auto detailing
3- The Duragloss combination is a good AIO. There are tons of other AIO's that can replace this recommendation but you cannot go wrong for $9-$11 per bottle each and get the results you would see afterward
4- Collinite's waxes are hidden gems. In my area, they are sold only at boat/marine stores. 845 has sealant and wax properties, with excellent durability for $13 a bottle.
5- Optimum Car Wax is a spray wax but it behaves more like a liquid wax. The durability is the best of any spray wax I have seen, heard and used.
 
smack said:
Welcome to AGO.

I would chose the new Griots over the PC. Also pick up the hydrotech pad essentials pad kit and add a few more pads of each color so you have a minimum of 3 each. I would also look into the Wolfgang duo of Total Swirl Remover and Finishing Glaze. I would then seal that with Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Seleant.

Im sure you know of or have clay on hand?
Click to expand...

+10
 
:welcome: To Autogeek Online Chris!

Basic steps in order are:

  • Wash
  • Clay
  • Paint Correction & Polish
  • Seal
  • Wax

Wipe On and Walk Away Sealants (Clear)


Traditional Sealants (Haze and Buff)

Wax


Polishers

For machines you can't go wrong with either. Many appear to prefer the Griot's for it's additional power and lifetime warranty. Me personally, I like the Porter Cable 7424 and it's been going strong for 14 years now. I also have the Flex 3401 which is in an entirely different class of machine...


Here's some great information by Mike Phillips that will help you.




Paint Correction


Wolfgang Twins

First, remove moderate imperfections with Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover 3.0 and a light cutting pad. Then follow up with Wolfgang Finishing Glaze 3.0 and a gray finishing pad to smooth away haze and restore surface gloss. These two products are made to work hand in hand to give your vehicle a smooth, flawless shine in just two steps! Because they utilize fast-cutting nano abrasives, the polishes work well with an orbital or dual action polisher.

Menzerna Super Finish PO 106 FA

If there's one product I like that is strong enough to remove swirls and finish defects eyt leaves the finish glass smooth and super glossy it Menzerna Super Finish (SF4000) PO 106 FA

Foam Polishing Pads

Yellow Low Profile Cutting 5.5 inch Foam Pad - 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 Low Profile Light Cutting 5.5 inch Foam Pad - 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 Low Profile Polishing 5.5 inch Foam Pad - Less dense foam formula for the application of waxes, micro-fine polishes and sealants. This pad has very light cutting power so its perfect for pre-wax cleaners.

Gray Low Profile Finishing 5.5 inch 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 Low Profile Finessing 5.5 inch Foam Pad – Flat 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.
 
smack said:
Welcome to AGO.

I would chose the new Griots over the PC. Also pick up the hydrotech pad essentials pad kit and add a few more pads of each color so you have a minimum of 3 each. I would also look into the Wolfgang duo of Total Swirl Remover and Finishing Glaze. I would then seal that with Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Seleant.

Im sure you know of or have clay on hand?
Click to expand...

:iagree:

I chose the Griots over the PC largely in fact that they have a LIFETIME warranty on their product. (not 100% sure about PC). Although AG will always back the product they sell you never know how long a business will stay around. Lets hope AG sticks around for another 50+ years so my grandkids can enjoy what I enjoy! I also second the hydrotech pads. You'll really like them a lot. Just be sure to pick up extra pads throughout the year so you get a good supply of them (watch for BOGO's). Lastly the only thing I can give personal feedback on is the M105/205 twins. While the 105 is a bit tricky at first to work with, their performance is awesome! Good luck with your decision!! :buffing:
 
Thanks guys for the input. I should have noted that price is not a concern, however, it seems like any product you get that is high end will do the job if the technique is correct.

Regarding the M105, I was thinking maybe that was too much for my particluar situtation. I was thinking I should start out with something more mild.
 
RevHeat said:
Thanks guys for the input. I should have noted that price is not a concern, however, it seems like any product you get that is high end will do the job if the technique is correct.

Regarding the M105, I was thinking maybe that was too much for my particluar situtation. I was thinking I should start out with something more mild.
Click to expand...

Then you owe it to yourself to try Menzerna Super Finish PO 106 FA
 
Your help, ideas, reviews, and opinions are great BobbyG!
I want to thank you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top