Need Advice on Initial Purchase

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The Critic

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Hey everyone,

This is such a great forum-- I have learned so much over the last few days by just searching and reading old posts.

I want to learn detailing as a new hobby. So, it's time for me to make that initial purchase and I am coming here to ask all of you for some advice.

Based on what I have read on this forum (and others), I plan to purchase the following items:

(1) Flex XC3401 VRG
(1) Flex Bag
(2) Lake Country CCS Orange Pads
(2) Lake Country CCS White Pads
(1) Lake Country CCS Yellow Pad
(1) Lake Country CCS Black Pad

+ few microfiber towels..

Package is $319 (From Auto Detailing Solutions, but autogeek says they will pricematch)

(1) Meguiar's M105-- 32oz-- $28
(1) Meguiar's M205-- 32oz-- $30
(1) Wolfgang's Deep Gloss Paint Sealant-- 16oz-- $30
(2) Cobra Guzzler HD Waffle Weave Drying Towel 16X24-- $20 (BOGO)
(2) White/Yellow ShMITT Wash Mitt-- $22
(4) Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay-- $40 (BOGO)
(1) ONR-- 32 oz-- $16

Total for chemicals: $186 (from Autogeek)

So, all together it should be around $505.

I am still trying to decide between the Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant and less-expensive alternatives such as Poor Boy's EX-P and the Duragloss #105.

Also, how does my pad selection look? Should I get more pads? If so, what brand/model? Are the Hydroclear pads worth a look? What about the uber Flex pads? Remember, I only plan to detail my own car (Saturn sedan) and perhaps the family cars.

Thanks in advance!
 
I would recommend LC Foamed wool Foamed Wool 6.5 x 1 Thick Polishing / Buffing Pad

With the M105, I really like the way it gets out the tough stuff with minimal effort. (As compared to the others you have listed.) I would personal even substitute it for the yellow. I if I have something the Orange won't get out in one session, I go straight to the this pad.

If you're looking for an alternative to the DG 3.0, I just ordered some Meg's #21 2.0 Sealant. Meguiars #21 Synthetic Sealant

Haven't gotten a chance to try it yet.

I did get a gallon of the AIO Optimum Poli-Seal. I have used it one car to date. I used a machine and I liked the results. Will just need to wait to see how durable it is.

I like the AIO so I don't have to clean the paint before putting on a sealer like WG DPG 3.0.
 
The Hydro pads work well with the M105 and M205. I really like them being flat too. But, they are much harder to get clean.
And with that said - pick up some Pinnacle XMT Pad Cleaner.

DLB
 
I'd change "a few microfiber towels" to "a lot of microfiber towels" and maybe add some sort of nuba wax to top the DGPS and when you want to do a quick "wow" boost. I like the addition of the foamed wool pad too. Order looks great, I'm jealous!!:xyxthumbs:
 
I would get more CCS pads. You want at least 4 LC Orange, and 4 LC White. Then some blues are good for Applying Sealant or Jeweling.

So more pads.
 
frosty said:
I did get a gallon of the AIO Optimum Poli-Seal. I have used it one car to date. I used a machine and I liked the results. Will just need to wait to see how durable it is.

I like the AIO so I don't have to clean the paint before putting on a sealer like WG DPG 3.0.
Click to expand...


Is the AIO Optimum Poli-Seal similar to Klasse AIO?

How much cleaning can I expect from an AIO-type product?

Also, I see a lot of detailers mention a "one-step polish" as part of their service. I've read about some detailers using Menzerna SIP with a white pad as their one-step polish. Yet others have used Menzerna Power Polish with a white pad as a one-step solution. I like the idea of a one-step polish for situations where perfection is not critical, but the Merezna stuff is a bit pricey. Could Meguiar's M205 work just as well as Menzerna Power Polish?


Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
What are you working on?
Is this for just your own car(s) or are you going to do some detailing on the side?

:)
Click to expand...

Just for my own cars, at least for now. Now, if I wanted to start working on other people's cars, I would be interested in hearing what changes you'd recommend for the order.

jake66 said:
I'd change "a few microfiber towels" to "a lot of microfiber towels" and maybe add some sort of nuba wax to top the DGPS and when you want to do a quick "wow" boost. I like the addition of the foamed wool pad too. Order looks great, I'm jealous!!:xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...

What do you think of these towels?

Cobra Microfiber Towel Multi Pack

Also, what are your thoughts on Duragloss #105? It is much less expensive than the Wolfgang sealant, and may make more sense for me considering the age of the cars.
 
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For now, I have decided to skip the Flex purchase so that I can do more research on the various options. I want to do some research on that new Meguiar's DA before I pull the trigger. In the meantime, I still want to purchase some wash/clay/seal products, so here are the products that I just ordered. I wanted to get my order in so I can take advantage of the free gift from autogeek:

From Autogeek:

Cobra Guzzler HD Waffle Weave Drying Towel-- $19.99 for two
Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay-- $39.99 for four bars
Package of 3 Pinnacle Foam Wax Applicators-- $4.99
Duragloss #105-- $21.98 for two 16oz bottles
Pinnacle XMT Speed Clay Lube-- $9.99 for two bottles

From Chemical Guys

Chemical Guys Citrus Wash & Gloss-- $18.95 for one gallon
3" Thick Microfiber Wash Mitt-- $6.95
Microfiber Super Towel, Slick Branded, 16X16-- $17.95 for 12 pack
209g Gray Clay Bar medium-duty + 16oz spray of LUBER-- $22.95
 
The Critic said:
Is the AIO Optimum Poli-Seal similar to Klasse AIO?

How much cleaning can I expect from an AIO-type product?
Click to expand...

Both are light in their cleaning ability, Klasse AIO claims that it contains no abrasives while the OPI does state that it contains micro abrasives and also states it will remove, not just hide minor surface imperfections so I would say the OPI will offer a tick more cleaning or abrading action. There still bot light cleaner/waxes, the AIO actually works pretty well for staining and oxidation, it's not going to do a lot of actual swirl removing.

If you want a more aggressive cleaner/wax there are more choices available in the Finish Kare line, Meguiar's, 3M, etc.

The Critic said:
Also, I see a lot of detailers mention a "one-step polish" as part of their service. I've read about some detailers using Menzerna SIP with a white pad as their one-step polish. Yet others have used Menzerna Power Polish with a white pad as a one-step solution. I like the idea of a one-step polish for situations where perfection is not critical, but the Menzerna stuff is a bit pricey. Could Meguiar's M205 work just as well as Menzerna Power Polish?
Click to expand...


There's a difference between a polish and a cleaner/wax or AIO

Most polishing products are water soluble, that means after you use them you'll need to apply a wax, so if you don't include washing, drying, claying if needed, then a one-step polish job is still two step as you would use the one-step polish and then wax.

A cleaner/wax or what is also called an AIO in the forum world, (you could also call it a one-step product), is going to clean, polish and leave some type of wax or sealant protection and is a true one-step product not including the normal wash, dry and clay if needed steps.

M205 is a very light cleaner/polish and will work for light defects before sealing the paint. Best results are by machine, not hand. If you're not getting the Flex 3401 and you need to remove swirls then you should look at either M105 or Ultimate Compound, they both work great by hand to remove swirls out of clear coat paints.



The Critic said:
Just for my own cars, at least for now. Now, if I wanted to start working on other people's cars, I would be interested in hearing what changes you'd recommend for the order.
Click to expand...

Anyone that is going to buff more than their own cars should either stock up on more pads or get a pad washer. Once you start buffing and start creating dirty pads, and then you use a pad washer ONE time to clean the pads you'll understand what a good investment it is for saving your time and getting the most use out of your pads.

If you're just working on your own cars then wash them by hand.


:)
 
I would make sure to have 4-5 of the pads you'll use most (I use white a lot). Scrap the yellow and either get more orange or as OP suggested, get a few purple foamed wool pads. The gunk up a little quicker than the foam pads so you need to switch out a little more frequently during a detail.
MORE MICROFIBER!!! Guzzler HD is BOGO? awesome drying towel right there. I go through 20+ towels on a single detail. Keep this in mind.
Also as someone suggested, it's nice to have an AIO product. Not every detail is swirl removal and a good AIO product offers a nice end result/ I love Optimum Poli-seal for these quick 1 step details and I use it more than anything else. I've got the 105/205, Menzerna, Duragloss etc... but I go through the poli-seal quick.
 
I've already given you my thoughts on a different forum. I will say that the Flex, when you decide to go for it, will be the best money spent.
 
You're first order is always fun. Take advantage of all the advice and research on this site. You may find your second (and third, fourth, etc) order will come sooneer than you think with stuff you forgot or now "need" or think you need. Let the addiction begin!!
 
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