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kbiddle

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OK,
My lovely wife was nice enough to get me a BOSS G21 for XMAS..it will be used on my 2015 MB E63 in Obsidian Black...
So far seems to be a good machine... however, a couple of questions... she got a starter pack on pads ...Orange / White / Red and black...

So a couple of things I notice doesn't seem like I get much cut at all unless it with the white pad... these are all the Griots pads BTW... and it does a decent job...but will certainly need additional pads so I am looking for some suggestions..
The car has some lite drying swirls at most and maybe a few a little worse its really been babied since day 1... but im anal and I can see them in the sun so.. I want to get them out... Im using Griots all in one to start and also plan to use blackfire and ice combo after I get to where I want..
So what would be the suggestion on pads would be my first question..

Second is a little more complicated.. this car has a allot of panels on it and the 6.5" pads seem BIG to me... I thought about getting like a 3" to supplement but but sure... is that the right way to go or can I somehow convert this to also run a 3/4" pad setup if so how?

I certainly appreciate all the advice I can get... I just would like to make sure and get the most bang for the buck and it seems like getting a smaller DA might be overkill..

A little background out of HS I worked for a car wash and was brought up on rotary buffer and understand paint correction on a small level.. that has been some 30+ years ago and things have changed a ton.. I can see..
I do really enjoying doing the work myself so looking to gain as much insight as I can before I spend (OR as my wife might thing BLOW) more $$

thank you in advance..
Kevin
 
Pick up a Griot's BOSS 5" backing plate and use with 5" pads. It will make the 21mm throw a lot more versatile. You cannot convert a 21mm to 3" or 4" pads. Good technique is definitely required with the long throw polishers.
 
One important question to ask when a member mentions "Mercedes Benz". Does this vehicle have Ceramiclear Paint?

The smaller optional Backing Plate and a host of the compatible sized Pads will aid you for better maneuverability on much more of the vehicle. Most seems to agree that the larger pads can have their limitations in tighter areas, curved panels, etc.

Let us know about the paint first, then I'm sure you'll be able to receive some better recommendations as to polishes.

Often is the case, is that there are some "All in One" products that can do a few things combined in one easier step, like polish, clean and protect the paint, but some may not be optimal for any given particular task at hand.

Don't skip the proverbial "Test Spot" with any polish product. That you might achieve decent results, but not optimal.

"Rome was not built in a Day", and of course there might only be very few of us, who can immediately go out, buy every Menzerna, Wolfgang, Pinnacle, Griots, Lake Country, etc etc etc product to have on hand at an Arm's reach.

That such accumulation of the various variety of products and tools have taken many of us not only some good months, but even some years to amass.

I've been here since what. 2012? I can say at this point finally that I have most basic "bases" covered to get by.

Without any doubt, I know for a fact that I have spend multiple thousands of dollars here at autogeek, and autopia since becoming a member.
Probably possess more detailing products in my arsenal, than all the detailing shops in this entire town combined, and of course "the best of the best!"
 
You've got a good start though, many say the new Griots Boss Machines are very nice indeed, and of course an incomparable lifetime warrantee.

We're not sure where you're located, and as you can imagine, there's many of us due to current weather conditions across the USA, that cannot basically do anything, but rely on protectants we have applied before the cold weather came.

My good friend, who lives in Detroit Lakes, MN is currently facing wicked sub zero temps, like -22F every morning that he wakes up. Good news for the Ice Fisherman though, because when it's that cold, you can drive a Semi Tractor-Trailer out onto any frozen lake, without worry of falling through!

Perhaps before you can further fine tune your tools, pad selection, products, it might be of comfort to at least know you've got some paint protection on board to hold you till you can accumulate some more things to have on hand and perfect your processes.
 
I have tried putting a 3" backing plate with Rupes 100mm pads on a 15mm throw machine, it was like a jack hammer. I would not recommend it. But, it meant I could try the system before I purchased a 15mm throw pneumatic mini.

If you want a smaller machine for getting into tight areas, then a few good options include:

A rotary fitted with a 3" backing plate.

A griots 6" DA polisher fitted with a 3" backing plate.
 
kbiddle said:
any suggestion on brand etc?

Thx
Click to expand...

Sure!
One would maybe think offhand that the House Brands that autogeek carries might be sub-par to more well known brands, let's say Meguiars, 3M, Mothers, etc, but truth be told, they are all basically world class cutting edge products with many times very little peer.

As for Chemical goods such as Polishes, Sealants, Trim and Tire Protectants, Pad Cleaners, Interior Cleaners, and in fact every product within the entire line-up, the one brand that I really respect and love, and have always found every one of the products do everything they claim they will do, and more, is Wolfgang!

Yes, some a little pricey in cost, but one can make no mistake with the entire product line.

And of course there are many fans here of Blackfire, McKees, Pinnacle, etc, all Palm Beach Motoring Group house brands. They just won't release a bad product, and if they ever possibly did, trust that you're covered, they'll cheerfully refund-credit your money, exchange, etc.

As I understand it, the Wolfgang Polishes are formulated, and manufactured by Menzerna USA, parent company is I believe in Germany. And these polish products are relied upon for final finishing of many German Automobiles.

Polishes such as Wolfgang Uber Compound, Total Swirl Remover, and Finishing Glaze are a trio that should be in everyone's arsenal IMO, and will handle 99.7% of an average detailer's needs and produce absolutely stellar results.

And Wolfgang's Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0, I'd have to say is the finest Sealant I've ever used bar none, and I've sure used a lot in my many years of trials and use. Just dripping wet in appearance, so easy to use, and lasts.
 
As for polishing pads, there are so many of very high quality. Griots, Rupes, Lake Country, Buff and Shine, Carpro, etc.

Since you've gleefully received a free wheeling DA Machine (Boss), most will suggest thin pads, to optimize correction abilities with such a machine, perhaps the Lake Country Thin Flat Pads, or the newer Lake Country ThinPro Line.

If for just a car or three in your personal collection, start with perhaps 5-6 of each color (aggressiveness) to have on hand. with proper use, and care-cleaning, they are very durable, and will last through many multiple uses.

Having only 2 of this, and 3 of that usually won't cut it unless your willing to wait until pads are cleaned and dry, or maybe have a pad washer on hand.

Study the many Mike Phillips videos, and perhaps as many have, he does have a print book on detailing that covers all basics.

Note his techniques, how he uses tools and products, things like his arm speed, downward pressure applied, the section pass, inspection of paint initially, and as you go through the processes.
 
Pick up some fast cut compound, will work very well for your car in my experience. Follow that with the finishing sealant and the black pad. I generally top that off with show car wax and things turn out great.
 
Sure, many here, not only the pros, but hobbyists have more than one machine. So many choices.

Some might spring for a cheapo Harbor Freight DA, set that up with smaller Pads, the Baby Griots, Porter Cable, or Rupes Machines, and even Griots makes some tiny stuff if you need such for the really tight areas which aren't that expensive. If you have a good Air Compressor, there you go.

And of course there's the human hand!

When Polishing, Masking is a definite, have tape on hand. Clay, and the Iron Removal products are also wise choices to have in your arsenal, always.
 
Sorry a little more info..

The Paint Code is (197) which I believe is the Ceramiclear Paint..not 100% sure what that equates to ...

Environment wise I live in southern IN and its not terribly harsh but the car would not likely ever see snow it barely sees rain...but its certainly not a garage queen either...:)

I already have started masking it off getting ready .. yes washed and clayed first... but as I said the 6.5" pads seem to leave allot to be desired from a contact perspective and the yellow Griots pads did not seem to provide much cut at all as I really only seen some of the small swirls go away once I moved to the white more aggressive pad... and I am not sure I want to do the whole car in that...

So if we are suggesting a full rotary for the smaller areas.. and yes I will want to get those at well.. and suggestions would be great.. I have and air compressor bout would rather go with electric...so maybe the flex PE8?

I really appreciate all the feedback thus far.. and probably have read more threads here than I can count.. but figured it was time to start asking some direct questions... in hopes of making smart purchasing choices as I move forward...

Thank again..
Kevin
 
Can you post a picture of your pads? I'm guessing she got you the standard Griot's foam pads on not the BOSS ones as they don't have a red BOSS pad....(unless it's the foam back MF pad). You will have better results with the BOSS pads and I'd suggest the GG6 with a 3-4" backing plates, which will be perfect for the tighter areas.
 
I think what you have is fine, you need the correct liquid to get the results you want. Don't concern yourself with the whole ceramic thing. Just concentrate on technique. If you want to get a 3 inch machine and pads. Also watch the boss system video
 
kbiddle said:
Sorry a little more info..

The Paint Code is (197) which I believe is the Ceramiclear Paint..not 100% sure what that equates to ...
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome to Autogeek. For this question you should reference this Mike Phillips article:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...estions/47152-ceramiclear-paints-careful.html

Obsidian Black is paint code 040, or "C040" for cerami-clear.
NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6NjU1OThkYjgwYzQzOWI1NDc2Yzc5ZDczMTg1MWMwYmE=


Mercedes paints tend to be fairly hard clearcoats, be sure to do a test spot before you do the entire car.
Actually, I usually do several and compare the differences.
Mike's video will show how to do multiple test spots: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...o-ever-how-machine-buff-car-start-finish.html

Here is a CLS550 I did earlier this year. I started with a G15 and the white pads and Boss Fast Correcting Cream. It was my first time using the BOSS pads, and the White seemed very course. Did another test spot and with a LC CCS Yellow Pad with Pinnacle Advanced Compound. I liked how it finished off. Since the customer didn't want a coating we used a BOSS Finishing Pad and HD Speed, followed by Liquid Souvran.

NDMyMDBENDRBMDdEQzFGODRDQUY6MDU2MWQxN2VkZWE2MWU4OGJmZjA5ZmQxMWM0NjczNmM=


Since then I actually love the BOSS Orange and BOSS White pads and prefer them over the BOSS MF. The BOSS White pad has a great cut, long working time and will finish off with a high gloss.

If you're not changing your pads often, be sure to give them a good brush out, again reference Mike Phillips video above. Personally I use about 6 pads for cut, 4 for polish and one for applying a wax.

Let us know how you make out!
 
kbiddle said:
Sorry a little more info..

The Paint Code is (197) which I believe is the Ceramiclear Paint..not 100% sure what that equates to ...

Environment wise I live in southern IN and its not terribly harsh but the car would not likely ever see snow it barely sees rain...but its certainly not a garage queen either...:)

I already have started masking it off getting ready .. yes washed and clayed first... but as I said the 6.5" pads seem to leave allot to be desired from a contact perspective and the yellow Griots pads did not seem to provide much cut at all as I really only seen some of the small swirls go away once I moved to the white more aggressive pad... and I am not sure I want to do the whole car in that...

So if we are suggesting a full rotary for the smaller areas.. and yes I will want to get those at well.. and suggestions would be great.. I have and air compressor bout would rather go with electric...so maybe the flex PE8?

I really appreciate all the feedback thus far.. and probably have read more threads here than I can count.. but figured it was time to start asking some direct questions... in hopes of making smart purchasing choices as I move forward...

Thank again..
Kevin
Click to expand...

Check with your dealer about the paint code. I'm far from being knowledgeable about MB Vehicles, but thought there should either be a prefix of suffix of the letter "C" in the paint code, and might be stickers under hood, etc that might mention the Ceramiclear Paint Finish.

And again know little about that paint, but think I've read it is ultra hard, but still considerable care needs to be exercised when polishing, that just go a little too far with a heavy polishing process, and you will ruin the paint.

Always better to do less, than to do too much with correction. And no, today, basically, nobody needs a rotary polisher unless you are a professional, or own a paint-body shop. The DA, and the hand can do it all with the right products, pads, and technique.
 
I think that is the older paint code like back to 07 or so as MB has since done away with Ceramiclear which was a PPG product .... the new clearcoat used by MB is supposedly better than Ceramiclear was...

Now if all of this is true or not I have not a clue but it is what the official MB stance on it is or has been...
 
ThinPro pads 5.5" work very well on regular DA so the long throw should be even better.

Would not go smaller.

The ThinPro cutting pad (grey) cuts very well and the white works good with AIO.

The ThinPro pads rotate better and run much cooler.
 
I have the G21 System. IMHO the Griots pads are awesome as is the entire line up of BOSS products. Did you get the system? Their new BOSS line is exceptional and with t heease of matchup of pad to product it's super simple. I do also have the 5" bp for my G21 and have pretty much run with that since I bought it when it came out.

I have a Rupes Mini and love it. I would say that would be a great addtion. I also use it to apply all my lsp's.
 
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