New, Excited, and Addicted! (Sorry for the Long Intro)

[DoubleM]

Hello Everyone!

My name is Matt and I am 24 years old. I am out of Kansas City and just started my journey into the world of professional detailing! My plan is to become a part-time premium detailer.

Here is some background: I am an Assistant Painter at a Custom and Collision shop and have officially been in the industry for 2 years along with and additional 1.5 years of schooling.

Having started out in the body shop, I learned how to use a rotary buffer to remove sand scratches that were a product of wet-sanding panels and/or defects in freshly applied paint. Until recently (not including random experiments with otc products) I really only had experience with the 3M Perfect-It system, Auto Magic cleaning products, Clay Magic clay bars, IPAs (80/20) and Wax & Grease removers (Klean Strip Prep-All).

About a month ago, and after doing some research and talking to a few pro-detailing friends, I purchased a Rupes Big Foot LHR-21 MkII. I wanted this polisher for a couple reasons:

• It is supposed to have a lot of correcting ability with its 21mm throw and coming from a rotary buffer this was very enticing.
• Coming from the 3M Perfect-It system (which I LOVE), I like that they have a dedicated system of their own that seems to do the job with reliable, quality results. Based on research, it seems like their products are all fantastic as well.

My problem thus far is I love to research and learn, especially by hands on trial & error. However this has been an expensive approach to detailing and is kinda overwhelming, especially with all the products out there...

Here is a list of products I have purchased since:

• Rupes Green & Yellow 6" pads w/ corresponding polishes
• Rupes 5" Backing Plate + Green, Yellow, and White 5" Pads
• Duragloss Car Wash Kit (5gal bucket, GG, DG 101, DG 901, DG 201, DG 401, DG 451, 2x MF, Cobra Guzzler)
• Griot's Garage Interior Cleaner, Speed Shine, Spray Wax, One-Step Sealant, BOS Paste Wax, Orange & Fast Correcting MF 6.5" Pads (Rupes keeps destroying these?)
• Meguiar's #6, Ultimate Compound, Ultimate Polish, Ultimate Quick Wax, Clay Bars
• Chemical Guys Jet Seal (given to me by a friend)
• Optimum Poli-Seal
• Rigid 6hp/4gal Vacuum w/ Detailer Kit

So far I am using mainly the Griot's Garage products the most and really like their Speed Shine and Interior Cleaner. I have only truly used their One-Step once but had positive results.

I am eager to learn more and would love any input, opinions, and recommendations! I've been lurking for a while but now I am happy to be apart of a forum with tons and tons of knowledge.

Thank you for taking the time to read this all!

 

[VISITOR]

Having started out in the body shop, I learned how to use a rotary buffer to remove sand scratches that were a product of wet-sanding panels and/or defects in freshly applied paint. It is supposed to have a lot of correcting ability with its 21mm throw and coming from a rotary buffer this was very enticing.

don't know if you have experience with DA's but keep in mind on curves unless you adjust your technique it will stall (it can get annoying at times). sounds like with your background the flex 3401 (forced rotation) would of been an ideal choice.. btw, welcome!

 

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Hi Matt! Welcome to AutoGeekOnline! Glad to have you.

My name is Mike and I'm 31 and living in Germany at the moment. (USAF) My home town is just south of STL. Currently, I am the shop foreman for the body shop here and do a bit of detailing on the side. I have been in the body shop area for the last 7 years although I am a regular wrench turner by trade.

I remember the first time I picked up the rotary and wool to pull out sanding marks. That was with an old Dewalt 849 and the same 3M system. A few years later I added the 849x to my tool box. Later on down the road I picked up the FLEX PE14 and won't touch another rotary unless I doing something other than polishing automotive paint.

Let us know whenever questions arise.