New to detailing - need product advice

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Rwwde

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I'm new to detailing and looking for product selection advice. I've been lurking and reading for several weeks now. I have a new Audi S5, medium blue color and paint seems to be in great shape. I'm looking for advice on a DA (liking the Griots unit), and on clay, polishes and pads to keep the car in like new condition. I will also work on a Honda pickup and an Audi Q5, preferably with the same set of products and equipment.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
 
Why don’t you start off with one of the Griot’s, Flex or PC kits? Has everything you need to start the learning process. I think some of them even come with instructional CD.

The products I use the most (google each product and you'll see uses)

Interior Care:
1Z Einszett Blitz, Cockpit, Gummi Pflege Stift and Windscreen Clear
Leatherique Prestine
Lexol
303

Exterior:
Lake country pads
Ultra-Fine Clay Bars
1Z Einszett W99 and Blitz
Menzerna PO85RD, SI1500, SF4000 and AP088P
Meguiar’s M105, M205 and DA Microfiber system
Optimum ONR and Car Wash Shampoo
SONAX Wheel Cleaner
303
 
Thanks - I'm looking at the AG package that has a Griots DA and a bunch of polishing pads. Really looking for specific guidance on what set of pads, polishes, etc. will be easy to use and get good results. I'm a bit concerned about screwing up the car while it's still pristine.
 
just don't get those fat CCS pads with the dimples

thin is in!

get a Megs or Griots DA, the Megs 5.5 in MF system, a bug sponge, Collinite 845, optimum car wax, duragloss aquawax (drying aid), ONR for clay lube, and some rolled edge microfibres

for clay you can get kits at walmart or target on clearance sometimes. Megs and mother's are good.
 
:welcome: to AGO!

A lot of what products you should use depends on the condition of the pait. If it is in very good condition I wouldn't use any thing more then a finishing polish to really help add some extra POP to the paint. (I LOVE Audi's btw) I think Menzerna P085RD would be a good choice. Though it does work better when using a rotary, you can still get by with a DA. Use the least aggressive product you can, especially if you car is in great condition and save the clear coat for future polishing.

Don't be afraid on messing anything up. Just read here and have fun! It's hard to really mess up to bad with a DA.
:buffing:
 
These are some of the products I would use on an Audi.

Wheels:
P21S Gel Wheel Cleaner
1Z Blitz All Purpose cleaner (tire cleaner)
303 Aerospace Protectant (tires dressing)

Washing:
1Z Blitz (cleaning bugs, tar, road grim, wheel wells)
Optimum (ONR) for Clay dressing, quick detail spray and much more
Optimum Car wash

Buffing Paint:
Step 1: Menzerna Power Finish on green Lake Country pad (Heaver Scratches)
Step 2: Menzerna PO85RD on black Lake Country pad (Polishing)
Menzerna Power Lock Polymer (Paint Sealer)

Cleaning Interior:
1Z Cockpit Premium (Best used on your dash, gauge cluster, navigation screens, audio components, shift knobs, arm rests, leatherette, steering wheels)
1Z Blitz All Purpose cleaner (carpets, headliner and fabric seats)
303 Aerospace Protectant (Dressing)
Lexol (leather treatment)
 
Thanks again - you guys are a great resource. Just a couple follow-up questions - Tech Daddy, you suggest green and black Lake Country pads - does it matter if I use flat or the CCS (dimpled) ones, and do you have a preference for the diamater of the pad? Another poster suggested NOT to use the CCS pads, and I don't see flat ones available at AG in black and green.
 
You can try the Cyan and Tangerine for polishing and the red for applying the sealant. You might have to look elsewhere for the green and black? Keep in mind that detailers have different likes and dislike when it comes to pads.

Griot’s uses 6.5” pads and yes stick with flat
 
If you decide to use Blitz make sure to diluted 1-5 ratio. 1 part blitz 5 parts water or go to their website and download the pdf file for instructions. Good stuff!!!! :)
 
I use the 5.5" pads with a 5" backing plate. The 6.5" pads don't work as well so I would go about .5" bigger then your backing plate. A lot of people like the flat pads. I use the CCS pads and I like them a lot, the pads don't dry out easily. I would get the Hrdo-tech pads though.
 
TechDaddy said:
You can try the Cyan and Tangerine for polishing and the red for applying the sealant. You might have to look elsewhere for the green and black? Keep in mind that detailers have different likes and dislike when it comes to pads.

Griot’s uses 6.5” pads and yes stick with flat
Click to expand...

I use the cyan, tangerine and crimson
I understand what each is for and it makes it simple
 
TechDaddy said:
Keep in mind that detailers have different likes and dislike when it comes to pads.
Click to expand...
That's a fact, and not just for pads. Every detailer has his own preferences and I bet very few totally agree about their choices. I suggest you do a lot of reading and then make your own choices. Then, tweak things from there. We all make mistakes and then learn from them for next time.
And :welcome: to the forum.
 
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