Opinions please on my product choices to fix flaws in brand new paint

[BillaVista]

Dear Mike,

I'm wondering if you could comment on the product choices I have planned to fix the problems (swirls, RIDS, water spots, general embedded gunk) in the paint of my brand new car.

I'm a HUGE fan and have spent a couple of weeks reading many of your articles and watching your videos - excellent stuff!

The car is a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth.

Pics of the car:

It looks good from afar, but far from good. Here are some pics of the flaws:

and here are the products I plant to use (I already purchased the polish and compound locally (I tried by hand first - no go) and understand there are probably better choices but for consumables I'm trying to work with what is available locally here in Canada as shipping and brokerage fees are killer).

1. Do my choices look reasonable?

2. Do you think I stand a reasonable chance of success with these products in correcting the faults shown?

Thanks so much,

Bill

 

[Vanquish Auto]

Your choices look good. You will definitely be able to remove the flaws with the items you have selected. The only thing I would recommend different would be Meguiars 101,105 & 205 instead of the ultimate compound & polish you have selected. My other suggestion would be to get a more variety of pads. Instead of getting mostly orange & white pads. Get two of each color since you have a 12 pack selected. Your not going to know what pad works best until you test it out first. All paint is different and reacts differently with each pad/polish combo. The orange may be perfect for one vehicle, but may not phase another vehicle. Be sure to top everything off with a good wax or sealer and your good to go. I’m sure Mike and others will comment with more advice. But that will give you something to think about and get you started.
Welcome to the world of detailing and good luck.

 

[PaulMys]

Your pads, backing plate, Polisher, and pad cleaner are top notch. Great choices.

But I'd step up from Meg's UC and UP.

The products do work, but I found them to be either dusty, a real bear to remove, or both.

Since you have ordered the Griot's polisher, look into their creams. (Fast Correcting Cream, Correcting Cream, Perfecting Cream). But always try the least aggressive pad/product combo first.

Another line that I use and can comment on is 3D. Their products work extremely well, and are among the most sun-friendly on the market as well.

 

[The Guz]

I agree with the accessories being good choices.

I would consider Sonax Cut Max and Sonax EX 04-06. Nice working time, easy wipe off and virtually no dusting. Cut Max is not the most aggressive compound but it does a real nice job.

 

[custmsprty]

I'd go with HD Cut+ and HD Polish+ and test spots.

 

[Kamakaz1961]

Not bad choices and I think you should be fine. Your 1st DA is a great choice. As for product good enough and effective enough. But I do not see what are you going to put on in the final stage. Wax or Sealant? I would also include a clay bar or Blue Nanoskin wash mitt.

You might save some money and use hot water and dish washing soap and clean the pads that way. I do and works fine for me. Use that money to buy the clay bar and wax or sealant or coating.

But overall not bad at all!

 

[VISITOR]

this and the lake country backing plate are both great choices...
Griots Garage 5 Inch Vented Orbital Backing Plate

 

[BillaVista]

Thanks for all the great feedback guys!

I already have the Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit and have clayed the car once...I was amazed at how you can feel and HEAR the contaminants.

For my first LSP I'm going to try Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845.

This is a very special car (for my wife, really) with a 20-year old love story / promise behind it (the details of which may be too much detail here), suffice to say - it is her/our dream and forever car, so I'm really keen to take the best care of it.

I'm so keen I actually cleaned everything out of the shop (ATV's, lawn mower, etc.) so she has her own dedicated space and I have plenty of room and light to detail her in comfort. I'm really liking this new hobby/obsession!

 

[PaulMys]

The car is awesome.

And we look forward to feeding your new addiction..... :buffing:

 

[acuRAS82]

How did you decide on GG 6” compared to something of a similar price point like Porter Cable? I’m asking for my own learning as I’m still a newcomer and chose the PC because it’s the first decent affordable DA I heard about.

As far as polish selection, you can still get by with the UC and UP if you don’t want to deal with crazy shipping. Then by the time you want to polish next time, if you want to step up, you may only need a finishing polish if the car is carefully kept and only has minor swirls.

 

[BillaVista]

How did you decide on GG 6” compared to something of a similar price point like Porter Cable? I’m asking for my own learning as I’m still a newcomer and chose the PC because it’s the first decent affordable DA I heard about.

I had the PC picked out first too, then I came across this recent article:

Here's what you need to get into machine polishing - Recommendations for a beginner by Mike Phillips

And with that, and I think I prefer the front handle style on the GG, I went with the GG.

 

[VISITOR]

How did you decide on GG 6” compared to something of a similar price point like Porter Cable? I’m asking for my own learning as I’m still a newcomer and chose the PC because it’s the first decent affordable DA I heard about.

if you were to use both, you would see why the GG6 would be more favorable between the two with the majority of people...