Scratched the surface of detailing 12 years ago, now I'm back at it.

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SayNoToPistons

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Granted my titles says I "scratched" the surface of detailing, perhaps it's best if I'm treated almost as a new comer. I understand how to wash a car properly, inside and out, and all the basic principles of polishing/compounding using a random orbital (had the original PC), then of course protection. Probably not enough for a 100% job, but I would say 90%. I worked with Poor Boy's line for the most part.

With that said, I know much has changed the past decade in detailing. I am hoping to get some product guidance. Keeping my budget to a minimum as I may not have the time to detail/wash even once a month, I am looking for a full package of the following to be under $300:

- Polisher (my PC has a failed bearing).
- Contamination removal (anything more advanced than just a claybar nowadays?)
- Compound & Polish
- Sealant
- Foam cannon for pressure washer
- Wheel cleaner
- Pads if the budget allows, I have some old pads left.


Thanks in advance!
 
I'm using NanoSkin sponges instead of clay bars.

Polishing systems and tools have evolved. Rupes makes a line of large orbit (your PC has an 8mm orbit. Rupes offers 21, 15, and 12mm options) polishers, pads, and polishes - all proprietary, and designed specifically for paint reconditioning.

Flex has the 3401 VRG, takes the 8mm of the PC, and adds a gear forced rotation, effectively a hybrid of the PC, and a rotary buffer - yet still safe for paint.

Meguiar's has introduced their Dual Action Microfiber Correction System, which pairs specific compounds, waxes, and Microfiber pads. The DMC5 cutting pad has it's own cult following, being used with compounds from all around the industry. However, the compound it was designed to work with - D300 is one of the best made! It was designed to effectively remove heavy defects in a production environment. It will turn your PC in to a whole new tool...

We have thin pads from Meguiar's, and Lake Country in foam, microfiber, wool, denim, and rayon.

In the mid 2000's, Meguiar's introduced their micro abrasive technology (Super Micro Abrasive Technology, or SMAT), which don't diminish like traditional polishes. Check out Ultimate Compound, Ultimate Polish, M100, and M205.

There seems to be more sealant usage these days.

Optimum has introduced semi permanent coatings to the industry (at least I believe they have), which has created a deluge of others in the market.

Lots of stuff new for sure. Seems like it's grown even more since I started lurking here on 2007, and joining in 2013. It's been an adventure, and a lot of fun.
 
SayNoToPistons said:
- Polisher (my PC has a failed bearing).
Click to expand...

no sense in picking up a $300+ polisher if you aren't going to use it often, so with that said look into picking up a GG6. it's plenty powerful and with the advancements in technology with new pads and liquids, there isn't really much you can't do with it. it also carries a lifetime warranty and GG customer service is tops and they will take care of you promptly without the run around if a problem should ever occur...

Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher FREE BONUS!
autogeek_2269_27859469


SayNoToPistons said:
- Contamination removal (anything more advanced than just a claybar nowadays?)
- Pads if the budget allows, I have some old pads left.
Click to expand...


5.5" SUPER THIN FOAM PAD OPTIONS for your Dual Action Polisher
 
SayNoToPistons said:
With that said, I know much has changed the past decade in detailing. I am hoping to get some product guidance.


- Polisher (my PC has a failed bearing).
- Contamination removal (anything more advanced than just a claybar nowadays?)
- Compound & Polish
- Sealant
- Foam cannon for pressure washer
- Wheel cleaner
- Pads if the budget allows, I have some old pads left.


Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...


Griot's Garage 6" DA
Griots Garage 6 Inch Heavy Duty Random Orbital Polisher FREE BONUS!

Nanoskin Autoscrub Handy Towel
Nanoskin Autoscrub Handy Towel


Compound
SONAX CutMax Cutting Compound 250 ml.

Polish
SONAX EX 04-06 250 ml.


Sealant
Sonax Polymer Net Shield, sonax polymer netshield, sonax profiline polymer netshield


Wheel Cleaner
SONAX Wheel Cleaner, all wheel cleaner, chrome wheel cleaner, aluminum wheel cleaner, full effect wheel cleaner

Pads = Griot's Boss Pads
Griots Garage 5.5 inch BOSS Foam and Microfiber Pads - 6 Pack

NOTE: The Griot's Garage 6" DA Polisher comes with a 6" backing plate and you run 6.5" pads. In my opinion and experience, 5.5" pads are a better fit for this type of polisher and buffing out modern cars.



Foam cannon
Foam Cannon HP, Foam lance, foam wash gun, car wash foamer, pressure washer foam gun, autobrite foam lance, autobrite foam cannon



:)
 
Ha. As dlc95 laid out for you, not much has changed, but everything has changed.

The processes are all pretty much the same, just most of the products and equipment have improved. There are ways to get better results, faster.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions.

As far as coatings go, how far has the industry gone as far as protection? Once I actually put the time to correct the cars, I would love to have them protected for months before having to redo it. The cars sit outdoors unfortunately.

When I look at all these new products, it almost seems like I was locked in a time capsule for over a decade.
 
A coating will definitely get you months, but it's still not a force field protecting your paint.
 
As for polishing machines get them with the longer power cords..
 
Sounds good. I have decided to go with the Griot's 6" DA. I am assuming in order to downsize to the 5.5" pads, I will have to purchase a smaller backing plate as well?

I am having some trouble choosing sealant and coatings suitable to my preference. I am not looking for absolute depth, clarity, etc. My main concern is still durability and pricing. I see many reviews on the forum concerning different coatings/sealants, but the durability comparison is quite vague.
 
SayNoToPistons said:
Sounds good. I have decided to go with the Griot's 6" DA. I am assuming in order to downsize to the 5.5" pads, I will have to purchase a smaller backing plate as well?
Click to expand...

Griots Garage 5 Inch Vented Orbital Backing Plate

if you want to use smaller pads (3.5") pick up this backing plate as well...

Griots Garage 3 inch HD Backing Plate


SayNoToPistons said:
I am having some trouble choosing sealant and coatings suitable to my preference. I am not looking for absolute depth, clarity, etc. My main concern is still durability and pricing. I see many reviews on the forum concerning different coatings/sealants, but the durability comparison is quite vague.
Click to expand...

Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845
 
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