Shopping list for a rookie

[TexasWahoo]

I have been reading here for a while and think I have a decent idea of the basic concepts for polishing and protecting my car’s finish but of course I have plenty of confusion, too. I bought a black 2016 Honda CRV Touring in October. It visited the local hand car wash a few times before I decided to start taking care of it myself last month. I don’t have photos but from reading here, especially one post where Mike lays out the paint condition categories, I think mine can be called “good”. The only issues my untrained eye sees are light swirls and scratches.

Now I think I’m prepared to buy a DA polisher and work on the defects but I would love your advice on my shopping list and tentative plan. I previously bought one of the Pinnacle starter kits as well as wheel and tire brushes, microfibers of various types, etc. The kit came with Bodywork Shampoo, Liquid Souveran, and Crystal Mist. I would wash, Iron X, and clay if needed before the scary stuff.

I plan to buy a GG 6” with the 3.5” and 5” backing plates. Of the many choices, from reading here, it sounds like the Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover, Finishing Glaze, and Deep Gloss Paint Sealant would be a good fit for me. I would start with a test spot using the swirl remover then move on to the glaze and sealant. I could buy the Uber Compound if you think I might need to step up to that. I like the idea of sealant so I think I’ll use that then possibly top it with the Liquid Souveran.

For pads, I’m thinking of the LC flat pads in orange, white, black, and blue. I could buy a yellow one if you think I might need it at this level. I’m thinking a 3-pack of each color?

I tried to keep this short and it still got wordy. I guess my basic question is whether my plan and choice of products make sense? I know you guys can spot a lot of things you would do differently and I would really appreciate your opinion and suggestions.

 

[Souldetailer]

That looks great. The only thing I would advise is to have more pads than you think you need. Good luck and have fun. Love my GG6. Good choice.

 

[briarpatch]

Welcome to the forum. You will love the GG6. I've never used the Lake Country pads, but I do use the BOSS pads with my GG6 and am very happy with the results. One thing's for sure, you're in the right place. I've gotten tons of good advice on this forum. The folks here are very helpful and very knowledgeable.

 

[VISITOR]

if you want to make it easy and keep it all in the same family then here's a list...
Griots Garage 6 Inch Random Orbital Polisher FREE BONUS!

Griots Garage 3 inch HD Backing Plate

Griots Garage 5 Inch Vented Orbital Backing Plate

Griots Garage 3 inch BOSS Foam and Microfiber Pads

Griots Garage 5.5 inch BOSS Foam and Microfiber Pads

Griots Garage BOSS Fast Correcting Cream

Griots Garage BOSS Correcting Cream

 

[VISITOR]

here's a video of the junkman using the GG6 and BOSS creams for the very first time...

 

[Souldetailer]

Love that list, Vis.

 

[TexasWahoo]

Thanks a lot, guys and I really appreciate the list and videos, Visitor. I know I didn't show photos but in general would you need the Uber Compound or Fast Correcting Cream for something like I described with just light swirls and no major defects?

 

[VISITOR]

Thanks a lot, guys and I really appreciate the list and videos, Visitor. I know I didn't show photos but in general would you need the Uber Compound or Fast Correcting Cream for something like I described with just light swirls and no major defects?

try doing a test spot first, but a polishing pad and correcting cream should do the trick. uc and fcc are heavy hitters and shouldn't be needed. why use a steak knife to cut a stick of butter if a dinner knife will do?

 

[TexasWahoo]

Well, I placed my order. That dollar amount was a lot to choke down - slightly more than my monthly car payment after I threw in a bunch more microfibers and such. It's probably overkill for a guy like me with a car like mine but I imagine it will be worth it in the end.

I'm sure I'll have more questions down the road. I really appreciate you guys being here for people like me.

 

[oneheadlite]

Welcome to the forum!

What all did you decide to add to your arsenal?

Like Briarpatch said, you're gonna love the GG6. Prepare for the sense of accomplishment that comes with dialing in black paint. :dblthumb2:

 

[TexasWahoo]

Welcome to the forum!

What all did you decide to add to your arsenal?

Like Briarpatch said, you're gonna love the GG6. Prepare for the sense of accomplishment that comes with dialing in black paint. :dblthumb2:

Thanks a lot for the encouragement. There are some other odds and ends in my order but the nuts and bolts are:

Griot's Garage 6 Inch Heavy Duty Random Orbital Polisher

Dual-Action Hook & Loop Flexible Backing Plate 5"

3.5" Dual Action Flexible Backing Plate

Lake Country 5 1/2 Inch Flat Pads - 6 orange, 4 white, 2 blue

Lake Country 4 Inch Flat Pads - 2 orange, 2 white, 2 blue

CarPro Iron X Iron Remover 500 ml.

Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover 3.0

Wolfgang Finishing Glaze 3.0

Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant

Poorboy's World Tornado Pad Cleaner

Gold Plush Jr. Microfiber Towels - 2 12 packs

Poorboy's World Typhoon Microfiber Cleaner

 

[cyclops]

Nice list, obviously you did your homework. Just one more thing I would recommend and that is a lawn chair to sit in so you can admire your work.:coolgleam:
It will also come in handy as you sit and make a list for the second order.

 

[TexasWahoo]

Well, I made an obvious rookie mistake. I knew President's Day was coming up and since I didn't see a sale by late Friday, I assumed the $5 shipping would be it. Wrong! Not being familiar enough with the site caused me to leave a lot of money on the table. Oh, well. I can't blame AG and I'll still enjoy the new toys.

 

[oneheadlite]

AG's customer service is top shelf - maybe try sending them an e-mail and they might be able to help you out on your next order.

And don't feel bad, I always forget to add the free samples/free stuff to my big orders.