I just got a Makita DA polisher/buffer as a birthday gift from a friend. Only thing is, there's no pads for it, and I'm stuck deciding between the sonus deal on
autopia-carcare.com and the deal at AS for 2 of each of the pads.

Also, what's your favorite cleaners. I'm not that interested in heavy compounding, but I wouldn't mind removing some swirls and such. I am either going to be ordering from Rick at ADS or the guy at autopia.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Keep in mind that a DA isn't designed for compounding... thus, you're looking for the right kinds of products.

SSR1 & 2 are great products but, I continue to go back to Meg's #80 as a very firm 'stand by' of a product. It's not let me down.

I personally feel that #83 is a bit too aggressive to utilize with a DA but, some do and have good results. I just think that it breaks down too slowly with a DA.

 

BTW--

While I'm thinking about it, and since I don't wanna start a new thread...

What's your take on #34 versus the Last touch spray detailer (Detailer line)???

Thanks.

Also--
people talk about topping off their wax jub with some sort of spray shine enhancer type stuff... Is this merely QD being used for no reason or is it something that I should get/look into?

Thanks

 

#34 (Final Inspection) gets an easy nod over Last Touch. Last Touch, for me, is very smeary and that gets annoying quick.


FK1's #425 is a nice 'Spray Sealant' of sorts. Also, 4-Star Ultimate Gloss Enhancer is a favorite of mine -- I buy it by the gallon.

These really aren't QDs as they don't offer a bunch of lubrication across the paint. They do, however, darken a darker painted vehicle and add some seroius pop. I use both of the aforementioned products frequently AFTER a QD spray.

 

Aside from FinishKote's website, where can I get this FK1 #425???

I've seen on other forums as well that it's a great product, and I'm interested in getting some.

 

I ordered mine from FK's site. Insert AUTOPIA in the coupon codes for free shipping (I think).

RP

 

Sweet. Thanks. I'll definately give this stuff a try. (just dont know when...)

 

It took me a while to get the hang of using this product on dark paint. Initially, I had a lot of problem with shadowing after using the product but, after refining my spread and removal techniques, I really like it -- in fact, just refilled my secondary bottle from my gallon.

 

Shadowing??? Please explain.

Also, what's the "sperad and removal technique" you speak of that works so well? Is it like a QD, or more complicated?

Thanks.

 

Shadowing -- the paint looks like it has shadows in it. Much more prevalent on dark colors. Maybe it could be described as a 'blotchy' look. One spot is a tad darker than the spot next to it... usually larger areas.

Spread and remove with the 425 -- spray it on, VERY lightly spread the product evenly over a small area. Flip towel. Wipe off. Using second towel, finish dry. I consider that a bit more complicated than a standard QD but, it's a nice product and worth it IMO.

RP

 

I see. well...guess I "have" to go shopping again. darn. *sarcasm*

I'll give this product a try ASAP.

BTW-- (In light of not starting another thread...)--do you know of some sort of plastic trim coating I can use on the front valance (plastic, obviously), that will act as a wax in terms of getting crap off it? Mine's not the truck I'm worried about... a friend pays me to detail his -150 twice a year, and it's the only washing it gets aside from the free wash after an oil change...ARGHHH!!!

Anyway, needless to say, the bugs and crap are extraordinarily hard to remove after 3 months, and I can see serious damage to the plastic as a result of *no* care given to it. (Worst part is, he skipped last year, in an effort to see how dirty a truck can really get in 365 days...)


Thanks for the help.

 

A good APC can take the gunk off... not a 'wax'.

They make some anti-bug products (Pro makes one... can't think of the name) but, forget about it lasting months... more like days. In short, it's useless to you.

The best defense here is to have your buddy not be a lazy butt.

 

Though it's fruitless, I'll keep working on this guy. His belief is that wax lasts a year at minimum, and so he thinks he's doing me a favor. LAZY!!!

Thanks for the input, though.

(By APC, are you meaning items like SG or Orange clean?)--Thanks again