got my g100 today. Is this process correct?
1. wash
2. clay
3. scratch x in bad spots
4. m80
5. m9
6. wax


i bought the number 2 kit with some xtras.

 

Oh yea any tips or tricks.

 

Go slow. Be patient. Don't progress until you get the step that you're working on complete to your satisfaction. Be patient. Be patient. Go slow. Be patient. Be patient. Go slow. Be slow. Go patient.

 

Do those look like good steps?

 

Yes. And one more thing in case RP didn't stress it enough, "BE PATIENT".

Kevin

 

Yep... if you do them patiently.

 

Thanks ...... be patient be patient be patient .... im drilling it in the my brain!!!

 

Brain drilling? I'd be patient with that... careful too.

 

How many swipes with each product. the m80 and m9.

 

There's no perfect guidance for that...

The rule of thumb is to use as needed. If one pass doesn't get it, it's time for pass #2.

If you don't get it after pass #2, you're likely using a product that isn't a high enough cut to do the job. If the higher cut product doesn't get it, then it's time to bump up to a rotary.

Remember that 'P' word?

 

I'll have to add my advice to be patient in on this one. I didn't take my time when I first got my G100, spent half of the time it would of taken me to do it right and it didn't do anything really for me. So just like everyone else said, be patient. Also #9 is a good filler. I'd do as many passes of #80 to correct the problem and than use one application of #9 to hide any minor blemishes that might of not been taken care of by the #80. There are basic steps to detailing but it's a lot of personal preference and what works for you. G'luck !

 

which wax did you go with? pics of finished product?

 

I know what a PC/G100 is, but what's the difference between those and say, a rotary or orbital buffer? Is it just a fancy kind, or are there fundamental differences?

 

TAKEN FROM MEGUIARS WEBSITE

Dual-Action polishers and Orbital buffers

The motors and drive units on these two types of polisher's oscillate in an eccentric circular motion. This type of motion is much safer to the paint because it's virtually impossible to apply too much concentrated pressure in one place at one time. Chances are good that when too much pressure is applied, the oscillating action will come to a stop thereby protecting the finish.

Because these types of machines oscillate instead of rotate, they will not instill the dreaded buffer swirls or holograms into your finish as long as you use the appropriate chemicals, buffing pads and bonnets. This safety feature makes these machines highly popular with enthusiasts who would like to use a machine but at the same time, are afraid of burning or inflicting swirls into their car's finish.

Both the G-100 and Orbital buffers offer a number of benefits:

Uncomplicated – Remove from box, attach buffing pad or bonnet, plug in, turn on, start buffing
Versatile – Can be used for cleaning, polishing, and applying waxes.
Takes most of the labor out of the process, the machine does the work, all you do is hold it.
Faster, more thorough - you can cover more area and do a better job with a machine.
Creates a more uniform, higher gloss finish than your hands.
Pushes polishing oils and protective waxes into the pores and microscopic surface imperfections far better than your hands can ever accomplish.
In recent years, the Porter Cable Dual-Action polisher (G-100) has become the machine of choice over the older style Orbital buffers for a number of different reasons:


Smaller size and lighter weight makes them easier for anyone to use.
Very easy to control, requires no previous experience or skill to use correctly.
Smaller size enables you to work on small panels and tight areas easier with better control.
More options for buffing pads and bonnets.
Velcro® interface makes changing between pads fast and easy.

cont...

 

Rotary buffers

Rotary buffers are drastically different in the way they work compared to Dual-action polishers and Orbital buffers.

The drive unit used in a rotary buffer is referred to as a direct drive. What this means is the auger, (the threaded part to which the backing plate attaches), is driven directly off the electric motor. This results in a powerful rotating motion. This rotating motion is typically clockwise as you look at the rotary buffer from behind, as though you were using it on a panel.

Because the rotary buffer is a direct drive machine, it can do a lot of work very quickly. By work, we mean, the rotary buffer will remove paint.

Meguiar's understands the average person doesn't want to remove precious paint from their car's finish. However, sometimes removing paint is necessary in order to create a high gloss, defect-free finish. Example: If you have a scratch in your car's finish, say someone keyed your car, or a cat jumped up on the hood and left behind claw scratches. From a horizontal point of view, these scratches would look like this,

cont...