Best methods for finish!
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omgg....my heads gonna explooooode lol...jk. i will probably doin some price shoppin sunday, as i am basically booked from after work til sunday with sheit to do, lol.
Last question, is there like a baseline i can start at, kinda like storm said on the D/A, then gradually by stuff, or should i just go all out and get it all off the bat. Like a clay kit from the store, buy a D/A maybe even from ebay, used or otherwise,...buy my own pads etc for it...then just get a polish, sealant, and a towel or 2? Seems id be able to do this cheaper then a whole kit, but maybe not. I mean with the meguiars kit, id still have to buy a clay kit as well. If i dont need any severe imperfection polishes now, i dont see how i would in the future if i keep up the maintenance, because the paint isnt neglected. What ima do is, saturday if i can, or sunday, i will take some good pics of my the truck up close. My phone has a nice camera on it, so they should be detailed enough in a few locations to get your guys opinion on my "condition". Because I dont think I have a good base of knowledge to go off as far as "correction needed". I mean sure I could tell you if a paint job looks dull and horrible, but i dunno if i could tell the fine line between polishes, etc.
Last question, is there like a baseline i can start at, kinda like storm said on the D/A, then gradually by stuff, or should i just go all out and get it all off the bat. Like a clay kit from the store, buy a D/A maybe even from ebay, used or otherwise,...buy my own pads etc for it...then just get a polish, sealant, and a towel or 2? Seems id be able to do this cheaper then a whole kit, but maybe not. I mean with the meguiars kit, id still have to buy a clay kit as well. If i dont need any severe imperfection polishes now, i dont see how i would in the future if i keep up the maintenance, because the paint isnt neglected. What ima do is, saturday if i can, or sunday, i will take some good pics of my the truck up close. My phone has a nice camera on it, so they should be detailed enough in a few locations to get your guys opinion on my "condition". Because I dont think I have a good base of knowledge to go off as far as "correction needed". I mean sure I could tell you if a paint job looks dull and horrible, but i dunno if i could tell the fine line between polishes, etc.
Last edited by F1Fitty98; Mar 9, 2012 at 12:41 PM.
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From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
If money is not an issue, get a DA now then.
You can part together one, or Rick ( ADS ) has the PC Buff & Shine kit with 7 pads and a backing plate for 165.00 if you view on the left menu from the URL GLC posted.
If you look at a kit this way, you get everything you need for the basics all in 1 set.
The pads, you can do a 2 x white, 2x black, 2 x Red and 1 orange
- This sounds about right for a starter kit to me. You would be able to do just about anything in the moderate defect through LSP application.
- If the paint is as good as you say, leave the orange & white pads sealed in a bag, you won't need them now, everything you will be doing is in the black and red.
Pick what you want for polish and LSP, ADS carries a full range.
ADS ( and Autogeek ) have sample pages. ADS has larger OZ sized samples, AG has some smaller samples ( 4oz ) so you can try out stuff before buying it, if it is in the sample program, not everything is.
Poorboys also has sample kits that are 4oz, but in sets, if you want to try them.
http://poorboysworld.com/SampleKits.htm
Clay, you can get a kit or buy the clay and use a QD diluted for the lube.
You can also use something like Optimum no Rinse as clay lube, ADS also carries this.
Start by getting a DA ( or DA kit ). Once you have this done, start reading on which Light polish and LSP you want to try and see if there is a sample program for it.
You can part together one, or Rick ( ADS ) has the PC Buff & Shine kit with 7 pads and a backing plate for 165.00 if you view on the left menu from the URL GLC posted.
If you look at a kit this way, you get everything you need for the basics all in 1 set.
The pads, you can do a 2 x white, 2x black, 2 x Red and 1 orange
- This sounds about right for a starter kit to me. You would be able to do just about anything in the moderate defect through LSP application.
- If the paint is as good as you say, leave the orange & white pads sealed in a bag, you won't need them now, everything you will be doing is in the black and red.
Pick what you want for polish and LSP, ADS carries a full range.
ADS ( and Autogeek ) have sample pages. ADS has larger OZ sized samples, AG has some smaller samples ( 4oz ) so you can try out stuff before buying it, if it is in the sample program, not everything is.
Poorboys also has sample kits that are 4oz, but in sets, if you want to try them.
http://poorboysworld.com/SampleKits.htm
Clay, you can get a kit or buy the clay and use a QD diluted for the lube.
You can also use something like Optimum no Rinse as clay lube, ADS also carries this.
Start by getting a DA ( or DA kit ). Once you have this done, start reading on which Light polish and LSP you want to try and see if there is a sample program for it.
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Joined: Jul 2000
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From: MI
If you are going to get Buff 'n Shine pads, priority one is get the green one. I have been using these pads for awhile, well Uber pads also for several years. I use Yellow for compounding/heavy polishing, green for just about everything else - light polishing, all-in-one cleaners, one step polishes. The green pad allows you to finish almost perfectly.
If you are going to get an orange pad, just skip it all together and get the yellow. For some reason the yellow cuts alot better for a heavy polish with a DA than the orange. I would definitely get the kit, you basically get 2 pads for free. Just realize for polishing, you will likely use 2 pads for a single step. So for example if I needed to do a heavy cut polish followed up with a light polish, I would end up using 4 pads. In that case, 2 yellow and 2 green. They didn't have kits when I got into it and definitely not ones like suggested where you can pick and choose as you will. I just got a friend into detailing last year, he picked up the exact kit SSCULLY refers to. ADS is good, I do alot of shopping there. Check Autogeek.net though, they have good pricing and products there also. Base machine is a few bucks cheaper there.
Then get black ones. They will work for applying sealants, waxes and glazes. So, get 2 yellow, 3 green and 2 black if I was you. Also note, that some pads will become a single product use especially sealants. As some are near impossible to remove from the pad so it becomes a dedicated pad for that particular product. Most pads can be cleaned pretty good for polishing if you pay attention.
I only use yellow and green ones from Buff 'n Shine, I can stock up on just two colors. For applying the sealants/waxes, aio's, I use the Lake Country Gold flat pad - it is the softest pad I've ever used.
For the OP - just realize using a DA, w/ compounding and heavy cutting pads you still are using something really safe compared to a rotary. One of my all time favorite vid's:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XAqpOe9Zt4
There is a part two that goes along with it.
You may not need to do a correction every year, but you will be applying a paint cleaner or all-in-one then a sealant at least a couple times a year. You'll be glad to have the DA. It probably cuts 1/3 of the time off applying versus by hand, have a more uniform application, use less product and applied thin.
Then eventually you will pick up a smaller backing plate to use the smaller 3" pads for precise work, especially nice around tight spots. So the tool will become more useful.
If you are going to get an orange pad, just skip it all together and get the yellow. For some reason the yellow cuts alot better for a heavy polish with a DA than the orange. I would definitely get the kit, you basically get 2 pads for free. Just realize for polishing, you will likely use 2 pads for a single step. So for example if I needed to do a heavy cut polish followed up with a light polish, I would end up using 4 pads. In that case, 2 yellow and 2 green. They didn't have kits when I got into it and definitely not ones like suggested where you can pick and choose as you will. I just got a friend into detailing last year, he picked up the exact kit SSCULLY refers to. ADS is good, I do alot of shopping there. Check Autogeek.net though, they have good pricing and products there also. Base machine is a few bucks cheaper there.
Then get black ones. They will work for applying sealants, waxes and glazes. So, get 2 yellow, 3 green and 2 black if I was you. Also note, that some pads will become a single product use especially sealants. As some are near impossible to remove from the pad so it becomes a dedicated pad for that particular product. Most pads can be cleaned pretty good for polishing if you pay attention.
I only use yellow and green ones from Buff 'n Shine, I can stock up on just two colors. For applying the sealants/waxes, aio's, I use the Lake Country Gold flat pad - it is the softest pad I've ever used.
For the OP - just realize using a DA, w/ compounding and heavy cutting pads you still are using something really safe compared to a rotary. One of my all time favorite vid's:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XAqpOe9Zt4
There is a part two that goes along with it.
You may not need to do a correction every year, but you will be applying a paint cleaner or all-in-one then a sealant at least a couple times a year. You'll be glad to have the DA. It probably cuts 1/3 of the time off applying versus by hand, have a more uniform application, use less product and applied thin.
Then eventually you will pick up a smaller backing plate to use the smaller 3" pads for precise work, especially nice around tight spots. So the tool will become more useful.
Last edited by Stormsearch; Mar 9, 2012 at 08:26 PM.
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From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
Hard to tell with the shots ( need direct sun / bright light to be sure ) but the paint only looks like it needs run through with mild polish and it will pop.
This is 10 years ago, using 81 and 26.
- 7 and/or FD-51 might be on it in this shot not sure.
While 81, 7 and 26 are still tried and true products, there is much better out there now. Some ( 845 ) just as tried and true.
This is 10 years ago, using 81 and 26.
- 7 and/or FD-51 might be on it in this shot not sure.
While 81, 7 and 26 are still tried and true products, there is much better out there now. Some ( 845 ) just as tried and true.
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yea that does look nice. Like i said i dont think i need to do anything crazy, although on the rear corner there is one small 2.5" scratch that doesnt look like its past the clear, but has a lil depth. Would i be able to get this out? If so with a mild polish?
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 10,511
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From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
Depends if it is too deep, you might level too much clear away to remove it.
You have 2 choices that I see, if it is that deep.
1. Live with it.
2. you can try filling it with clear touch up, which would require building it up wet sanding it down, and then polishing out the sanding marks.
This is pending how deep it really is.
You have 2 choices that I see, if it is that deep.
1. Live with it.
2. you can try filling it with clear touch up, which would require building it up wet sanding it down, and then polishing out the sanding marks.
This is pending how deep it really is.
Wow lots of good advice here. Are you confused yet?
It's all about the 4 P's - Paint, Pads, Products and Process.
DA buffer:
My current favorite in the $120-$130 range is the Griots 6" (more power)
Then there's the Flex 3401 when you decide to get serious. (Mo' money)
Pads:
Lake Country (LC) and Buff & Shine (B&S) both make good foam pads.
You will need light cutting (E.G. Orange), polishing and finishing pads.
Polishes:
Meguiars M105/M205 is a classic tried and true 1-2 punch SMAT combo.
Menzerna Super Intensive Polish (SIP) and PO106FA make a great combo!
NOTE: Megs is a non-diminishing abrasive and Menz is a diminishing abrasive.
Preferences:
My personal suggestion is to use a 5" backing plate with a DA.
The Menz SIP IMHO is easier with less splatter & flashing than M105.
Another good choice for correction is the Megs MF:
Megs W67DA G110 DA Polisher 5 inch Backing Plate
Megs DMF5 DA Microfiber Finishing Discs, 5 Inches
Megs D30016 DA Microfiber Correction Compound 16 oz
and a Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Pad to clean the MF disc.
or purchase the kit
Megs DMCKIT5 DA Microfiber Correction System 5 Inch Starter Kit
Note: The Megs 5" DA MF "Starter Kit" it comes with a backing plate.
A good starter foam pad kit for the 5" backing plate is:
Lake Country 5 1/2 Inch Flat Pads 6 Pack
Summary:
A Good DA:
PC7424xp, Griot's Garage 6" or Megs Dual Action Polisher G110v2
A 5" backing plate Megs W67DA G110 DA Polisher 5 inch Backing Plate
The Megs BP allows both the use of foam pads as well as the MF discs
Pads:
Lake Country 5.5" flat pads. The Lake Country 5 1/2 Inch Flat Pads 6 Pack
A a good "starter kit" is 2) Orange, 2) White, 1) Black and 1) Blue
Polish:
They make 8oz bottles of M105 and M205. cost for both bottles about $20
I also like Menz (SIP) and PO106FA long work time and SIP is cleaner than M105
Last Step Product (LSP):
Silver can be a bit difficult to make pop IMHO. There are TONS of LSP's out there!
To name a few.
If you like shiny and slick try BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection
If you like shine and durability try Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845 about $15.
Then for a long lasting shine there's Zaino Z-2 ($15) with ZFX ($20) total $35.
Bottom Line:
you can purchase a DA, 5" backing plate, pads, polishes and LSP for close to $200
Yes, there is more...clay, buckets, wash miitt, 2 grit guards and LOTS of MF towels.
Stepping back and looking at the dazzling gloss and stunning shine...PRICELESS!
It's all about the 4 P's - Paint, Pads, Products and Process.
DA buffer:
My current favorite in the $120-$130 range is the Griots 6" (more power)
Then there's the Flex 3401 when you decide to get serious. (Mo' money)
Pads:
Lake Country (LC) and Buff & Shine (B&S) both make good foam pads.
You will need light cutting (E.G. Orange), polishing and finishing pads.
Polishes:
Meguiars M105/M205 is a classic tried and true 1-2 punch SMAT combo.
Menzerna Super Intensive Polish (SIP) and PO106FA make a great combo!
NOTE: Megs is a non-diminishing abrasive and Menz is a diminishing abrasive.
Preferences:
My personal suggestion is to use a 5" backing plate with a DA.
The Menz SIP IMHO is easier with less splatter & flashing than M105.
Another good choice for correction is the Megs MF:
Megs W67DA G110 DA Polisher 5 inch Backing Plate
Megs DMF5 DA Microfiber Finishing Discs, 5 Inches
Megs D30016 DA Microfiber Correction Compound 16 oz
and a Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Pad to clean the MF disc.
or purchase the kit
Megs DMCKIT5 DA Microfiber Correction System 5 Inch Starter Kit
Note: The Megs 5" DA MF "Starter Kit" it comes with a backing plate.
A good starter foam pad kit for the 5" backing plate is:
Lake Country 5 1/2 Inch Flat Pads 6 Pack
Summary:
A Good DA:
PC7424xp, Griot's Garage 6" or Megs Dual Action Polisher G110v2
A 5" backing plate Megs W67DA G110 DA Polisher 5 inch Backing Plate
The Megs BP allows both the use of foam pads as well as the MF discs
Pads:
Lake Country 5.5" flat pads. The Lake Country 5 1/2 Inch Flat Pads 6 Pack
A a good "starter kit" is 2) Orange, 2) White, 1) Black and 1) Blue
Polish:
They make 8oz bottles of M105 and M205. cost for both bottles about $20
I also like Menz (SIP) and PO106FA long work time and SIP is cleaner than M105
Last Step Product (LSP):
Silver can be a bit difficult to make pop IMHO. There are TONS of LSP's out there!
To name a few.
If you like shiny and slick try BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection
If you like shine and durability try Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845 about $15.
Then for a long lasting shine there's Zaino Z-2 ($15) with ZFX ($20) total $35.
Bottom Line:
you can purchase a DA, 5" backing plate, pads, polishes and LSP for close to $200
Yes, there is more...clay, buckets, wash miitt, 2 grit guards and LOTS of MF towels.
Stepping back and looking at the dazzling gloss and stunning shine...PRICELESS!
Last edited by Merlin; Mar 11, 2012 at 12:26 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 10,511
Likes: 10
From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R