Quote:
Originally Posted by Jungerishere
Looks good.
I'm planning on doing detailing myself instead of taking my cars in. Any pointers on what brand/model polisher and various pad set and compounds to purchase?
|
Hey Junger, yes thanks four8.is for the compliment, I should show a picture of the shelves in my garage.
For a starter set, I would recommend the GG6 Random orbital, it has a ton of power and will accomplish literally all that you need, and random orbitals are very user friendly machines.
I have a GG6 3rd gen I bought from Phil @ Detailers Domain this year, but I also have an original Porter Cable machine I was using for about 9 years, which I still use, I just now have a smaller backing plate on the machine and use it for dedicated 4" pad work (think pillars, headlights etc). All areas you can do with a bigger machine just fine, but I thought since the machine was still working like new I may as well give it a better use!
Don't get confused by the hype about having 10 different polishes, what you need is an aggressive compound for your heavier defects, and a medium or finishing polish that will finish down nicely. I apply my sealant/wax by hand as its therapeutic for me, and its easy, although some prefer by machine.
On my shelf currently as staples:
-Menzerna FG400 (compound), used with an Orange foam pad, OR a microfiber cutting pad from Meg's, the MF cutting pads cut more than the foam but finish EXCELLENTLY, actually I am doing this now on my X5 and its really a 1 step for me as my paint is well maintained
-Sonax Perfect Finish 4/6 - You can use this with an Orange pad for a bit more cut, or a Green pad as a final step after the FG400 if you have some hazing
-Menzerna SF4000 - Use with a Green pad after FG400 if needed as a final polish, similar to Sonax 4/6. Honestly you could pick either the 4/6 or the SF4000 and be fine.
For a Sealant/Wax you probably have a favorite, stick with it. I currently use Menzerna Power Lock as well as Sonax Polymer Net Shield, and I also have a bottle of Collinite 845 on my shelf.
I'd recommend this kit from Phil, as he includes the 5" vented backing plate and the 5.5" foam pads, you'll get a bit more correction power with 5" pads as opposed to 6".
http://www.detailersdomain.com/Griot...Kit_p_683.html
I'd get 2 Orange pads, 2 Green pads, and probably a Yellow Pad, although I don't use the yellow or blue pads barely ever. Also throw in a set of these into your cart.
http://www.detailersdomain.com/Megui...ack_p_553.html
The MF cutting pad will be the most aggressive with the FG400, but finishes down GREAT. Always start with Orange foam with FG400 and if you need more cut, throw a Meg's pad on. I always make sure to have 2 fresh pads PER step as a bare minimum, working clean always gets you better results. And this goes without saying, make sure you spend a ton of time decontaminating the paint with clay and/or an Autoscrub mitt (I use both) before even starting to polish.
After 11 years of age and 4 years being owned in NYC suburbs I have some deeper RIDS I can't get rid of without going really aggressive and risk removing too much paint, but I'm at about 90% correction now. Will post of pics of my "late summer/early fall" detail when completed, I got a late start this year because of house work.
I don't want to clog the thread up but if you need some detailing tips shoot me a pm, or feel free to email our sponsor
[email protected], he's great at recommending products as well.
EDIT: Although I agree with TiAgX5 that the Cyclo is a great machine and Made in the USA to boot, for a beginner and at half the price for a starter kit including pads, the GG6 is the option I recommend for people just getting into machine polishing.