please help me find the right tool.....

[itsalude]

Hello all,
i am learing on how to detail my rides and i am very happy that i found the right forums. i am currently using the Craftman buffer and that thing is giving me too much vibration. i want to switch to a better buffer....my question is....

what kind of buffer should i get to use for general detail included polish, waxes, swirl removel....?

what kind of pad/bonnet to use for add and remove POLISH?

what kind of pad/bonnet to use for add and remove WAX?

Thanks

[zr123]

Hello hello and welcome to MOL

Here are a couple of things you should read:

The 5-Step Paint Care Cycle.

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle

Step 1 Wash

Step 2 Clean

Step 3 Polish

Step 4 Protect

Step 5 Maintain

and

Rotary vs. PC vs. Regular Orbital Buffer

[zr123]

Meguiar's Buffing Pads:

W-7006
Meguiar's W-7006 Foam Cutting Pad



W-8006
Meguiar's W-8006 Foam Polishing Pad



W-9006
Meguiar's W-9006 foam finishing pad

[zr123]

Removing Swirls with the G-100/DA/PC (Dual Action Polisher):

Using the G-100 to remove swirls with the Professional Line
Using the G-100 to remove swirls with the Professional Line

[TrufflePig]

remember you need a BONNET to cover your pad when you REMOVING the wax.

[itsalude]

i search throught the forums. it seem like detailing the car is not as simple as i think since there are too many products for the job and its kinda confuse me a bit.....

1. wash
2. clay
3. paint cleaner (what kind?)
4. polish (what kind?)
5. wax (what kind?)

am i on the right track? i want a deep, wet and shiny look.....

[zr123]

Do you have some pictures of the car you are working on?

There are many steps you can follow and various different Meguiar's products you can use.

If you feel there are too many steps, you can combine a the Clean/Wax step in one... It all depends on what the current state of your finish is.

Examples:

Cleaner/Waxes:
ColorX
Quick Detailer (Professional Line)

Cleaner/Polishes:
Speed Glaze
Body Shop Professional Dual Action Cleaner/Polish

You can shorten your steps to:
1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Cleaner/Wax
4. Top with single coat of your favourite wax (optional but recommended)

[zr123]

Also,

If the finish of your car isn't too bad, like not too many swirls/scratches, etc, you might be able to get away by using just the Deep Crystal line:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Clean -> Deep Crystal System Paint Cleaner
4. Polish -> Deep Crystal System Polish
5. Protect (Wax) -> Deep Crystal System Carnauba Wax

If there are certain portions of your finish that require more detail, you can use Scratch X by hand to remove these defects.

[gb387]

Originally posted by itsalude
i search throught the forums. it seem like detailing the car is not as simple as i think since there are too many products for the job and its kinda confuse me a bit.....

1. wash
2. clay
3. paint cleaner (what kind?)
4. polish (what kind?)
5. wax (what kind?)

am i on the right track? i want a deep, wet and shiny look.....

You are on the right track, the process you have outlined is a good start.... What is the condition of your vehicle paint? Lots of swirls, like new or somewhere inbetween? Answering these questions will help us narrow the product selection.

You say you have a Craftsman buffer, this is good for applying a wax but may not be effective in the others steps(paint cleaner, polish).

If you are willing to spend the cash on a new polisher a PC is the only way to go, the links posted above have some good info in them.


Here is a start on the product selections:
Wahses: NXT Generation Car Wash or Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner either one will work well, I only listed two of Meguiars washes as these are the favorite of many on MOL.
Clay: Quik Clay System or Smooth Surface™ Clay Kit both work well.

The other steps may need more info to narrow the selection....

[itsalude]

One more quick question
do i need to use two pads/bonnets for each polish and wax application? 1 for adding and 1 for buffing/remove. i owned a 01 prelude and my paint condition is having a normal swirls and some light scratch. everything is visible because it's black.

Big thanks for all of your help and advice.