Clean, Polish, Wax

[markseven]

I agree - good pads & the correct one for each application is one of the reasons for A+ results. Darkwing, Griots has some of the finest products out their. I use a lot of them. I have a misunderstanding on your post about pads. I use 6" orange & 6" red - one for polish - one for wax. They are different density, not the same pad. Were you talking about using the orange pad only? I understand this is to be used with the #1,2,3 & 4 polishes, then the red for wax.

I also use the 3" orbital polisher with the orange, red & white pad (white is metal polishing ie. wheels.) Mine is pneumatic but I understand you also sell them in variable speed electric versions. Once you are hooked on the Porter Cable 6" - getting a 3" orbital will take your gratification & results to the next level - they are really great for door jambs, valances, any place that is hard to get into with a 6".

Jack

Jack, shouldn't you use the blue pad for applying wax?

[mtechnik]

Cant deny Meguiar's Gold Class line of products as it is WAAAAAAAAAY ahead of like when ur stuck believing in the Turtle Wax golden days.

Since Meg's wax i have moved on to better such as Pinnacle or Poorboy's Word products but damn well stick to Meguiars Professional for plastic/vinyl protectant and clay

[schmidty]

awsome info...

I've heard wonders about zaino but its just too expensive for my e30 right now. I use Maguire's Gold series as mentioned before and it really does an amazing job for the price even when done by hand.

The method I've been shown by my friend Evan that did my car last, is to take each panel, and divide it into 4ths (more for the hood and roof), and do each quadrant separately, overlapping them.

I usually split each panel in half (roof and hood into 6th's or 8ths). Apply about a penny sized dab (or less) of product on the pad per section and then wipe it off twice.

[Fanzotti]

Dual action. It's not as aggressive as high speed buffer but way better than similar items including other DA sander/buffers. Worth every penny.

[Jean]

are there any cheaper alternatives to the pc 7424 ? I've always done polishing and waxing by hand so no idea why a pc 7424 is better than a $50 special from napa for example..

[xLibelle]

sticky in body and paint forum!!

[DarkWing6]

Why don't you guys just buy the Griot's machine? It is higher speed than the PC, has the top handle instead of a side handle, and a lifetime guarantee. They only run $130. Just a thought.

[cactusjacks1]

I agree and disagree. Pay attention to the instructions from the manufacturer. Some companies (Griot's for example) use all the same density of polish pad for their polishes and just change the agressiveness of the granual in the polish, but there are also companies that use different pads for different grades of polish as you noted. These companies you are buying stuff from know what they are talking about. Don't try to cut corners and be cheap when it comes to pads. They are important.

Also, never try to skimp cost or time by not claying your car. It is very important.

I agree - good pads & the correct one for each application is one of the reasons for A+ results. Darkwing, Griots has some of the finest products out their. I use a lot of them. I have a misunderstanding on your post about pads. I use 6" orange & 6" red - one for polish - one for wax. They are different density, not the same pad. Were you talking about using the orange pad only? I understand this is to be used with the #1,2,3 & 4 polishes, then the red for wax.

I also use the 3" orbital polisher with the orange, red & white pad (white is metal polishing ie. wheels.) Mine is pneumatic but I understand you also sell them in variable speed electric versions. Once you are hooked on the Porter Cable 6" - getting a 3" orbital will take your gratification & results to the next level - they are really great for door jambs, valances, any place that is hard to get into with a 6".

Jack

[markseven]

Pinnacle products. $500 worth. And a Porter 7424. I used to do everything by hand, with Meguiars products, but I could never look back after using the stuff I have now.

Pinnacle Souveran, their cleaner (I can't remember what it's called) and the PC 7424. I used to waste two days going through all if the Zaino crap, but it just isn't worth the hassle, IMHO.

[uofom3]

I do a wash with McGuires gold
-paint cleaner
-polish
-wax

this is the basic procedure - usually done by hand. I've been using p21S wax from the local Harley dealer - it's almost as good as Zaino i'm told and it costs about 1/3 as much. I've been very happy with it since I started using it.

My GF's dad just became the west coast dealer for "Adam's" detail products. I watched their DVD tutorial and I think i might try their stuff with my porter cable and see how it goes. If it's really good I'll see if I can get some pricing if others want to try it - their engine dressing looks pretty baller.

[mtechnik]

yup got a Porter Cable 7424 myself

[Fanzotti]

7442 - $99 + $6.50 shipping

http://www.tools-plus.com/porter-cable-7424.html

It looks like the 7336 is marketed as a sander. Same machine, but comes with sanding disks instead of polishing/buffing pads.

There all the same machines. The different numbers are for different attachments. My 7336 came with the sander pad and the buff pad. Truth is there are better pads out there i.e. griots pad kit. Wondering what you guys think is the best company/pad kit. if you don't have one of these I'd get one, it's an amazing tool and a timesaver.

[egk2]

If this is the result, I want it, I'm ordering so that when i'm finished painting that'll be the first product i add. :)

Yup, that pic was taken after I applied about 3 layers of Zaino and their Grand Finale spray seal. This shit makes your paint so deep and the vinyl/rubber dressing is the best I've used as well, no greasy looking, just right.

[AndrewBird]

7442 - $99 + $6.50 shipping

http://www.tools-plus.com/porter-cable-7424.html

It looks like the 7336 is marketed as a sander. Same machine, but comes with sanding disks instead of polishing/buffing pads.

[DarkWing6]

Different pads for different products. I've got an orange, yellow, blue, and white pad. They have different cutting properties and foam densities.

I agree and disagree. Pay attention to the instructions from the manufacturer. Some companies (Griot's for example) use all the same density of polish pad for their polishes and just change the agressiveness of the granual in the polish, but there are also companies that use different pads for different grades of polish as you noted. These companies you are buying stuff from know what they are talking about. Don't try to cut corners and be cheap when it comes to pads. They are important.

Also, never try to skimp cost or time by not claying your car. It is very important.