Recommendations for Beginner ?

[John Beckham]

Hello detailers,

I was wondering what products you would recommend to a beginner detailer.

I want to get a buffer, but not sure what brand to get.
Also, what compounds do I use if I want to buff the paint vs. plastic headlights?

Another big one is what is your overall best cleaner that gets rid of just about anything (especially grime and brake dust built on top of the inner barrel of a rim)

Thank you

JE

[Laidback]

subscribed:)

[endofanera7]

subscribed:)

You aint no beginner :shifty:

[indohan]

You aint no beginner :shifty:

Exactly, you're the one who need to give him advise.

[John Beckham]

Pshh just give me a simple and small shopping list and tell me what the products do!

[ali@home]

not sure with the buffer, I just use my friends. my personal favorite wax is the zymol creme for white cars. I first do my interior leather all that stuff, then wash the car, dry it, clay bar using a professional grade bar from meguiars, 2nd wash, buff with polish, then final coat of wax. I also really like the sonax products I have tried. Interested in other peoples methods, as im still learning too. oh and scrubbing bubbles for under the hood :D

[John Beckham]

Zymol Creme (only really good for white cars though?)
Clay Bar from Meguiars
what polish
what wax
Sonax makes general detailing products?

not sure with the buffer, I just use my friends. my personal favorite wax is the zymol creme for white cars. I first do my interior leather all that stuff, then wash the car, dry it, clay bar using a professional grade bar from meguiars, 2nd wash, buff with polish, then final coat of wax. I also really like the sonax products I have tried. Interested in other peoples methods, as im still learning too. oh and scrubbing bubbles for under the hood :D

[ali@home]

Zymol Creme (only really good for white cars though?)
Clay Bar from Meguiars
what polish
what wax
Sonax makes general detailing products?

I am still trying to find a polish that i really like. zymol also makes stuff for darker cars. the one I use is for white, or near white paints. I only used the Sonax soap and the spray detail, both were pretty bad ass. Planning to buy more Sonax to test out. Oh and with wheels I use just a small sponge with some soap and water then dry with MF towel. I stay away from acid based wheel cleaners.

[ali@home]

this place also has alot of info on detailers, you can also buy from them.

http://www.autopia.org/forum/content/

[John Beckham]

So to simplify in list form:
Zymol
Sonax for spray detail
Sonax for soap bath
Wheels - soap water, sponge, MF towel

Polish
Wax
Buff
?



I am still trying to find a polish that i really like. zymol also makes stuff for darker cars. the one I use is for white, or near white paints. I only used the Sonax soap and the spray detail, both were pretty bad ass. Planning to buy more Sonax to test out. Oh and with wheels I use just a small sponge with some soap and water then dry with MF towel. I stay away from acid based wheel cleaners.

[Laidback]

Sonax is good:)

[95mpower]

Are you looking for a DA or rotary?

[95mpower]

If your looking for DA this is a good starter kit
http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424-kit.html

[ooowowizstev]

I've heard good things about the porter cables, give them a try.

[John Beckham]

I truly am a beginner, what's the difference between DA and Rotary?

Are you looking for a DA or rotary?

[95mpower]

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?p=52850

[Joseph]

If your looking for DA this is a good starter kit
http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424-kit.html

i can vouch for this kit. a friend of mine has this and it's definitely worth the price. just ordered mine right now. :D

[Jay J]

Don't get the PC..its a wrist killer..Metabo is much better..I bought a porter cable for one car...And I've only used it on those cars...*sigh*..Darn those infiniti clear coats...I use a rotary..Makita.....sure its lethal if used incorrectly but you learn the limits and stick to them...Sonax makes decent spray wax..and really good wheel cleaner.....

http://www.mfestforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6700 Here's a post on the Sonax wheel cleaner before it became popular on Mfest.

[Jay J]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/worldrallyxtreme/abrasives20copycopy.jpgHere's a chart of abrasive polishes and where each one stacks up

[E90///M3]

i don't like cleaning my car for car shows... what makes you think i'd detail my own car? :lolhit:

either way, i wanted to subscribe for this IN CASE ONE MAGICAL DAY, i'll detail my own car :raspberry:

[808elise]

I used to use do this routine:

Ultimate waterspot removal

Clay Magic

Meguiars 85 diamond cut

Meguiars 82 swirl free

Meguiars 21 synthetic sealant

Meguiars 66 quick detail

Carnu-b Wax

Auto Magic 49 body shine (for the polymers)



-Now I just use the Smart Wax system and turns out better with alot less steps. I highly reccomend Smart Wax. Their products are amazing. I have not seen a whole lot on this post about interior detailing but they also have the best interior products by a long shot over the other products I have experienced.

[constantin]

I truly am a beginner, what's the difference between DA and Rotary?

John, let brother Junkman explain the diffference between those puppies!

Excellent video for beginners

2XAqpOe9Zt4

[Laidback]

Great video:goldcup:

I use the flex lately and works great cuts the work in half with compared to porter cable, junnkman is right you gotta be careful, downside is it vibrates too much , the 7424 porter cable is really great for novice/beginners ...



John, let brother Junkman explain the diffference between those puppies!

Excellent video for beginners

2XAqpOe9Zt4

[JDM99]

I used to use the Porter Cable when I first started detailing my car but now i use the Dewalt Polisher and like it a lot.

http://www.dewalt.com/tools/metalworking-polishers-dw849.aspx