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I've read through tons of posts about polishing on here. I'm not looking for a step by step guide, as everyone does something a little different. What I want to know is, what is a good starter kit to buy? I don't need anything too aggressive. I have very minor swirling in my paint. Its a garage queen car with 48K. I will however test out my "skills" on 1 or 2 of my daily drivers. So what is a good starter kit to buy? Also, all I have is some junky random orbital buffer. I'll probably need to upgrade to a DA. Thoughts?
- Harbor Freight 8mm throw da
- 5 in. backing plate
- 5 in. pads (buff & shine / lake country)
- Carpro clearcut compound/ essence polish
- Menzerna 400 compound/ 2400 polish
- Sonax cutmax compound/ perfect finish polish
- 3m makes some compounds that cut really good but finish down like dog doo doo.
Those all appear to be great selections. I wasnt sure how aggressive I would need to go with very minor swirling. Was hoping I could simplify things and buy a "kit" with 3-4 bottles and call it good. Piecing it together isn't the end of the world though.
- Harbor Freight 8mm throw da
- 5 in. backing plate
- 5 in. pads (buff & shine / lake country)
- Carpro clearcut compound/ essence polish
- Menzerna 400 compound/ 2400 polish
- Sonax cutmax compound/ perfect finish polish
- 3m makes some compounds that cut really good but finish down like dog doo doo.
I see how you grouped them together now. I didn't look very closely. Thank you.
I see how you grouped them together now. I didn't look very closely. Thank you.
What vehicle are you doing ?
ya, the one's I listed are general compound/ polish compounds made by the same manufacturer but you absolutely can mismatch whatever works.
What kind of results are you looking for?
All 3 of those polishes might be able to get ya where ya wanna be depending on results desired, amount of effort willing to put in and how bad the damage is
ya, the one's I listed are general compound/ polish compounds made by the same manufacturer but you absolutely can mismatch whatever works.
What kind of results are you looking for?
All 3 of those polishes might be able to get ya where ya wanna be depending on results desired, amount of effort willing to put in and how bad the damage is
Very very minimal swirling on the Camaro. It is in what I would say, A- condition. My daily 2005 grand prix and 2010 silverado however.. different story. They will need work IF I want to really get after those.
Again without seeing the paint it's hard to give recommendations on pads and polishes but those are just good starting points. When you look at pads, say the green 5in. Buff & shine you will also see many more pads on both sides meaning more and less aggressive than what I recommended.
It's just there are so many pads and so many compounds and polishes out there your options really are endless.
And no two paints are the same.
As far as protection, I ceramic coat everything. I do not deal with traditional waxes and sealants anymore.
CQuartz Uk 3.0 is the coating I use.
This post is going to be pic heavy but is just a example of damage/ product combos.
This is a client's '92 Miata that is absolutley trashed.
I am using a 21mm throw da, microfiber pad with Menzerna 400 and Buff & Shine green pad with essence as my final polish.
You can see the type of results im getting with that combo.
Again without seeing the paint it's hard to give recommendations on pads and polishes but those are just good starting points. When you look at pads, say the green 5in. Buff & shine you will also see many more pads on both sides meaning more and less aggressive than what I recommended.
It's just there are so many pads and so many compounds and polishes out there your options really are endless.
And no two paints are the same.
As far as protection, I ceramic coat everything. I do not deal with traditional waxes and sealants anymore.
CQuartz Uk 3.0 is the coating I use.
Yeah I know you haven't seen the paint but I still appreciate your efforts so far in giving me some options, which is what I wanted.
All in all I'll end up with quite a few things, as my household has 4 vehicles. One has close to the worst swirls I've ever seen. My Camaro is very very nice, so I'll end up with a wide range of selections by the end anyway.
I did notice there are thousands of options which is why I'm glad you spoke up about what you use. Thanks for the last message regarding ceramic. I have only used Meguiars ultimate. Its alright I guess, but its nothing to write home about.
[QUOTE=98CayenneT/A;20246200]If you have something with trashed paint like in post #13 then microfiber pads is definitely something you will wanna take a look at.[/similar]
Very similar, except on black... yeah not good. At least its not a super nice vehicle. What do you charge you customers, on average? If you don't mind sharing, PM Is an option too.
If you have something with trashed paint like in post #13 then microfiber pads is definitely something you will wanna take a look at.[/similar]
Very similar, except on black... yeah not good. At least its not a super nice vehicle. What do you charge you customers, on average? If you don't mind sharing, PM Is an option too.
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Beginner getting into polishing 
