josh99ta

iTrader: (1)

Going to get a car cover (car is carport kept, so still exposed to the elements somewhat) and probably a PC buffer later, but for now I think I'll pick up some stuff from ZaneO's list: Clay Magic claybar, NXT car wash, Meguiar's ScratchX or ColorX, Mother's Reflections wax, and Mother's Showtime Instant Detailer, although I may substitute that Mother's Showtime Instant Detailer for some Duragloss spray detailer that I really like.

Thoughts on the Duragloss spray detailer (very close to Zaino spray detailer I hear) vs. the Mother's stuff?

F8L Z71

An oribtal is the way to go for someone new to detailing. It is MUCH easier to cover an entire car in a short amount of time, attain better results than by hand, and use up to 70% less wax/polish than hand method, and won't risk ruining the paint like a high speed rotary can.

A high-speed rotary when used right will give better results than an orbital can for the simple fact it actually softens to paint due to it's high speed concentrated in a small area. The softening of the paint gets the job done much faster than an orbital can. The drawback is that you really have to learn how to use one and if possible get a lil training for the best results.

IMO the best results will come with both units used together, at least for a newb like me. I am still learning how to use high-speed rotarys and I end up with a lil haze sometimes so I just do a quick onceover with an orbital to fix my goof up.

The biggest thing is to learn which compounds and pads to use and when,

Here is a good site for someone wanting to learn more.

http://www.automotivedetailing.com/articles/buffer.htm

Here is a place to order stuff.

http://detailgear.com/

Slammed-am

Thanks alot, guys, all of that info. was really helpful.

I'm still up for more advice!

04BlackGmc

iTrader: (19)

with a 6" i did this.

F8L Z71

Damn!!!

That is one of the best reflection pics I have ever seen. For clarity anyway. No go do that again but instead of seeing you I wanna see some mountain ranges. LOL

04BlackGmc

iTrader: (19)

LOL.....

6']['9

iTrader: (2)

what do you want to know?

93BlackZ28

iTrader: (5)

what is scratch x or color x? how do you use it?

04BlackGmc

iTrader: (19)

form of polish, but scratch X aint worth ****, color x is ok/

meissenation

iTrader: (2)

personally I use Klasse All-In-One Paint Protection System with Sealant Glaze. Leaves a damn good reflection...

Slammed-am

Well I spent about 4 hours detailing the car today. I used the Sears 9" orbital/oscillating buffer/polisher. It worked great. I can't fork out the cash for a porter cable, so it will do.

I washed it well,
claybar,
Good application of cheap Zymol.
Spent some TLC on the Fikse's


It looks pretty good. i did't realize you could literally spend ALL day detailing your car, if you had the time.

josh99ta

iTrader: (1)

Are all random orbital buffers created equal? 6" or 10"? If it has one speed, what is a good speed to have (2,500 RPMs)? Also, what are some good compounds to use to remove scratches and swirl marks (Finess-It II, Scratch X, etc)?

If I picked up some 3M Finess It II and Cleaner or Meguiar's No. 9 and No. 7, and used either with some NXT and my Duragloss spray detailer and some microfiber towels, using a 6" or 10" random orbital buffer for the most part would I get good results do you think? Advanced Autoparts has a 6" or 10" for $20, random orbital 2500 RPM. Would I also use the buffer to remove the polishes/waxes or should I use the microfiber towels for that?

93BlackZ28

iTrader: (5)

Pics?

Slammed-am

Unfortunatley, no. My mom jacked the Digi. camera for her trip to Dallas. Pluse it's raining here, so I'm hesitant to even take the car out of the garage. I'll get some pics up ASAP, for ya.

04BlackGmc

iTrader: (19)

they are ok buffers should get he job done, i used mine to apply and take it off and what it didnt get and the residue i got off with the microfibers.

diehardchevy

ok i need details..........i want my 03 ecsb to have as good reflection as that. i have never used a buffer but after seeing that i will learn! i have the dark gray and it needs that good of a look!

04BlackGmc

iTrader: (19)

Just takes time and effort..

I did the truck step by step for about 2 hours a day for 3 days.

josh99ta

iTrader: (1)

I picked up a 6" 120V AC 2,600 RPM random orbital buffer. So this will get the job done? It has the main foam pad then two pad covers that seem to be terry cloth, one which is more nappy like a wash mit and one which is more fine like a applicator pad. Which do I use to put on the polish/wax and which do I use to remove it?

Also, I picked up some NXT car wash, Meguiar's Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner, Color X, and NXT Tech wax. I am also going to pick up some 3M Finess It II. The idea is the wash the car with Dawn to strip all the old stuff off, then clay it, wash again with NXT wash, Finess It II, Deep Crystal Paint cleaner, Color X, then NXT wax. Sound like a good step-by-step or should I change the order somewhere?

Thanks again for all the help and any more guys. I'm new to this buffer stuff as well as these steps. Normally I just wash the car with Z7 and then put on Z5 or Z1. Never used a scratch remover on the whole car or any type of cleaner or color enhancer, much less a buffer.

Slammed-am

The orbital buffer I used looked to be about 10-15 years old and worked like a charm. I applied the wax/cleaner with the foam pad (a thin coat) and took it off with the softer terry pad. My guess is, if you have a thicker coat of wax, use the thicker terry pad.

Your process sounds good. (Lengthy, though, heh.)

My view is, as soon as you Dawn and claybar the car well, you can do anything with it.

PendragonZ

Scratch X works great, if you apply it properly.