New to site

RedDog · 11-28-04, 10:46

Hello all
nice to see a site that cares. ive seen a lot of sites that
don't give a crap. Thanks alot Autopia.

I Have a prob. I wont to use a roto polisher but guys keeping saying let a pro do it. well i want to do it Myself. I want to learn how but no one will show me. ANY HINTS AT ALL PLEASE HELP THANKS.

paco · 11-28-04, 11:13

Welcome aboard RedDog.

You'll need to us a bit more in order for us help you.

1. What type of car is it and how old is it?
2. Factory paint or has it been repainted?
3. Clear coat or single stage paint?
4. Colour?
5. What polishers do you have (make and model)?
6. What pads do you have?
7. What products do you have?
8. Are willing to buy products on online?
9. What is your problem? (should have been the first the question!)

10. Do you have any pictures? Pictures help a lot.

Paco

paco · 11-28-04, 11:16

Technically, you don't need a pro but depending on the age the car, severity of the problem and your experience... in some cases it's worth going to a "REPUTABLE" pro.

The catch is:

The cost of going to a pro for a full detail can probably result in you buying your own polisher and products. The kicker is, if you don't know what you are doing, you can ruin your finish.

If it's a beater, every day driver, personally, I'd buy the stuff myself and experiment.

If it's pretty new (less than 3-years) ... I'd be more inclined to go to a pro if I wasn't confident with a rotary.

It all depends... we'll walk you through it ...

P.S. Don't be shy, update your profile and include where you live

grt1today · 11-28-04, 11:32

Welcome, this site has some of the best detailers in the world all in 1 place, and they will help you out alot. If you're serious about doing rotary work yourself, keep asking lots of questions. Check out the rotary usage thread in the pro detailers section. Do a search on rotary's also, and maybe pick up the meguiars rotary video for starters. Good luck

Hypnotiq04 · 11-28-04, 03:29

Welcome, Knowledge is power and there is tons here and tons of people to help you. Make sure you ask alot of questions but read alot first. Read the archives so you are knowledgeable. Then after that just go out and try it once you have some info. It CAN do some real damage but where else are you going to start if you dont just try it. But definitly read about it first. There is all kinds of things to learn about the right speed teh different angles , the proper amount of pressure, different pads for different products. SO SO much, but learn and go do it. Everyone here started somewhere. GOOD LUCK!

RedDog · 11-30-04, 07:35

Sorry it it took so long to reply guys.
work work work its all i do LOL
Ihave an 04 ford escape its fire red and a clear coat.
I use an 860 10" craftsman orbital with terrycloth bonets.
I have mothers original carnauba cleaner wax, 3m liquid wax
ultra high gloss finish,and meguiars mirror glaze#9 swirl remover 2.0 I have SPIDER WEBS ALL OVER IT I have know idea way. Would i buy over the internet i might. So if any one can help please do so thanks. RedDog

JDookie · 11-30-04, 07:45

I suggest reading the Autopia Guide To Detailing found here: http://www.autopia.org/display.php?f....htm&s=&menu=4

This will get you started in the right direction. I would also highly suggest buying a Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher, the Sonus polisher kit is the best all around kit you can buy, IMHO. You can find that here: http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-daspol-kit.html

The Craftsman orbital you have right now is pretty much good for applying protectants but won't do you much good when it comes to actual polishing. Start with the guide and get back to us.

White95Max · 11-30-04, 08:32

Buy a Porter-Cable first. Once you become comfortable with using it, you can decide whether you feel it's necessary to get a rotary.

RedDog · 12-01-04, 06:52

Thanks for all the help guys im just trying to see what works best. ill let you know i go with.

THANKS

RedDog · 12-02-04, 07:37

whats going on guys?

Can anyone tell me if there is a good polish out there that can remove swirl marks and minor scratches by hand application. For some reson i get better results by hand Call me crazy call me dumb but i do why i dont know maybe i just like hard work but its ture.
Please Help.
RED DOG

White95Max · 12-02-04, 07:59

3M PI III MG will work well by hand. Don't bother with #9. I'm sure others will suggest more polishes.

I still have to suggest that you get a PC. It makes swirl removal SO MUCH easier.

paco · 12-03-04, 03:13

Reddog,

If you are interested in completing the job by hand, then readup on some of Scottwax's old posts. Prior to him buying a PC, he did EVERYTHING by hand.

Look at Poorboy's products ... I'd consider getting some SSR2.0 and see if that does the trick by hand. Also, ScratchX by Meguiars can do a really nice job as well. Check out Mike Phillips (Meguiar's employee) post about how to use it get maximum results.

It might be the case that your swirls are too bad and may need a PC or Rotary.

That orbital you have, unfortunately, isn't really going to be do anything for you with respect to the swirls. You can use it to apply wax etc but it's not even close to being strong enough to do corrective work.

04 ford escape its fire red and a clear coat.

860 10" craftsman orbital with terrycloth bonets. - Only good for applying waxes.

I have mothers original carnauba cleaner wax (decent cleaner but won't address spiders very well)

3m liquid wax ultra high gloss finish - poor durability but does produce a nice look - better products out there.

meguiars mirror glaze#9 swirl remover 2.0
Nice product, I've found it to occasionally act up on me though i.e. tough to remove at times, smirring etc.) Pretty oily so under a wax, it can help with the "wet" look.

Paco