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  1. #1

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    Help newb prep for exterior detail.

    Hello, I have never done a "proper" full exterior detail before so work with me a little bit here. My truck is black and I want to get it and keep it looking excellent. The paint is in fairly good condition right now, only minor scratches and swirl marks from the previous owner. I would like some input on what I have planned. Good or bad, all comments are appreciated.

    I plan on purchasing this Harbor Freight DA polisher. I have heard good things for it if you plan to seldom use it, and it is on sale for $55.
    6 in. 5.7 Amp Heavy Duty Dual Action Variable Speed Polisher

    First step is to wash then clay the truck.

    I will then start with M205 with an LC orange pad. I have some Ultimate Compound I can use if the M205 doesn`t get out certain scratches.

    Next up will be M21 for the sealant with LC gray. Followed by either the TechWax 2.0 or the Black Wax Paste with a LC blue pad.

    Thoughts on the chrome bumpers? Tech Wax 2.0 ?

    I am a newb so I appreciate any input!

  2. #2
    Super Moderator Pats300zx's Avatar
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    Re: Help newb prep for exterior detail.

    Sounds like a good plan. What is Tech Wax 2.0?? Is that NXT Tech Wax??

    If so it might have some cleaners if you are applying that directly over the Meguiars 21. I would just stick with Meguairs 21 if you want a sealant but you could always top with say Meguiars 26 if you want a nice carnuaba look.
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  3. #3

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    Re: Help newb prep for exterior detail.

    Thank you for the response, yes it is the NXT wax. I have a bottle laying around so I figured I would use it but I don`t need to. I will look into 26!

  4. #4

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    Re: Help newb prep for exterior detail.

    Make sure you replace the 6" backing plate on the HF with a quality 5" backing plate and get some quality 5 or 5.5" pads. While the polisher is an OK unit the backing plate and HF pads are not. The new Megs THIN 5" pads would be a great choice. Link: Meguiars 5 Inch DA Foam Discs

    And, get enough pads--trying to do an enitire vehicle with one or two pads per step a recipe for failure.

    Read this:

    Link: How many pads do I need to buff out my car? - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum
    "If your Personal Beliefs deny what`s objectively true about the world, then they`re more accurately called Personal Delusions" Neil deGrasse Tyson

  5. #5

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    Re: Help newb prep for exterior detail.

    Do you have a suggestion for a decent backing plate?

  6. #6

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    Re: Help newb prep for exterior detail.

    Quote Originally Posted by the727kid View Post
    Do you have a suggestion for a decent backing plate?
    If you go with Megs pads get the Megs 5" Backing plate. Another great set of pads are the Buff & Shine 5.5" flat pads--very durable and they have recessed Velcro for an added margin of safety when polishing around protruding objects like mirrors etc. If you go that route get a B&S 5" backing plate.

    You might also want to think about a 3.5" backing plate for use with 4" pads to polish the tight spaces like bumpers etc. 5 or 5.5" pads are great for the larger areas, but can be a bit of a problem when you get in the tight areas.
    "If your Personal Beliefs deny what`s objectively true about the world, then they`re more accurately called Personal Delusions" Neil deGrasse Tyson
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  7. #7

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    Re: Help newb prep for exterior detail.

    Quote Originally Posted by the727kid View Post
    Do you have a suggestion for a decent backing plate?
    Buff and Shine 5" backing plate. Its available at the Autopia store for $14.99.

    I own a Harbor Freight DA. Its ran like a tank for me. I probably have at least 200 hours on mine. Really a great deal for the money.
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  8. #8

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    Re: Help newb prep for exterior detail.

    Quote Originally Posted by the727kid View Post
    Thank you for the response, yes it is the NXT wax. I have a bottle laying around so I figured I would use it but I don`t need to. I will look into 26!
    I think you will like the NXT 2.0- many people find it very similar to Megs 21.
    Choose one or the other: Just don`t try to layer them as you won`t accomplish much.
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  9. #9
    tropicsteve's Avatar
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    Re: Help newb prep for exterior detail.

    two coats of m21 will be all you need for a great finish. if you want to layer some carnauba over it, wait 1/2 to a full day to let the sealant cure first. like pat said, m26 is a good choice if you feel the need.

 

 

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