I need help please, learning what all this means!

[MiracleTouch]

Hello all, this is my first time posting anything on this site, so I hope this is in the right spot.

I have been "detailing" for a long time off and on, but I really want to get good at it and make it a full time thing. I have always done great work, but I have never learned how to use a buffer or when it is necessary. I have read a lot on this site and have noticed the term PC used a lot. What is the difference between that and what I would call a "buffer?" I also hear the terms polish, glaze, and sealants a lot. I am going insane wanting to know what "cutting" means when referring to buffing and how and when to use all the different pads and products.

Someone please help me because I want to make detailing my life but I don`t think I have all the knowledge I need to meet all customer demands!

Also, when I read the word "claying", is that referring to using a clay bar on your car? If so, I have used the Mother`s Clay Bar kit with great success. I am wondering also if using a clay bar on this lady`s Toyota Avalon rear bumper is the best idea? She ran over a can of spray paint and it exploded all over the bumper. Please help me with this information!

Ryan

[cwcad]

Aside from using the search button to do research for what ever it is that you need to learn I often refer to this link http://www.ocdetails.com/html/ocd_university.html developed by fellow DC member Jngrbrdman. There are other places to go but this one is a good one to become familiar with what you need to do.

[joe.p]

Here is a list compiled by jay. hope this will help also.(Acrynoms)

http://www.detailcity.com/forums/showthread.php?p=159838#post159838

[GearHead_1]

I have read a lot on this site and have noticed the term PC used a lot. What is the difference between that and what I would call a "buffer?"

When you refer to a buffer it could mean a couple of things. There are basically two types of buffers and the differences I`m refering to are with respect to their action as opposed to the way they might look. A PC is what might be considered the standard of orbital buffers. Orbital buffers are just as the name implies, they rotate in an orbital pattern (it`s a little more difficult than this but you get the idea). A rotary buffer is a buffer that makes strictly a circular motion.

Both of these tools have their place. Rotaries are typically used to make paint corretions that orbitals either won`t make or take more time to do. A PC will make paint corrections. They are easy to use and work better than most orbital buffers. There are a couple of other good orbital buffers (i.e. Gem and Cyclo). PC`s have become very popular in the last few years because of their ease of use and the results one receives. PC is short for Porter Cable, the company that makes them.

[tubafeak]

Jngrbrdman, a member here, has put together a very helpful website that will get you up to speed on many things. Here (http://ocdetails.com) it is.

[MiracleTouch]

Thank all of you very much! I am still reading that member`s web site right now!!

Ryan

[Jngrbrdman]

This thread might help out with the buffer question too. (http://www.detailcity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16516) :bigups

[MiracleTouch]

This thread might help out with the buffer question too. (http://www.detailcity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16516) :bigups

Hey man thanks a lot! I am just now going to begin my business and take this all seriously. I have always wanted to do this, but I went to school to do other things, but nothing else really interests me. I have always been known for getting friends` cars and family`s cars looking really good, but I want to be able to diagnose and cure anything wrong with a customer`s car, such as swirls and all that. I think I will purchase the PC7424 sometime this weekend. Do you recommend a place to purchase it? You guys are a lot of help and I sincerely appreciate it.

Ryan Miracle

[jaybs02]

You can also check out BlkYukon`s thread about Polishing breakdown stages (http://www.detailcity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8834)

Good luck
"J"

[Jngrbrdman]

You can typically find the 7336 at Lowes, but it will require a little adapting for polishing. The 7424 is recomended. You will probably have to order that one online. Check out www.coastaltool.com for a good explanation on the difference between the two polishers.