New to detailing, own a black truck, and completely lost.

[granth]

First off, I apologize if this is not the forum standard, but I didn`t really see a "beginners" area.



For a bit of background on my situation... I own a Black 2010 Nissan Frontier 2wd Crew Cab that I have admittedly neglected quite a bit. I want to get it back in good shape so I don`t have too many long term problems with the paint. I have a fairly long history in modifying cars, but I don`t have too much experience in paint. I took auto body in high school and was pretty good at that but we never did get into the work that comes after spraying a full job. I currently live in an apartment so I don`t know exactly how I will go about washing/polishing the truck but I figure if I want to do it bad enough...I`ll find a way to do it.



I remember the few times in body shop using wool type buffing pads on fresh paint and never getting great results and having problems with either burning through or pulling the edges of the panels away. We weren`t working on fenders doing this, but more flat test pieces that we sprayed and scratched through the week. I can imagine product and technique were both major culprits in doing this. With a faded/distant history with this detailing business, I am looking to touch back down and try my hand again.



My plan is this...



-Buy a PC DA (or the HD when prices come out), the HD line up for chemicals and clay, and a recommended wash soap and APC to remove previous chemicals or waxes.

-Buy a junkyard fender to practice for a few tries before touching my truck.

-Practice and read like a mad man.



For materials outside of the chemicals, can anyone recommend what type glove, and pads I should be using?



I don`t know how to line up the products exactly but I tried thinking it over and going like this...



-3D Green APC for wheels/tires/overall vehicle

-Pink Car Soap

-HD Uno

-HD Polish

-HD Poxy

-HD Free



I will have to learn to use these products, but does anyone think I am going the complete wrong direction or could use a different line up easier having not done this before...



Thanks a lot.

[Toy_Cam_Ed]

First off, I apologize if this is not the forum standard, but I didn`t really see a "beginners" area.



If you havn`t noticed, my thread here entitled "This is it guys, I need help choosing my products" is basically a beginners thread. Feel free to jump in and hijack it. That way we won`t have 2 noob threads needlessly. This (http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-detailing/115376-internet-resources-newbs.html) thread is great for internet resources to get started. Youtube also has some great videos. Perhaps some of my questions could have been answered by searching, but I really enjoy the banter between me and the kind folks here. I am not trying to "bother" anyone.



But as I said, read my thread and jump in if you want. Have fun and be patient. I have no doubt that one day I will be helping others and giving back. As a side story, in 6 short years, I went from a beginner in computers (literally from scratch) to somewhat world famous. I started a pc repair business, had a blog that was read by many, and was one of only 740 people worldwide to achieve a "title" that many apply for, but don`t get. If I could do that, I can certainly become a top notch detailer. And so can you.



It sounds like you`ve been doing some homework, and at least know of some good products. According to the great people here, those are awesome products. (which I may try when I get more money) No, I don`t think you are going about it wrong. Time for more studying! Peace out.

[Thomas Dekany]

Welcome granth!!!



You could not get an easier more simple line of products. Your list is spot on. Do wait a couple of days for the 3D unit. It will be worth it.



As far as pads, personally I`d get the black wool 3D Car Care; Car Wash, Car Wax, Auto Detailing supplies, Car Polishers, Car Buffers & accessories store (http://www.3dproducts.com/Black-Lambswool-pad.html?a_aid=8013) with UNO (speed 6) to correct (with using a pc type of buffer, you are very safe and the wool will save you a lot of time).



Once you are finished leveling, I would follow with and orange HD pad 3D Car Care; Car Wash, Car Wax, Auto Detailing supplies, Car Polishers, Car Buffers & accessories store (http://www.3dproducts.com/Foam-Pad-Cutting-Orange.html?a_aid=8013) and HD POLISH(speed 5) to clean up after the wool. At this point the paint should look pretty good but with black you would be smart to finish with the HD black finishing foam 3D Car Care; Car Wash, Car Wax, Auto Detailing supplies, Car Polishers, Car Buffers & accessories store (http://www.3dproducts.com/Foam-Pad-Finishing-Black.html?a_aid=8013) and HD POLISH (speed 5 as well).



The only thing you need to do is apply HD POXY with a blue HD pad (speed 4) 3D Car Care; Car Wash, Car Wax, Auto Detailing supplies, Car Polishers, Car Buffers & accessories store (http://www.3dproducts.com/Foam-Pad-Polishing-Blue.html?a_aid=8013)



While HD POXY is curing, dress tires, clean windows, exhaust pipe (UNO is awesome with 0000 steel wool). Wipe off HD POXY and all you have to do is admire the finish.



If you could maybe document the detail with a bunch of pictures, it would be awesome.



If this 20 year old paint can be improved with the same products



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8142/7216887358_a3f797208a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomasdekany/7216887358/)

P1070397 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomasdekany/7216887358/) by thomasdekany (http://www.flickr.com/people/thomasdekany/), on Flickr



I am sure your truck can also can be brought back to life



http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7211796678_007f4d9779_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomasdekany/7211796678/)

P1070451 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomasdekany/7211796678/) by thomasdekany (http://www.flickr.com/people/thomasdekany/), on Flickr






First off, I apologize if this is not the forum standard, but I didn`t really see a "beginners" area.



For a bit of background on my situation... I own a Black 2010 Nissan Frontier 2wd Crew Cab that I have admittedly neglected quite a bit. I want to get it back in good shape so I don`t have too many long term problems with the paint. I have a fairly long history in modifying cars, but I don`t have too much experience in paint. I took auto body in high school and was pretty good at that but we never did get into the work that comes after spraying a full job. I currently live in an apartment so I don`t know exactly how I will go about washing/polishing the truck but I figure if I want to do it bad enough...I`ll find a way to do it.



I remember the few times in body shop using wool type buffing pads on fresh paint and never getting great results and having problems with either burning through or pulling the edges of the panels away. We weren`t working on fenders doing this, but more flat test pieces that we sprayed and scratched through the week. I can imagine product and technique were both major culprits in doing this. With a faded/distant history with this detailing business, I am looking to touch back down and try my hand again.



My plan is this...



-Buy a PC DA (or the HD when prices come out), the HD line up for chemicals and clay, and a recommended wash soap and APC to remove previous chemicals or waxes.

-Buy a junkyard fender to practice for a few tries before touching my truck.

-Practice and read like a mad man.



For materials outside of the chemicals, can anyone recommend what type glove, and pads I should be using?



I don`t know how to line up the products exactly but I tried thinking it over and going like this...



-3D Green APC for wheels/tires/overall vehicle

-Pink Car Soap

-HD Uno

-HD Polish

-HD Poxy

-HD Free



I will have to learn to use these products, but does anyone think I am going the complete wrong direction or could use a different line up easier having not done this before...



Thanks a lot.

[pwaug]

Since you`re new to Machine Polishing (as am I) the 3D line of products is a great way to go. I`ve found them to be very easy to work with--long working time, no dust, easy to remove with no oils left behind and great results right from the beginning. If you are doing this as a hobbyist and not a pro I would suggest the Groits Garage DA is the way to go--it has all the power you will ever need and it has a lifetime warranty. As a hobbyist you might use it 4-6 times a year and five years down the road if it breaks Groits will replace or repair it. If the new 3D Polisher includes the same warranty I`d opt for that based on initial reports. Detailers Domain has a nice Groits package that includes a 5" backing plate and 10 Uber pads (I believe these are the same as 3D pads).



Since you live in an apartment and I assume park outside 24/7 you might want to consider applying OptiCoat 2.0 after you correct the finish Store - Opti Coat 2.0 (http://optimumforums.org/index.php?app=nexus&module=payments&section=store&do=item&id=67) Very easy to apply--there are tons of video`s etc on the web showing the process. You`d need to find a garage somewhere to apply it and allow it to cure for 24 hours. If not using OptiCoat I`d suggest applying a coat of DG105 under the POXY--the 105 has shown great durability over the years.

You also might what to consider ONR for regular washes Store - No Rinse Wash & Shine (http://optimumforums.org/index.php?app=nexus&module=payments&section=store&do=item&id=2) All you need is a bucket or two, wash media and a towel or two--no hose. Again, tons of videos on the web showing technique.

\

[justin38506]

hi Thomas/ anyone! I have Griot Garage DA polisher, what pads would you recommended with 3d line products? thankx.

[justin38506]

the GRIOT DA is 6" just in case anyone questioning, thankx.

[Thomas Dekany]

Hey! I use the 3D pads myself and clearly prefer these over the LC pads. For a beginner, I`d suggest yellow, green and black for polishing and blue for applying your protection.

[justin38506]

does 3D have 6.5" pads?, since my GRIOT DA is a 6", thankx.

[pwaug]

does 3D have 6.5" pads?, since my GRIOT DA is a 6", thankx.



Even though the GG DA has the power to use the larger pads, the 5.5" are recommended by most detailers. On every six pack of pads ($35) you save $15 vs the 6.5" ($50) pads so on your first six pack you save enough to buy a 5" backing plate.

[justin38506]

is the pad from Griot or 3 D? I also heard that if you use 5.5" pad then you have to use 5" backing plate and where can I get them from? thankx.

[justin38506]

what brand would you recommend? thankx.