Newbie Needs help

[MetalSpoolDoom]

Hello I am new to the forum and detailing and i just bought a new White Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8 2 days ago. I am currently on the market for products to take care of my car. Any recommendations on the best products for white japanese paint would be greatly appreciated. Also, please link me to some vendors online. I am currently Using CarCaronline.com. By the way I`ve been reading a lot about Zaino all over the place are they really that good? Pleasssee inform me on the essential and best products to maintain my vehicle BEAUTIFUL for years to come.... Thank you and you will be seeing a lot more of me around here. Later



This is what I currently have:



Malco Car Soap

One Grand Blitz Wax ( gooood)

Malco Plum Wax

3m Swirl Mark Remover

Malco Quick Detailer Spray

Clay Bar (Dont know the name)



PS12 Chamois

Detailers Choice Wash Mit

x3 Yellow Flannel (for waxing)

x2 MicroShammy



Just Ordered Custom CoverCraft Evolution 4 Car Cover $170 w/ bag and lock.

[Deanski]

First, purchase a "PC" or Porter Cable random orbital polisher.

PC (http://www.properautocare.com/porcabpolac.html)



Then look into some easy polishes and sealants/waxes from Poorboysworld. These are very easy to use and you will get great results.



Once you get better at this, look into more different polishes to resolve small problems and QD products to maintain.



Zaino is VERY prep intensive, and not something I would advise for the fist timer.



Look around thi site, use the search feature and look at pictures and find what you`re looking for.



Also, purchase some high quality MicroFiber towels and learn how to maintain them. These are the best for polish and wax wipe-off.



Enjoy and welcome to Autopia!:wavey



Regards,

Deanski

[MetalSpoolDoom]

Do you think i can handle the orbitor? I heard they can be a disaster in the hands of a newbie? I`ve been washing cars for a while but never orbited. Also are there any good kits you would recommend to start with maybe PS12 kit? I was going to purchase the Zaino Zkit-1 but like you said it seems really labor intensive.

[Deanski]

Dude! This is by far, the safest polisher out! Do NOT use the ones sold at Home Depot/Sears etc that use a "terry bonnet" and are round. A PC is by far the best way you can go!



Get a "kit" with backing plate, pads and your`re good to go.



Here`s a tip: When you use a PC for the fist time with a new pad, "season" the pad by wetting it with a QD first, then apply polish and use the pad on an angle. Once the pad is saturated with polish, you can now polish flat.



There is SOOOO much info here on the PC and how to use it, tips, tricks, special deals etc.



I agree that you should stay away from Zaino at this point. You`ll get bettr results and spend less money with other products. Once you feel you want to give Zaino a try, go and give it a whirl. Zaino is SO prep intensive, that most don`t want to spend a day or more on the finish.



I highly recommend Poorboys for those starting out. Simple product, very little cost and Steve is one hell of a guy!



You can look into Meguairs professional line such as DACP and such, but again, some polishes have a learning curve. Read on here and you`ll find more info on what polishes does what etc.



Go ahead, get the PC as soon as you can. You`ll be very happy with it. And, once you REALLY get good, you can start doing friends cars or family member cars for a few bucks to offset the cost!



Regards,

Deanski

[Deanski]

Here are some good links to start:



Removing swirls with a PC (http://properautocare.com/remswiruspor.html)



Removing scratches with a PC (http://properautocare.com/remscratwitp.html)



Maximize gloss with a PC (http://properautocare.com/maxsurglosus.html)



Restore dull or oxidized paint with a PC (http://properautocare.com/resduloxpain1.html)



Happy reading!



Regards,

Deanski

[imported_Burlyq]

Zaino is very easy to use, perfect for first timer or child! But yes you do want the surface to be swirl free before applying, AS with any sealant. Essentials= Z2Pro/Z6/Z8/ZFX/Z16 and Z9&10 for leather. Also AIO for doorjams/windows/wheels, a good polish like FPII that can be used often to stay ahead of swirls and set a mirror shine. I`m not sure if Sal is a "hell of a guy" like Steve but he makes a "hell of a" good product, a very unique boutique product, lol. MF towels are also a must for me.



Welcome to Autopia, the good thing is you have a white car which is the best color, or non-color, to have a long lasting paint job. The bad thing is Car Covers can be the most dangerous things to your paint if you live in a windy area and if there is sand or grit around. Be very careful when using your car cover, I recently did a detail where a woman left her cherry 90`s trans-am under a car cover for years thinking it was protected, and the wind and sand acted as sand paper and her paint was in horrible condition.

[Deanski]

Here`s one of the best guides done by the owner of this site:



Porter Cable Polisher detail guide (http://articles.autopia.org/index.php?page=index_v2&id=38&c=root)



Regards,

Deanski

[4830Deuce]

Originally posted by MetalSpoolDoom

Do you think i can handle the orbitor? I heard they can be a disaster in the hands of a newbie? I`ve been washing cars for a while but never orbited. Also are there any good kits you would recommend to start with maybe P12S kit? I was going to purchase the Zaino Zkit-1 but like you said it seems really labor intensive.



I believe you are thinking of a circular polisher, a PC is easy to use and almost fool proof w/ a little know how...



Justin

[imported_Denzil]

I highly suggest downloading and reading David`s e-book (http://autopia-carcare.com/lib/autopia/AUTOPIA.EXE).