What is the best advice you would have for a beginner ust starting out?

**Mary B** · 08-10-2017, 12:03 PM

Do not believe everything on Youtube.

Now excuse me I thought somebody said SALE !!!

**Tc99m** · 08-10-2017, 02:46 PM

As stated before learn proper technique. In addition have patience and have Fun!

**Accumulator** · 08-10-2017, 03:30 PM

IME having somebody tutor you (and that`s ASSUMING they know what`s-what), might be helpful but it`s not at all necessary. It`s really just not that tricky if you think it through OK. Regulars here know the story of my gal-pal the accountant who borrowed the stuff to do her Lexus and had it turn out fine first try with zero coaching from anybody; zero experience, zero real interest in Detailing, but she was tired of waiting for her hubby to do it so she did it herself. She does have good thinking skills though, and IMO that`s what made it go smoothly. Well, that and realistic expectations

**artm3** · 08-10-2017, 07:47 PM

Learn good washing and drying techniques
large buckets
grit seperator
good mitt
2 buck method
do not scrub
rinse frequently
light straight passes, let the soap do the work

good towels
light passes
straight lines
first pass squeegy most off
dry second

**Bunky** · 08-11-2017, 06:35 AM

I would state -- work clean and have lots of microfiber and other tools (polishing pads, etc).. For example, if you use microfiber, do not try to do the entire job with just one towel (polish or wax wipe off, etc). If it gets soiled, grab a clean one. When washing and drying, look at your mitt or towel, it should be clean as you work (two buckets, etc). Your drying towel is a critique of your wash process especially if you do rinseless. If it picks up dirt, you did something wrong. If your polishing pad gets gummed up, get a new one. It will work better and more efficiently.

**Accumulator** · 08-11-2017, 12:38 PM

Bunky- That`s a good point! IMO, if everybody just used twice as many pads when doing correction, most would find it an improvement.

**Casey388** · 08-11-2017, 01:19 PM

Funny you guys say that, I did my first polishing job last night. I am getting ready to sell my 2005 Mercury Mariner so I figured it would be a good idea to get it done before the first guy comes to look at it. I should of probably had more of the pads I used as the pad was getting saturated by the time I was done (obviously using too much compound). It was definitely a learning experience but it can only go up from here.

I used a PC 7424XP, with an orange medium cut pad and HD Speed. Now that the paint has got back some of it`s luster, I can clearly tell areas where I need to get some touch-up paint and fill in the rock chips.

**Accumulator** · 08-11-2017, 01:28 PM

Casey388- Doing the Mariner prior to sale is a great way to get started!

Yeah, it`ll go a lot better with more pads. Heh heh, I can use multiple pads doing just one panel.

**Casey388** · 08-11-2017, 02:54 PM

One major take away was that my hands really cramped up once I was done. I tried wearing a pair of thin fingerless gloves to help with the vibrations, but is there anything else you can recommend to help with it? I am sure it is just a matter of getting used to it but wasn`t sure if there was anything you guys and gals like to wear that doesn`t affect your ability to feel the pressure you are putting on the machine.

**pwaug** · 08-11-2017, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by Accumulator

Bunky- That`s a good point! IMO, if everybody just used twice as many pads when doing correction, most would find it an improvement.

Unless they are starting out by trying to do an entire car with just one pad!!!! LOL

**BudgetPlan1** · 08-11-2017, 10:38 PM

Originally Posted by Casey388

One major take away was that my hands really cramped up once I was done. I tried wearing a pair of thin fingerless gloves to help with the vibrations, but is there anything else you can recommend to help with it? I am sure it is just a matter of getting used to it but wasn`t sure if there was anything you guys and gals like to wear that doesn`t affect your ability to feel the pressure you are putting on the machine.

When I got a Flex, someone here suggested some shock absorbing gloves from Lowes...they helped with vibrations. Wish I woulda known about them with GG6...12 hrs with that (I`m kinda slow) and my hands were numbing.

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**Never Enuff** · 08-12-2017, 11:23 AM

There are no dumb questions. Almost without exception, I have never seen any member here berate someone for asking a question regarding a detailing question, whether it pertained to products or technique. Most members are very willing to help you out. Take advantage of the wealth of information here, just as you are doing now. Good Luck!!!!
Jay

**Accumulator** · 08-12-2017, 11:27 AM

Casey388- Oh man, you won`t like this...but my honest answer is "get a different polisher". I use vibration-reducing gloves when operating some pieces of equipment, but there`s no way I`d polish a car with any of them as I completely lose the tactile feedback that I consider essential.

I guess others use them successfully, but I can`t for the life of me figure out how.