What to begin with? - Products

[absoluteczech]

Sorry so i tried searching, but i got a lot of random stuff that didnt quite apply, maybe i used the wrong keywords.



Anyways, I`m about to pull the trigger on a Porter Cable 7424XP i wanted to get it off of amazon because, i get 2 day free shipping, no tax and have a $35 credit with them. However I`m tempted to get a combo kit off another site if it will actually save me money.



I have a 2010 GTI (white) and my gf has a black 2011 mini cooper s. i`d say both cars paint is in good shape with a hint of micro marring, obviously more visible on her car since its black.



What pads, products do you recommended i start with. Obviously the orange seems to be light enough, i dont believe i need anything very abrasive. Not to mention I would feel safer practicing with something that has less cutting until i get the hang of it.



My goal is to just make it a nice mirror finish and something that lasts. I don`t need any help or advice on washing products, clay bar, etc. I got all that I just need help with what products I should get with the PC7424XP



Thanks everyone!

[wascallyrabbit]

mf pads and uno. also consider griots machine instead of the pc, it is more powerful. nothing wrong with foam pads either. for foam pads you will need a cut, polish and finish type pads. i would go with min of 3ea.



other good suggestions will follow.

[tom p.]

mf pads and uno and poxy.

Or some other proven sealant.



I`d say start out e-z and figure out what you`d like to add as time passes and your needs evolve. Keep it simple when you start. Be certain your weekly washing routine is the best that it can be.

[absoluteczech]

are mf pads meguiar`s ? i did a search on autogeek and uno, mf dont come up? google gives me links to people talking about it, but where do i actually order these?



im assuming MF and uno work with the 7424XP, right?



what about products( polish, wax, sealant?)

[Ch96067]

I will tell what I would buy now instead of what I got. Some products I would just buy all over again . I have no experience on a DA. both PC and GG seem to go down well with the crowds.



Pads: LC Hydrotech all colors 5.5

Polish: Menzerna range (cut / polish / finishing)

Glaze/cleanser (optional): EZ, Blacklight or Vertua Bond 408

LSP: Sealant for white (Optiseal, Jetseal 109 or FK 1000p) and wax for black (Glasur or Victoria Concours red).



Good luck with your buy.

[Nth Degree]

The Meg`s Micro Fiber Kit is an excellent starting point. You can get it from Meguiar`s website or search around for a better deal. On the black Mini I would choose to also pick up some Menzerna 85rd for a great finish. It is my favorite final polish. I use LC white or black pads for that, depending on the hardness of the paint. You will also need a finishing pad for applying sealant/wax, unless you are doing it by hand. Make sure you either get pads that fit your backing plate, or pick up the right size backing plate.

[wascallyrabbit]

mf = microfiber. megs has both cut and polish pads avaiable, also avaiable as a kit. optimum has polish pads out and will soon be releasing their cutting pads.



autogeek doesn`t carry 3d products (uno and poxy).



lsp`s there are many to choose from some of my favoraties are opti coat (oc), opti seal(os), clearkote carnuba moose wax(cmw),poxy, fk1000p, and fk pink wax, in no particaluar order.

[absoluteczech]

thanks guys should i go with 5 or 6 inch pads? like i said the paints pretty good

[Nth Degree]

thanks guys should i go with 5 or 6 inch pads? like i said the paints pretty good

Go with the 5". Slightly cheaper with the kit and the smaller pads usually are more efficient at cutting and product usage.

[pwaug]

I`m going through the same process as you right now. Been detailing my cars for years but just getting into machine polishing. I decided on the Groits Garage because it is more powerful and has a lifetime warranty. It gets good reviews here and other detailing websites.



To keep it simple and keep costs down I decided on UNO HD Uno HD Poxy Professional Sizes as a polish --- you use it to cut, polish and finish by changing pads, speed, pressure and Poxy as a LSP/Sealant as it seems to have good durability and great looks.



I`ve decided to stick with foam pads until I have more experience before moving to the Optimum MF pads.



I`m torn between 5.5" HD pads 3D Car Care; Car Wash, Car Wax, Auto Detailing supplies, Car Polishers, Car Buffers & accessories store and 5.5" LC Flat pads Lake Country Flat Pads Starting with 3 orange, 3 green (HD) or 3 White (LC) and 3 blue (LC) or 3 red (HD) About $53 for the LCs and $78 for the HDs. Both require a 5" backing plate.



There are plenty of great Sealants/LSPs out there if you don`t want to use Poxy--Zaino, FK, Optiseal, DG. Currently using DG105--very durable and not expensive.



Do as much reading as you can before you start and view as many videos as you can -- search around on this and other good detailing websites like Autogeek as there is allot of great "how to" info out there. I`ve made my decisions based on the great recommendations of the guys on this website and others.

[absoluteczech]

and just to confirm this will work with a PC7424 right? the backing plate? I see no mention of a counter weight, do i need a different one?

[absoluteczech]

I`m going through the same process as you right now. Been detailing my cars for years but just getting into machine polishing. I decided on the Groits Garage because it is more powerful and has a lifetime warranty. It gets good reviews here and other detailing websites.



To keep it simple and keep costs down I decided on UNO HD Uno HD Poxy Professional Sizes as a polish --- you use it to cut, polish and finish by changing pads, speed, pressure and Poxy as a LSP/Sealant as it seems to have good durability and great looks.



I`ve decided to stick with foam pads until I have more experience before moving to the Optimum MF pads.



I`m torn between 5.5" HD pads 3D Car Care; Car Wash, Car Wax, Auto Detailing supplies, Car Polishers, Car Buffers & accessories store and 5.5" LC Flat pads Lake Country 5 1/2 Inch Flat Pads CUSTOM 6 Pack, lake country flat pads . Starting with 3 orange, 3 green (HD) or 3 White (LC) and 3 blue (LC) or 3 red (HD) About $53 for the LCs and $78 for the HDs. Both require a 5" backing plate.



There are plenty of great Sealants/LSPs out there if you don`t want to use Poxy--Zaino, FK, Optiseal, DG. Currently using DG105--very durable and not expensive.



Do as much reading as you can before you start and view as many videos as you can -- search around on this and other good detailing websites like Autogeek as there is allot of great "how to" info out there. I`ve made my decisions based on the great recommendations of the guys on this website and others.

thanks! that was very helpful

[pwaug]

Could not get the link for the Lake Country Flat pads to post above. They carry them at a number of detailing websites.

[Dan]

mf pads and uno. also consider griots machine instead of the pc, it is more powerful. nothing wrong with foam pads either. for foam pads you will need a cut, polish and finish type pads. i would go with min of 3ea.



other good suggestions will follow.

My recommendation also.