Got tips for this new user?

Z

ZTS_Dude

New member
User. Sounds like a drug or something. Maybe detailing is some sort of drug. ;)



Anyway, just bought my 7336SP the other day. :D Very happy. I need to purchase a backing plate and some pads now, which I will be doing shortly. First question is...how many pads do I need? If I'm going to use...lets just say two different products with my polishing pad...do I need two pads or do I rinse the one or what? Give me an idea of how many of each pad I might need maybe?



Next question is, I have a 2001 Focus ZTS in "CD Silver," which is a very light color. I have minor swirls...visible only if you're at the right angle and in the right light-- until now I think I've taken pretty good care of it by hand. I do have some stubborn water spots on the hood that aren't coming out (I think I'm not working it well enough by hand on the hood). With that said...I have some DACP already. I also have some #16 and #9. What would be a good "recipe" for my car. Assume that I will be washing and claying the car before I start with any of the other chemicals. (See a picture below)



Thanks for all your help guys!

-Tim



Focus_Rear.jpg
 
ZTS- Welcome to Autopia!



Number of pads - Well, If you are detailing just for yourself or an occassional family member, I would start out with at least 1 cutting pad, 2 polishing pads, and 1 finishing pad. If money allows it, it wouldn't hurt to have at least 2 pads of each. That way if one pad gets caked with product, damaged or whatever else you will have another.



I recommend at least 2 polishing pads to start, that way if you do a two step swirl remover job ie; #83 DACP, followed by a lighter polish you have two pads.



Many people here have several techniques on how they use their pads. Some specifically use 1 pad for each product, some use the same pad for multiple products AFTER THOROUGHLY WASHING the pad of the previous product. Just find what works for you.



It sounds like you have access to Meguiars products, if you do I recommend getting some Speed Glaze #80. Polish your car with the least aggressive polish and pad first. For example try removing your swirls w/ #80 and a polishing first and see what that does. If not, try #83 and a polishing pad, followed by #80 and a polishing pad. If that doesn't work, then you can go #83 w/ cutting pad, followed by #80 w/ polishing pad.



If you can pick up #80, you will have a nice combo on your hands for your car. #83, followed up w/ #80, topped w/ #16. You may find #80 to remove your swirls on its own. #80 is a nice one step polish that leaves your paint ready for your LSP(last step product) such as #16. Hope this helps get you started.



You only need to follow #83 if you get hazing from it. Some can achieve going to a LSP after #83, however sometimes you need to follow it w/ a lighter polish.
 
General Lee:

Great advice. That's a plain a simple tutorial to newbie's like me. I think it's so much easier to limit yourself to one prodcut line when you are just starting out and work with that.



ZTS_Dude:

Nice Pic!
 
Thanks Guys. Sounds like good advice. Do I need any other steps? Is #16 a sealant too? Do I want a sealant, if not?



dschribs- thanks! I'm an amateur photographer on the side. :D



-Tim
 
ZTS- #16 is a carnuba wax not a sealant. It is a very durable one at that. For the products you listed, the combo I suggested shall look great. However there are hundreds of different steps and combos w/ different products to use and by reading this site long enough you will surely see them all.
 
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