how's this kit for a "beginner" detailer?

[Mopar Dude]

I've been thinking more about car care lately and I've been looking for things to make my cars finish really shine so to speak. I want something more than the average wash> claybar> wax regime. Sure this is ok, but I'm just not satisfied with the way it looks anymore. It just doesn't look completely clean if you know what I mean. So I went to autogeek and was browsing around looking for some entry level detailing kits. I found this Pinnacle Porter Cable 7424 Kit, Lake country ccs pads, polishing pads, porter cable pads, porter cable kit and was wondering how good it is. Keep in mind, I am new to this level of detailing and I am in no way, shape, or form a professional. I'm just looking for a kit that is easy to use and will provide satisfactory results that is somewhat "novice proof". I say this because I have heard horror stories about electric buffers, polishers, etc, burning, marring and destroying finishes. I don't want this to happen so I need something that is user friendly. If this kit is no good, feel free to direct me to something that is better. One more question, do you guys always use an electric buffer when you clean your car? Since a layer of clear is essentially removed in the process, it doesn't seem like it would take long to wear down the paint if a buffer/polisher was used on a regular basis.



I apologize for this great wall of text but I really want to get this right.



Thanks for your time

 

[Accumulator]

Opus89- Welcome to Autopia!



The kit you linked has one glaring issue IMO...it comes with 6.5" pads. IME those are simply too big for correction on most paints. I do *MUCH* better with smaller pads that don't overwhelm the PC's (somewhat modest) abilities.



If I were putting together a setup for somebody, I'd buy the PC and only the actual pads I felt were necessary for the application. Off the top of my head, I think that'd probably amount to two 4" orange light cutting pads, three-four 4" white or green polishing pads, and maybe a larger white polishing pad (for all-in-one type products) and a larger finishing pad (for machine application of wax/etc.). Those last two would be optional.



If the vehicle(s) in question had *VERY* soft paint I'd modify that, but for most people just starting out I think it'd be the way to go (but you know what they say about opinions ).



I've not used the Pinnacle products in that kit. Again, I'd tailor the products to the actual application as what's right for an Audi wouldn't necessarily be right for an Acura.



I approach the polishing this way: I do serious correction to get things OK, taking off a fair amount of clear if necessary. Then I try to *NOT MAR IT AGAIN*, primarily by washing carefully (which is a whole topic unto itself!). Then I use *VERY* mild products for a long time until it eventually needs a serious polishing again. Keep the serious correction to a minimum and you shouldn't overthin the clear. The big trick is to not scratch/swirl it up when you wash.