new to the forum, I could use some advice on basic products!

[Tino D'Voe]

I've been going through pages of info for the past few days since I found this website. I could use some help in figuring out which products to start with as basic essentials. I've been playing around with getting the most out of my current car, dark green '96 Acura TL. The things I've been able to do with some basic 3-step wax/cleaner products has really impressed me and all of my envious friends. I'd like to go a step further and see what I can get out of this car and I have some people waiting in line to get their cars done (at a relatively small fee of course).

So far I've used the Mother's line and some Meg products, I'm liking what I see with the poorboy lineup. For a starter, I'm wondering what you recommend I order? I'm looking at some of the SSR items, but I'm confused as to which sealants, glazes, waxes I need and which ones are worth the time and money to use.

I'm also trying to find a good deal on a porter cable since I've been reading so much about it. After I bought a random orbital I realized how much easier life can be rather than doing everything by hand. Only challenge is that I'm in canada, not as easy here to find a deal on this item. Any advice on where to pick one up or order please point it out!

I'd appreciate any advice, I know this has probably been discussed many times, I'm just not finding too many general posts that break down the basic/advanced products I could try out later.

 

[Brenton]

Hey Tino, I'm Brenton from PEI (also Canada).
About twice a year PC goes on sale at Canadian Tire. Duty is only $5-$8 plus gst on importing, so check out our sponsors (see the front page).
I've used much of the PB's line, and find them as good as the name you've used, though there isn't a 1-1 relationship between products.
With a PC, here is what to stock for PB's:
1. Find a slick soap, a sheepskin mitt, and waffle weave microfibre towels for drying.
2. Clay. Do a search; it is fantastic. Mothers has a good kit over the counter, as does Meg's.
3. SSR2.5 for an infrequent aggressive polish that is easier to use than a compound and is step 1. Works also by hand with a lot more work. Will take out fine scratches and (eventually, lots of work) swirls-spider lines.
4. SSR1 to follow as Step 1.5.
5. Pro Polish or Polish w. Carnauba as step 2. Polish w. Carnauba hides more than pro polish.
6. EX sealant is probably a good sealant for a 96; it hides a little. EX-P is pure sealant and will only make what is there shiny without hiding anything.
7. If you can work more frequently, then go with Natty's Blue Paste wax and skip the sealant. Do this as a monthly treatment, and feel free to layer it on. Easy to use Step 3 as an alternative to sealants, which are a synthetic Step 3 and last about 2x as long.
8. Just about any Quick Detail is good, but it is helpful to have around for lots of uses.
9. Don't forget to show off with nice tire shine, black wheel wells, and even black trim & shiny chrome.
10. I'd also pick up Klasse All-in-one (KAIO/AIO), a hand polish that does great work when going by hand. With it you can do 1) Wash&Clay; 2) KAIO; 3) EX or Natty's
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