Newbie info for silver car?

R

Ryan Drost

New member
Hey everyone I've washed, clayed, and waxed my car a million times, but I've never polished before. It seems easy to do and im thinking of getting the PC 7454 (or something like that) and I've read a few threads on the right stuff to use, but I'm still a little mixed up. I was just wondering what steps you guys would do for a silver car, with a few minor and major scratches, but still in good condition. Thanks just trying to learn!!
 
Ryan Drost- Welcome to Autopia!



I wouldn't base my decisions on the color (clearcoat is clearcoat no matter which color basecoat it covers), but rather on the paint's hardness softness (different cars are different is this regard).



No matter what you have, I'd recommmend the Griot's Garage 6" Random Orbital as I believe it to be the best machine of it's type. The pads/products you use with it will depend on what you're trying to accomplish and how hard/soft the paint is.



The big thing to concentrate on is figuring out how to wash without instilling new marring, which is very difficult. Yeah, even on silver (says the guy who always has a few silver vehicles ;) ).
 
Thanks guys! That link is great info, i really am interested in what pads and polishes you guys would use to start off, nothing crazy just the basic meguiars polishes?
 
Ryan Drost said:
Thanks guys! That link is great info, i really am interested in what pads and polishes you guys would use to start off, nothing crazy just the basic meguiars polishes?
Click to expand...



If I were you (just starting out) I would get a few 5.5" LC FLAT orange pads, a few 5.5" LC FLAT white pads and a few 5.5" LC Black pads. That will give you a good basic selection of pads for some pretty decent defect correction, more refined polishing and finishing.



This backing plate will work well with those pads.



Lake Country 5" Backing Plate for Porter Cable 7424 - 125 mm | Detailed Image



In terms of polishes, if you wanted to go the Meg's route, I would get 205 and some Megs Ultimate Compound. You could replace the Ultimate Compound with Meg's 105 but it has a bit of a learning curve to it and while the UC isn't as aggressive as 105 - it is easier to use IMO.
 
Or just get some of the Orange Griot's polishing pads and see if they're aggressive enough (even with their 6" size the Griot's polisher has the oomph to do pretty well).
 
Thanks for the help! So heres what i put together: lake country pads, meguiars 205 and UC, and a PC 7424. Does that sound like a solid start? Also i saw the DeWalt polisher, is that just as good as the PC?
 
Ryan Drost said:
Thanks for the help! So heres what i put together: lake country pads, meguiars 205 and UC, and a PC 7424. Does that sound like a solid start? Also i saw the DeWalt polisher, is that just as good as the PC?
Click to expand...



The DeWalt is a rotary, which is recommended for beginner's. I would recommend a Griot's Garage DA over the PC though.
 
Make sure you get a velcro backing plate for the polisher. Also, while standard pads are 6", I highly recommend also getting a 4" backing plate and pads. These are great for tight spots and touch ups. I use the all the time.
 
I'd say just get a Griot's DA and the 5" Meg's DA MF correction system kit. It's the perfect "gateway drug" :). After that, you'll want to get some UNO and Poxy once the addiction sets in ;) the Meg's DA MF LSP has terrible durability but looks nice.
 
Darkstar752 said:
The DeWalt is a rotary, which is recommended for beginner's...
Click to expand...



You mean "which is *NOT* recommended for beginners", right? ;)



Ryan Drost- Yeah, get the Griot's polisher...so much better than a PC you just can't imagine. Worth every bit of the price diff...worth it 10X IMO.
 
Thanks for all the advice, its much appreciated. I'm going to buy the Griots, it looks like it suits me perfectly for what i want to do, and the lifetime warranty is awesome. And yes the addiction has started! haha
 
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