Rate my "keep it simple" beginner's polishing kit! Budget $200

T

the walrus

New member
Hey dudes-

I am on a budget, but want to get into polishing just for my own cars and the occasional relative's car. So I have searched around a lot and put together my own version of a "keep it simple" beginner's polishing kit. This is kind of a first draft. Feel free to add or take away.



1. UDM w/5" BP, 1 white 6.5" pad and 4 orange 5.5" pads $129 from Auto geek

2. 5.5" blue or grey CCS pad $8

3. 1st step Meg's #83 Cleaner/Polish $19

2nd step/LSP Meg's #80 Speed glaze $16

Wax Meg's #26 $12

4. Stand w/ 2 500 watt Halogens $30



total: $214



Let me know what you think, good or bad.



Couple of q's as well:

Do I need some type of pad cleaner?

Also do I need a different counterweight or is the UDM fine as it comes?

Do you usually apply wax by hand or use the UDM? (I am thinking by hand?)



Thanks,

Justin
 
Hey Justin,



It looks like you've done your homework, but I would recommend replacing Meg's 83 with Meg's 105 *and* Meg's 205. You'll get *much* better results with those two polishes with a UDM.



I would also think about using a different wax. Any of the Collinites will give you great durability and looks. They're also cheaper than Megs.



Edit: Collinite 476 Super Doublecoat can be found at Harbor Freight for 11 bucks a tin. I'd be willing to bet that you get such good results from using megs 105 and 205 that you could safely *not* buy the glaze. Dropping the glaze, switching waxes and switching polishes should keep you at just about the same total cost, while giving you far better poilshing results.
 
SuperBee364 said:
Hey Justin,



It looks like you've done your homework, but I would recommend replacing Meg's 83 with Meg's 105 *and* Meg's 205. You'll get *much* better results with those two polishes with a UDM.



I would also think about using a different wax. Any of the Collinites will give you great durability and looks. They're also cheaper than Megs.
Click to expand...





Also suggest the 105/205 combo and adding a White pad to use with that combo and you should be G2G.
 
the walrus said:
Couple of q's as well:

Do I need some type of pad cleaner?
Click to expand...



Dawn Power Disolver



the walrus said:
Also do I need a different counterweight or is the UDM fine as it comes?
Click to expand...



it's fine I don't even think there is a different one for the UDM



the walrus said:
Do you usually apply wax by hand or use the UDM? (I am thinking by hand?)
Click to expand...



I wax by hand

but you can do it with the UDM if you have a soft enough pad
 
Great info guys, thanks. I'll look into the M105 & M205. If I get this do I still need the Meg's #80? Or is the M205 sufficient for 2nd step/LSP?



Justin
 
the walrus said:
Great info guys, thanks. I'll look into the M105 & M205. If I get this do I still need the Meg's #80? Or is the M205 sufficient for 2nd step/LSP?



Justin
Click to expand...





105 and 205 are both abrasive polishes. They aren't "glazes" or as Meg's likes to call them "pure polishes". But honestly, you should be able to get such an amazing gloss/finish by polishing with M205 that you won't need a glaze/pure polish. After doing the M205 step, just apply the Collinite wax, and enjoy!
 
sounds good, I can only reiterate what's been said. I use 83 for 1st, and op/83 for 2nd, and no complaints. I've tried 105, but didn't find enough of a difference to warrant spending the extra cash. I use dawn for pads, too. Depending on where you're ordering from, you could consider picking up a cheap glaze, too. I use an xmt nuba one, and I'm very happy with it
 
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