When to do what?

2

2Charlie

New member
I'm very new to car detailing but I like to learn more. I've watched a bunch of youtube videos on detailing but I feel I still a few more basic questions answered.



I have heard terms like buff, polish, and wax? What order should I go bay? For example, polish, buff, and wax? What's the purpose of each of these steps? I have a orbital buffer/polisher I can use.
 
Welcome!



Keep reading. As much as you can.



Buffing and polishing are the same. Try using the word polishing. There are 3 types of polishing (I am generalizing here)



1 - deep also called compounding, this is when you "correct" or "level" the paint (removing swirls or scratches)



2 - polishing - after deep polishing, you have to improve the finish. (visible on darker cars, compounding will not leave a perfect finish behind) and it is called polishing



3 - final polishing will give you that "perfect" look, a must when working on dark colors.



Each step is done with the appropriate polish and pads. (don't use a compound to finish with and don't try to compound with a finishing polish)



WAX - I get this all the time where someone thinks that waxing will remove swirls.



Waxing locks in the finish. (90% of how the paint looks come from polishing) Wax protects what is underneath.



Did this all make sense?



Don't be afraid to ask if you have questions, or if something is not clear to you. We are here to help.
 
aCharlie, just want to say be very careful with watching those YouTube videos. Alot of those are made by people who don't know what they are really doing and there's so much misinformation it's not funny. Stick around here, and maybe a couple other good forums and you will quickly be shaking your head at most of those videos. Sure there's also alot of good videos, but be aware many are not so good.
 
ExplicitDetails said:
aCharlie, just want to say be very careful with watching those YouTube videos. Alot of those are made by people who don't know what they are really doing and there's so much misinformation it's not funny. Stick around here, and maybe a couple other good forums and you will quickly be shaking your head at most of those videos. Sure there's also alot of good videos, but be aware many are not so good.
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Rich's advice is HUGE. Youtube's accessibility is great and I am a big proponent of sharing one's knowledge but the quality of detailing content in Youtube is pretty horrific. For every 1 good video, there's at least 15 videos of "detailers" using terrible technique and tools. Read the sticky's throughout the forum as the basics of 'Autopian detailing' rarely, if ever change...techniques and products are tweaked/refined but the concepts remain the same...



With that said, be sure to tell us what type/model/brand vehicle you have since car paints are not created equal. Some brands have harder/softer paints than others and will need specific care or instructions.



You have joined a great forum as the knowledge here is correct, abundant, and free :)
 
First off welcome to Autopia!!! The answers to your general questions would require someone to sit down and type 15 or 20 pages of information so you've got to do a little of this on your own. And as pointed out there is allot of mis-information out there on the web. Here is a good starting point for you Articles by Mike Phillips - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum Mike is a well respected individual in the detailing community. You could buy his disk/book/download or you can just begin reading the articles and watching the videos listed in the post--most are live links. They will go a long way to get you on the right track and then you'll have other more specific questions to ask. It takes time and effort, but is well worth it.
 
For good step by step videos with lots of detailed/good information I'd stick to the Junkman2000, Mike Phillips, and AdamsPolishes videos on Youtube. They do good quality videos and really break down the process. Or just keep asking questions on here plenty of good detailers on here that could help
 
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