e r y k

iTrader: (2)

Looking to finally get into machine detailing...

I've been looking at a few PC 7274 kits on autogeek, but I'm not sure which one I should go with.

I've use optimum products before, but not by machine. Apparently after some research, it seems like optimum should be used on cars that have been taken care of.

I'm leaning towards the poor boy package, as it seems to have a stronger compound to help me get all my swirls out.

Any input?

Thanks

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

Don't know about the packages per say, but I'd get the PC 7424XP, not the regular 7424.

e r y k

iTrader: (2)

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

There are just soo many different products its making my head go in circles.

I've washed / clayed / waxed my car before, just not with a machine. And I do have a lot of swirlies

exceldetail

Careful with some packages as you get things you paid for but may not need.

Jesstzn

^ X2

And Optimum works fine on an uncared for car .. I use it all the time ..

e r y k

iTrader: (2)

So i guess it doesnt really matter which company i go for for products?

If i dont get a package deal, what are the bare necessities I would need?

exceldetail

In my book, orange, white and red 5.5" pads, 5" BP, Optimum Polish and Compound, maybe Hyper as well. Plus a sealant of your choice

Jesstzn

Optimum products. Exceldetail

a) Small Hyper compound
b) Compound
c) Polish

Pads Exceldetail

a) 1 yellow
b) 2 Orange
c) 2 white.
d) 5" backing plate

Sealant choises.

Duragloss #105
Megs #21
UPP

e r y k

iTrader: (2)

thanks, i will price together the individual parts, and see if there is a difference. if its cheaper i will grab everything from exceldetail since they are a vendor here.

and dont worry, im not going to end up like that 27 y/o crybaby we had last week :P

just want my paint semi-fresh for import alliance. though my trunk has some pretty bad oxidation

mrclrider

Don't forget about Opti-Seal, very easy to use and looks great!! A little goes a long way! Also pick up some Duragloss Aquawax or Optimum Spray wax!! All at Exceldetail.com

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

grab a pad package from excel

e r y k

iTrader: (2)

fo sho.

i just need to know what kidn of products i need. i have clay, optimum compound, and some meguiars glaze. do i still need a sealant after i compound / glaze? or will wax take care of that part?

keep in mind, my car has never seen a machine detail.

should i just use what i have, or just get brand new compounds?

DetailedImage

If you haven't pulled the trigger on a Porter Cable yet, consider the following:

Porter Cable 7424 XP - 124.99
4" Pad Kit with 6 pads and backing plate - $34.99

For under $160, it's going to be tough to beat what you get performance wise. There's no fluff in there either, simply the buffer, backing plate and pads. Smaller pads are easier to control and will break down polishes more effectively than larger pads. You can mix and match what pads you want out of that kit, simply leave a comment during checkout which colors you want, if different.

If you need a hand with anything else, please do not hesitate to ask. If you are looking for new polishes to use, consider the Menzerna line of polishes. They finish down better than any other polish I've used. Pairs up nicely with the PC 7424 XP.

George

e r y k

iTrader: (2)

awesome. thanks

i was about to drop 230+ at autogeek.

so i guess after that, i just need a compound, polish, and glaze/sealant? then wax of my choice?

Jesstzn

Not to offend anyone ... I have the 4" pads and find I only use them for spot polishing and I mostly use the orange pad .. occasionally the yellow and the white more just for areas I can't get into with the 5.5" .

As for doing the complete car with 4" ... I hope time isn't an issue because it will take a while. As for the wool and the blue and black .. I have never found the need for them if you have the yellow / orange / white on hand.

I'd more stick with the 5.5" and if you like have the yellow and orange 4" for small spots.

exceldetail

I use the 4" for bumpers and lower valances on occasion, and very stubborn water spotting/etching. I prefer the 5.5" for all around use though.

CG2PROJECT

OP sounds like mad fail...

e r y k

iTrader: (2)

go suck a jahj.

CocheseUGA

Sad part is, I think he was 39.

Interested to see what you get and your results. I'll be in the same boat in a few months.

DetailedImage

You got it. It really depends on the condition of your paint and what your goals and objectives of the detail are. If your paint is in good shape, then a 1 step product like Menzerna Power Finish PO203S is a great option. This is usually applied with a green or white pad. You can opt to follow up with something even finer for added depth and gloss, such as PO85RD, but completely option as Power Finish will finish better than most polishes on the market. Here's a good read on Menzerna Power Finish.

Glazes are optional steps, but can help improve the depth and gloss. If you plan on using a sealant, than the glaze I've had the best luck in terms of not interfering with the bonding of a sealant is Chemical Guy's E-Z Creme Glaze.

After polishing or using the glaze, then you'll want to protect your paint with a quality sealant and/or wax. It's up to you how you want to approach that, sealants will give you durable protection for months, where a carnauba wax may offer stronger protection for a shorter period of time with some additional depth and gloss. For the best of both worlds, apply a sealant, let it cure for 24 hours, then top it with a carnauba wax.

Regarding the 4" sized pads, you're going to achieve more correction and better results with smaller pads. You're concentrating more power and energy in a smaller area, which allows you to effectively break down the abrasive particles in the polish. The main reason people do not achieve the results they are looking for is because they are unable to properly break down a polish. Invest in some quality lighting, follow the steps on our polishing guide and you will not be dissappointed with your results.

Let me know if there's anything else I can help with.

George

e r y k

iTrader: (2)

my paint is in pretty bad shape (NBP), i have to first get rid of water stains that have been on the hood for god knows how long. i'm assuming a little vinegar / water solution would take care of that?

anyways, i'll probably just purchase the buffer / pad kid you listed above. i still have some optimum compound i bought a year back, but i may purchase a sealant.

i'll use what i have first, and if im not satisfied, i'll try out the menzerna line of products.

thanks again for your help.

exceldetail

I have concerns with thats. You may need a little more then water and vinegar. If they have been on for a couple weeks, I would say go for it, but for "god knows how long"?
Worse case scenario, theyre etched, and would need some leveling which a product like Hyper Compound could help out with. At any rate, any compound on darker surfaces will mar the surface requiring additional polishing steps. Severe water spotting usually requires a 3 step polishing regimine on darker colored vehicles.
Your getting a lot of things thrown at you here which is probably going to fog your decisions!
Im going to step back and let the forums participants assist you, if you need anything further, Im just a PM, email, text or phone call away.