I own a 2007 blue Acura TL and would like some advice on how to keep it looking new. I live in Virginia and wash it as much as the weather this time of year will allow. I wash it with Armour All Car Wash and use Mequiers Ultimate Detailer in between washes. I use Armour All Tire Foam on the tires. I have always used the elbow grease approach to waxing my other cars but have heard that buffers are better if done right. Should I invest in a buffer? Guessing the UM is the one to buy. What polishes, compounds, pads, glazes, etc. should I invest in? Clay? There is so much out there that I am a little overwhelmed and want to do the right thing. I love the MF towels that were recommended on this site and would like to get more into the detailing world.
I also own a 2005 Toyota 4Runner that is in need of detailing so keep that in mind when making your recommendations.

Thanks

 

I've never used a buffer wheel before. I've used Zaino Brothers products www.zainostore.com with good luck on my TL Type S. I've even called them to ask what they suggest and talked to Sal Zaino himself. Their products seem to work very well. Give them a try.

 

The UDM, or associate PC work well. Edge to UDM though for its strength and pure build, and swirl removal ability. And they're both priced within 10% or so of each other.
Try to build yourself a showcase of products you can use. To flop out $200.00, $250.00 can sometimes be difficult for polish/sealants, clay and UDM and pads. I have the UDM with 6 microfibers, and 3 pads running for $175.00, all day long.
One of the best combination of products I could come up with, along with a UDM pads and MF's, would be an array of Optimum polishes (available in 4oz, 8oz and 32 oz containers). Extremely user friendly for beginners as well as providing exceptional polishing abilities for new and seasoned detailers. Optimum polishes are available in 3 degrees of abrasiveness, so theres a combination for every user. Add Four Star UPP or einszett Glanz Wax on top, and your about as good as it gets.
Clays come in 3 levels of abrasiveness as well, hopefully you would never need more then a medium grade. But a must for true car care.
You have come to the right place for answers, but do a simple search with the same terminology you started the thread with, and you'd be surprised what we have already spoken about.....Lastly, we're here to help you get started and keep you going smoothly. Theres a few of us who answer fairly quickly on a pretty regular basis.

 

You should check out this thread about NRWS.
There are numerous tire dressings available and if you're satisfied with the result that product provides, keep using it.
The UDM/PC is mainly used for paint correction and removing surface imperfections and the variable speeds allow application and removal of a product. I prefer to apply and remove sealants by hand. I think it's a great investment if you are anal about the appearance of your vehicle. Here are some recent threads about these machines . . .
https://acurazine.com/forums/wash-wax-23/porter-cable-7424-udm-383058/
https://acurazine.com/forums/wash-wax-23/swirl-marks-382222/
You're absolutely right about the number of products available. This thread shows what products some of the members prefer. The condition of your vehicle usually dictate what products are needed. Some of the more popular products mentioned here are Optimum, Four Star, Megs, Zaino, Klasse, Aerospace 303 to name a few.
What's the condition of the 4Runner?

 

You will go wrong with advice and recommendations offered by Patrick . . . trust me!

 

Yep.... Patrick (excel) knows his stuff. Listen and you'll do fine. Buy the udm, some polish (start with a small bottle so you can try others when it runs out), a good sealent and have fun.

 

Is there a right and wrong way to use the clay? Can it damage the paint if used incorrectly?

 

You web site mentions needing a backing plate for the pads. Does the UDM come with one or do I have to purchase that separately?

 

The udm comes with the 4.75" backing plate. Its always a good thing to order some extra pads (one orange, one white and one blue) incase one gets dropped during your work.

 

I would imagine if you used excessive pressure and too little of lubricant, one could mar the paint. But nothing beyond what a UDM couldnt recover. Its really quite a simple process.

 

Talk about typos . . . jeez, I feel like an idiot. I meant to say "You will not . . . ". Sorry Patrick . . .

 

What combination would you recommend for the pads with the UDM? Polishing, Finishing? What is the difference between them?

 

Is this the kit your talking about? http://www.prestostore.com/cgi-bin/s...5683&pd=299296

If so, the orange would be a cutting pad, the white would be a polishing pad and the red would be a finishing pad, which would be for sealents, etc.

Depending on how much correcting you need, you can start with the white pad and decide if you need to move to the orange. Always start with the least aggressive combo first. What polishes are you going with?

 

Thanks. I will probably be going with the Optimum Compound and Polish and follow up with UPP.

 

I used this exact combo all day Saturday at the detail day........