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Help me rebuild my car care supply cabinet

3K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  Jgger 
#1 · (Edited)
Hey all -

So I'll jump to the point right off the bat: I haven't been as engaged in car care and detailing activities over the last few years due to a series of moves. Now that we have settled into a house, I am in the process of stocking up on car care and detailing supplies. I am looking for high quality polish and wax suggestions that can be applied by machine, for late model garage-kept vehicles with minor surface marring thanks to wear and tear. My goal is swirl removal and long lasting wax/sealant.

I am really out of the loop on preferred products. Right now I have all "by hand" products for the occasional polish and wax session, purchased at the local AutoZone. What I am finding is that they have given both of my cars swirl marks that are not coming out with the products I have. I have Meguires Swirl Remover and some Meguires yellow wax (both applied by hand) currently. I also have a clay bar, tire shine, etc. But I am specifically looking for paint care suggestions. The Highlander is Black, and the Golf R is Lapiz Blue, and in the right light both are already showing swirls from car washing, the polish I tried, etc. It's not bad - a non-detailer would look at it and go "what's the problem?" but I can see it.

When I added the boat to the garage in last spring it became clear I need to up my game, and the products I use. I also need to add a machine polisher since I will be using it on the cars and the boat, and there's a lot of real estate to cover with the boat.

To that end, I am about to purchase this:

https://www.chemicalguys.com/Porter...-GElZWp80nuyp7tfnmpN2FQJH9dAT_nMaAiY2EALw_wcB

SO, given the above, do any of you detailing folks have some suggestions?
 
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#2 ·
I was in your same situation including the boat! I have always hand waxed, clay etc. I just purchased the Griots Garage 6” DA with orange and white foam pads. Blackfire one step to begin learning on the vehicles and Sonax for the deeper boat oxidation. I did a lot of research and before purchasing called Autogeek directly to talk with one of their techs. They were VERY helpful and helping me navigate all of the products and what I want to accomplish.

Sorry I can’t give you an experts list but my experience is similar to where you are at.


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#4 ·
Autogeek.net

Griots Garage 6” Polisher HD
Blackfire One Step
(3) Lake Country 6.5” pads
(3) Lake Country 6.5” Pads
IronX lemon
CarPro cquartz for wheels trim etc
Clay bar and Lubricant depending on condition of vehicle
CarPro Eraser
Blackfire
Citrus of cleaner

Call Autogeek, they will help you out.


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#5 ·
The $50 Autoality membership is worth a look if you're trying to buy a polisher, pads, and chemicals. Detailed Image has frequent sales and also a good place. 20%+ sales are the norm and you shouldn't be paying retail for anything.

That said, I'm not a fan of applying LSP with a machine. I use a good bit of Gyeon CanCoat for my starter package or Jescar Powerlock & Colorlock if I have the time.


https://www.autoality.com/store/pc/home.asp

Something like this would get you started but it takes a lot more pads if you're doing a full correction.
https://www.autoality.com/store/pc/...-Starter-Kit-5-Inch-371p7925.htm#.XFNrT1xKiUk

The Griots is a solid entry level polisher. I have Rupes but not worth the investment unless you're doing volume or just want to blow some cash.
https://www.autoality.com/store/pc/...d-Generation-25-Cord-65p7523.htm#.XFNrhlxKiUk
 
#6 · (Edited)
The $50 Autoality membership is worth a look if you're trying to buy a polisher, pads, and chemicals.
Autoality is a great retailer. What's really nice is the cheapest shipping option typically delivers next day for me since he's in Pittsburgh. I agree that the membership thing seems like a good idea for OP restocking his supplies as the discounts can be up to 40% on some items.


OP - In terms of products I've used Menzerna polishes for many years although their product line naming convention is confusing. They tend to be slightly more expensive than other brands. I've had good results with FG400 which I believe they call Heavy Cut Compound 400 now.

https://www.autoality.com/store/pc/Menzerna-Heavy-Cut-Compound-400-8-oz-FG400-132p6983.htm

You can finish it up with Super Finish Plus 3800 for a solid two-step "correction" process (i've also used the SF3500)

https://www.autoality.com/store/pc/Menzerna-Super-Finish-Plus-3800-32-oz-SF4500-PO85RD-132p321.htm

As far as LSP I have heard good things about Jescar PowerLock but i've never used it myself. Before I put the Gyeon Syncro coating on my car I used to use Sonax Polymer NetShield which I was pretty happy with. I really liked the ease of the spray on/wipe off application process as it was quicker and has no cure time required. I would spray the product onto a foam hex grip applicator then immediately remove any haze with a microfiber. Claimed 6 month durability and I'd say that aligned with what I saw with my car being garaged.

https://www.autoality.com/store/pc/SONAX-Polymer-Net-Shield-340-ml-169p6397.htm


EDIT: Forgot to add that I've been using my Porter Cable 7424 since 2001 and it works just fine for what you are looking to do.
 
#7 ·
My $.02

I also have the Groits 6" machine and love it, I don't do it professionally.

A friend of mine just gifted me a Meguires Microfiber system and it is pretty impressive. Knocks down swirls pretty fast and easy. The only bad thing is you have to clean the pad often. One of the good points is you don't need to mask off the plastic because it wipes down pretty easy. If you have heavier correction Meguires 101 with an orange ccs pad works fast and killer, then follow that up with the microfiber buff and it looks great.

The wax that comes with the Meg's Kit hasn't been on my car very long so I don't know how it will hold up. I don't think it will be a long lasting product, but we will see.

I saw some stuff a guy did on another forum with Blackfire Fire over Ice and it looks and last great as your Last Step Product.
 
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