[Rob13567]

Just got an Alpine white 335i coupe which I am thinking about detailing it myself cause it will look good, save money, and protect the paint(noticed some swirls). I've done some searching and heard good things about the porter cable 7424XP and Menzerna polishes that both come in a package at detailed image. I have also read about the griots having more power and being better for corrections, so I m wondering which one you guys would suggest or opinions you have in these or other products?

[dsb335]

I went with the Griots polisher. The general consensus on the Porter Cable is that it imparts quite a bit of vibration. I'm happy with the choice. The Menzerna products are excellent. I went with the Meguiars kit to keep it simple. You'll get good results either way.

[Rob13567]

Thanks for the info, now I'm leaning more towards griots

[Elliott@DetailAddict]

Hello,

It's all up to your preference. A lot of people have favorites. I would recommend getting a Porter Cable 7424xp. As for polishes and wax/sealants, find one that fits your budget. We carry a full line of products to detail your interior and exterior. All of our products are safe and extremely easy to use. We can always customize a kit for you to suit your needs. Here is an example of what our products can do to BMWs

2013 M3

Let me know if you have any questions! Thanks!

-Elliott

[Rob13567]

Originally Posted by Elliott@DetailAddict

Hello,

It's all up to your preference. A lot of people have favorites. I would recommend getting a Porter Cable 7424xp. As for polishes and wax/sealants, find one that fits your budget. We carry a full line of products to detail your interior and exterior. All of our products are safe and extremely easy to use. We can always customize a kit for you to suit your needs. Here is an example of what our products can do to BMWs

2013 M3

Let me know if you have any questions! Thanks!

-Elliott

Well I already ordered the Griots, lifetime warranty helped. I do have a question on what polishes and pads I should use on alpine white with a black roof. The swirls are not as bad as that M3, but getting there. I am leaning more toward Mernzerna's polishes because I heard they are easy to use and remove, and also look good. But I am open to any suggestions from you on other products since that M3 looks really good

[dsb335]

From one beginner to another, I would recommend keeping it simple. Here's what I would do if I had to start over. I would order this kit:

http://www.detailersdomain.com/Adams...it-_p_939.html

With extra pads of each type. You'll need a pad cleaner as well.

I would recommend Menzerna Powerlock as a sealant. I prefer applying by hand than by machine. If you want to use the machine, there are pads specific to applying sealant.

You'll need a boat load of microfiber towels. I have ~15 and between compounding, polishing, and IPA wipedowns, I washed them 3 times.

[Elliott@DetailAddict]

Originally Posted by Rob13567

Well I already ordered the Griots, lifetime warranty helped. I do have a question on what polishes and pads I should use on alpine white with a black roof. The swirls are not as bad as that M3, but getting there. I am leaning more toward Mernzerna's polishes because I heard they are easy to use and remove, and also look good. But I am open to any suggestions from you on other products since that M3 looks really good

Very nice! Menzerna will get you great results. It is an oil-based product which requires more working time. We carry water-based products. It doesn't require as much working time as oil-based ones. The results are great and very easy for first-timers.

Depending on the condition of your paint, I would recommend starting with a finishing polish to see what the results look like. Once you're comfortable using the polish and polisher, you can try a heavier polish.

Let me know if you have any other questions! Thanks!

-Elliott

[Rob13567]

Thanks for the info guys!

[Rob13567]

Originally Posted by mdintx

From one beginner to another, I would recommend keeping it simple. Here's what I would do if I had to start over. I would order this kit:

http://www.detailersdomain.com/Adams...it-_p_939.html

With extra pads of each type. You'll need a pad cleaner as well.

I would recommend Menzerna Powerlock as a sealant. I prefer applying by hand than by machine. If you want to use the machine, there are pads specific to applying sealant.

You'll need a boat load of microfiber towels. I have ~15 and between compounding, polishing, and IPA wipedowns, I washed them 3 times.

sorry couple of last minute questions, how do you apply the sealant by hand?
and what brand of microfiber towels do you use?are Walmart ones out of the question?

[dsb335]

I use these towels

http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-...uys+microfiber

And to apply sealant, a regular yellow foam pad like this

http://www.detailing.com/store/foam-...plicators.html

[Rob13567]

Originally Posted by mdintx

I use these towels

http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-...uys+microfiber

And to apply sealant, a regular yellow foam pad like this

http://www.detailing.com/store/foam-...plicators.html

Thanks!

[CWysong]

I have the PC, and at speed 5+ (paint correction speeds) the vibration is kind of bad, but if you keep it firmly on the car it is not terrible. Lower speeds are no issues!

I have also used both the Menzernas IP2000 and all 4 griotts polishes, and I seem to like the griotts better but neither have had the effect I wanted them to. I think on my black paint, I might need to upgrade from the orage pad to something harder. From what "they" say, the griotts breaks down with lower heat temperatures, which is what you have when you use an orbital polisher, so less work in time. Someone menioned oil vs water based, maybe thats the reason but I'm not sure.

[Rob13567]

Thanks for the Info, I haven't decided on polishes yet, just have the Griots 6" polisher microfiber towels and Mernzerna powerlock with orange and blue pads etc. what effect did you want, I'm asking cause my car is white but roof and side mirrors were painted black.

[Eat.Sleep.Race]

I use Flex 3401VRG, Menzerna Cut/Polish, and carnuaba on most cars.
OR meguiars m105/205 with orange and black pads. Finish with white pad, and menzerna carnuaba.

[Rob13567]

Originally Posted by Eat.Sleep.Race

I use Flex 3401VRG, Menzerna Cut/Polish, and carnuaba on most cars.
OR meguiars m105/205 with orange and black pads. Finish with white pad, and menzerna carnuaba.

thanks for the info, but why did you use carnuaba over power lock?

[Eat.Sleep.Race]

Originally Posted by Rob13567

thanks for the info, but why did you use carnuaba over power lock?

I use it because I wax on a monthly basis It's called "Color Lock Carnauba", and its super easy to apply/remove. I will give the power lock a try though!