Best kit for the weekend detailer?

Discussion in 'Compounds, Polishes, Paint Cleaners, and Glazes' started by cptzippy, Mar 27, 2011.

  1. cptzippy

    cptzippy Jedi Nuba

    Pretty sure I won't get a consensus but want to see what would be a recommendation for a non-professional getting into maintaining there car(s) to the level of DA polishing?

    What machine?
    What polishe(s)?
    What pads(s)?
    What other tools?

    Along with that:
    Would the kind of paint they have make a major impact on your recommendation?
    What other things would you like to know before making a suggestion?

    TIA,
    Tony
     
  2. Max405

    Max405 DB Forum Supporter

    What machine? Porter Cable 7424
    What polishe(s)? Meguires 105, Menzerna po85rd
    What pads(s)? Orange, White, Black

    What other tools? Lots of Microfibers. Metro handheld blower
    LSP?? Zymol Glasur, Menzerna Power Lock and Collinite 845

    Quick Detailer; Poor boys QD+

    Then your garage will look like mine and your cars will look NICE!

    Joe D
     
  3. 911Fanatic

    911Fanatic DB Pro Supporter

    What machine? PC 7424 or Griots DA
    What polishe(s)? Megs 105 for compounding and Menz Power Finish for everything else.
    What pads(s)? B&S yellow and green.
    What other tools? As Tony said, lots of MFs. Spend the money for nice towels to be used on the paint. Costco MF are fine for general use. Waffle Weave towels are great for glass. Good quality sheepskin wash mitts.

    Along with that:
    Would the kind of paint they have make a major impact on your recommendation? The PC works on all paints although GM, BMW and Audi clears are very hard and will require a bit more effort.
     
  4. Frankastic

    Frankastic Detail Photographer

    What machine?

    Griots Garage D/A

    What polishe(s)?

    Menz Powerfinish (optional) Menz super finish * keeping it simple

    What pads(s)?

    Uber yellow & green * ( also keeping it simple )

    What other tools?

    A good wire extension if you don't have one. spray bottles, buckets, brushes, wash mitts etc

    Along with that:

    Would the kind of paint they have make a major impact on your recommendation?


    swirl marks on black paints

    What other things would you like to know before making a suggestion?

    what car ( color and condition ) are we talking about?
     
  5. AshyLarry

    AshyLarry Virgin Detailer

    I'm basically a weekend hobby detailer and this is what I use.

    What machine?
    PC 7424

    What polishe(s)?
    All of the Menzerna line, M105

    What pads(s)?

    All the Uber pads in 4" and 5.5", 3M wool pads

    What other tools?

    foam gun is nice, tons of microfiber (good and crappy ones imo), brushes, LED light, 500watter, quick detailers (Adam's), APC....


    Its all really dependent on how much you want to invest, I probably have more stuff than my skill level requires, but I like to buy and try different things. I also do motorcycles so I like the 4" pads for that and like to have varying degrees of polishes depending on the bike since they can be a pain to work on.
     
  6. dave_zok

    dave_zok DB Forum Supporter

    I cant believe no one has suggested the FLEX XC3401 VRG. That is what i use for large pannels and with the new backing plate it can change to 5" pad too.

    What machine/ Polish/ and Pads- All solved with this kit
    http://detailersdomain.com/carcareproducts/orbitalpolishersflex/FlexXC3401VRMenernaKit.html

    What other Tools (basic needs)
    http://detailersdomain.com/carcareproducts/extcarcaregrit/TwoBucketSystem.html
    Good Drying,Glass, and plush towels. (you dont understand how important they are until you run out)
    A good Tire Brush, Wheel brush, Lug nut brush.
    Adams All purpose Cleaner
    Optimum No-rinse (used for clay lube)
    And some Good Lighting.
     
  7. piginapoke

    piginapoke Obsessive Detailer

    What machine? PCxp7424 Porter Cable 7424XP-M1 7424XP Polisher/Meguiar's Polish Kit | Tools Plus
    What polishe(s)? Add mens 85rd next year when you become as obsessed as the rest of us
    What pads(s)? add a yellow pad if you have heavy swirls or a german car, and add two red pads for wax application
    What other tools? 100+ microfiber towells some of these microfiber, microfiber towels, car care products, auto detailing, house cleaning, micro-restore, micro restore, df towels, microfiber
    and costco towells if you can get them.
     
  8. ziggo99

    ziggo99 Birth of a Detailer

    What machine? Griot's DA
    What polishe(s)? Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and SwrilX
    What pads(s)?Lake County Hydro Tech and CCS's, 6.5 inches
    What other tools? Good wash mitt, Griot's drying and dirty spot wipe towel, Meguiar's SS and WM towels, glass towel, a value pack of 50 Griot's Microfibers, leaf blower, Daytona Wheel Brush, etc etc.
     

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