Total Noob From Canada

[Cubist]

I am a rank beginner at detailing but recently purchased a 2015 Camaro 2SS Convertible in black. It only has 2400 km (1500 miles) on it and it is covered in swirls and I would like to know the best place to start. I would be starting by hand but will buy a tool as soon as I figure out what I should buy. Should I wait until I have a tool or can I start by hand.

Thanks for any help you all can give.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Total Noob From Canada

Welcome to MOL. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Trying to remove swirls & scratches by hand can be accomplished, but it takes much longer & is a lot of work to do a whole car. If you are open to & plan on purchasing a tool, I would wait. Maybe just clay & wax the paint for now. The below article is a great reference which explains the differences between various paint polishing tools:

Beginners guide to the different types of paint polishing tools

[Cubist]

Re: Total Noob From Canada

Thanks for the fast reply Nick.

As the roads are still pretty gritty here (lots of sand and salt in the winter) I will wait. I can test anything I get on my '05 GMC as it is a work truck and mistakes won't matter.

[Fischer]

Re: Total Noob From Canada

Welcome to the forums, you can always start out by hand but it'll take much longer. A machine will always (most of the time) make your life easier with better results so if you're on the fence on buying one, might as well put the money into it. Your body will be thanking you for it later. Just make sure you research the item and read the reviews.

I started up with a Porter cable Dual Action polisher, bought a rotary polisher and finally invested in a Flex Dual Action polisher.

[Cubist]

Re: Total Noob From Canada

Wow, the exchange rate is hard on prices; the Flex would be nearly $1000 delivered here in Canada.