What product & applicators should I use? So many to choose...

[Dug]

I'm a little overwhelmed with the variety of products available and was hoping I could get some recommendations for my specific application.

I have Flame Red 1999 Dodge Durango that I want detail properly start to finish, no shortcuts. There are very visible swirls and some slight scratches and "rub" marks (from tree branches).

I'm going to start with the clay bar and end with ntx wax, but it's the middle processes I need some help with. What do I use; cutting compound, glaze, polish? and if you use an aggressive one do you follow up with a less aggressive product after. For example if I was to use #95 would I have to use something like #82 before waxing? I'm thinking about how you sand wood, start with 80grit and then use 150, 220, 280 to get to your final finish.

Everything will be machine applied, so applicator recommendations to match the products would also be great.

Thanks

[MarkH]

Re: What product & applicators should I use? So many to choose...

First off welcome to MOL

The process you have in mind is sound. Without knowing what machine you are using or the condition of the paint you are working on its tough to give you specific recommendations. You don't need 6 different pads and 8 different compounds/polishes. If your paint isn't in horrible condition I'd look at getting 3 or 4 pads of varying cut (light cut pad, polish pad, finishing pad for sure, maybe throw in a medium or heavy cut pad as needed) and then the M105/M205 combo. Always start with the least agressive combo (polish pad and M205 in this example) and do a test spot. If that doesn't give you the results you want, step up and do a different spot with a more aggressive combo, a medium cut/heavy cut pad and M105 being the most aggressive of the ones I listed. Once you have the combo that works for a test spot, do your whole vehicle. Just remember with 2 polishing products and 3 or 4 pads thats 6-8 different levels of cut you have to choose from! If you do end up using a more aggressive combination (M105) you may have to follow it up with a less-abrasive product (M205) to get your finish ready for the next step!

Glazes and pure polishes are optional steps but can really bring out some BLING Some examples are Deep Crystal Polish, and Mirror Glaze. They are simple to use. Apply by hand or machine (with a finishing or finessing pad) and wipe off. You don't let it dry like a wax, just apply and wipe off.

After that break out your favorite wax and enjoy!

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: What product & applicators should I use? So many to choose...

This may help:

Product, Pad and Speed settings for the Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher

The pads referenced are the older 6.5" SoftBuf pads.
To correlate to Meguiars latest 7" SoftBuf 2.0 pads, just remember that 7006 = 7207 (cutting pads),
8006 = 8207 (polishing), and 9006 = 9207 (finishing)