Newbie just needs some advice.

[Nick 04S4]

Hello everyone,
I've never done a real exterior detail before, especially with any electrical polisher, but I read that the DA wont possibly burn the paint like the rotaries can, so I'm willing to give it a try. I'm looking into getting the Meguairs DA. I just want to get the swirls out of my car, they are nothing heavy but definitely there. From my searching I just want to confirm how I can do this.

1. Wash
2. Clay Bar
3. 8207 Pad w/ Swirl X (wipe clean)
4. 9207 Pad w/ M20532 Ultra Finishing Polish (wipe clean)
5. 9207 Pad w/ Meguiars Wax (wipe clean)

And just a few questions:

1. I also have Polishing Compound, would that be better to use if the Swirl X isn't enough?

2. I've read that it takes multiple yellow pads to completely polish a car, I'm guessing because after using "x" amount of polish, the polish kind of clogs up the pores on the pad and makes it less effective. So if I buy five 8207's, how would I know when it's time to switch to a new pad? Would it be when the pad gets too caked up with polish ?

Thanks for the help.
-Nick

[Murr1525]

Re: Newbie just needs some advice.

You probably wont need SwirlX and #205. One or the other should do it.

1. Which product do you mean by poishing compound? The Ultimate compound?

2. Probably dont need 5 8207 pads. Just saying half a car for each, or thirds is usually fine.

[akimel]

Re: Newbie just needs some advice.

Hello everyone,
I've never done a real exterior detail before, especially with any electrical polisher, but I read that the DA wont possibly burn the paint like the rotaries can, so I'm willing to give it a try. I'm looking into getting the Meguairs DA. I just want to get the swirls out of my car, they are nothing heavy but definitely there. From my searching I just want to confirm how I can do this.

1. Wash
2. Clay Bar
3. 8207 Pad w/ Swirl X (wipe clean)
4. 9207 Pad w/ M20532 Ultra Finishing Polish (wipe clean)
5. 9207 Pad w/ Meguiars Wax (wipe clean)

And just a few questions:

1. I also have Polishing Compound, would that be better to use if the Swirl X isn't enough?

2. I've read that it takes multiple yellow pads to completely polish a car, I'm guessing because after using "x" amount of polish, the polish kind of clogs up the pores on the pad and makes it less effective. So if I buy five 8207's, how would I know when it's time to switch to a new pad? Would it be when the pad gets too caked up with polish ?

Thanks for the help.
-Nick

There's no way to know if SwirlX will be adequate for your needs, so be sure to buy a bottle of Ultimate Compound, just in case. I have found UC to be user-friendly and effective. I recommend that you get three (or four) polishing pads and two finishing pads. You may not need them, but it's nice to have an extra in reserve. Also do a search of MOL on priming pads and cleaning pads on the fly.

[Nick 04S4]

Re: Newbie just needs some advice.

Thanks for the replies, just what I was looking for. I have a bottle of Turtle Wax Polishing Compound, just didnt really wanna say Turtle Wax on a Meguiars forum. Maybe I'll just get some ultimate compound though anyway.

[jenn1270]

Re: Newbie just needs some advice.

Thanks for the replies, just what I was looking for. I have a bottle of Turtle Wax Polishing Compound, just didnt really wanna say Turtle Wax on a Meguiars forum. Maybe I'll just get some ultimate compound though anyway.

You'll be much happier with the UC because the turtle wax typically doesn't finish out as well. Many call it rocks in a can due to its harsh abrasives.

Jenn

[Murr1525]

Re: Newbie just needs some advice.

Yeah, probably wouldnt be using the TW.

[Mary S]

Re: Newbie just needs some advice.

One suggestion, for applying 205 or anything that has abrasive polishes or "cleaners" in it, you would want to use the polishing pad first rather than the finishing pad. The finishing pad has no cut at all, and you would normally use it only with waxes, sealants, pure polishes, glazes, and so forth.

About the TW, if what you have is the bottle with "nanotechnology," it might be worth hanging onto and testing. There might be some use for it at some point. It isn't the same as the stuff they sell in their round tins. See below discussion. I have never tried it on car paint, but I used it on around-the-house projects.

http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-detailing-product-discussion/85919-new-turtle-wax-compunds-nanotechnology.html

[Nick 04S4]

Re: Newbie just needs some advice.

Yep, its the nanotechnology one pictured in that link. I just happened to have it laying around from a few months ago when I wanted to try it by hand on my old car to see what it would do on some scratches. It looks like its decent in that test, but since I have the Meguiars I'll go with that.

[FinalTouchDetail]

Re: Newbie just needs some advice.

If I do a multiple stage polish I generally use 5 pads total (6 if applying wax/sealant by machine)

I use 3 pads for compounding or the first polish step
I use 2 pads for finishing polish
I use 1 pad for sealant/wax application (if I don't do it by hand)

You can get away with 2 pads for the first step if it's a smaller car like a Corvette, Corolla, Civic, etc... but a full sized sedan will need 3 or you will have to be really sure to keep the pads clean of too much buildup.