Questions from a somewhat Noob

[Cranston37]

Greetings!

Just a few quick questions before I screw something up

1) I've always done the Ultimate Polish/Ultimate Wax combo a few times a year. I currently have a 10 month old Elantra GT (6,000mi) - is the Ultimate Compound something I even need at this point? The description of it says for "abused and neglected finishes" which I don't think a new car has so... worth it?

2) I thought about this year trying the DA polisher instead of doing it by hand (although it *is* a bit pricey). I get that I would apply product with a foam applicator on it, but to buff it out do I need to use a cloth by hand or or there another pad (microfiber maybe?) that I can attach to the DA polisher for the buffing stage?

3) For my interior and exterior plastics I've always used the Ultimate Protectant which I have been more than happy with - would the new Ultimate Interior Detailer offer anything different or am I fine keeping it simple and stayinjg with the protectant?

Thanks a bunch!
Patrick

[Murr1525]

Re: Questions from a somewhat Noob

1 the UC would be to remove swirls or scratches. if you dont have those, then dont need it.

2. usually would remove products with a mf towel.

3. the UQID world be more for dusting, and then the UP applied every few months.

[BillyJack]

Re: Questions from a somewhat Noob

Murr's right on; I'll just add a few things.
1) I always have UC on hand for any scratches, but normally stick with a polish / wax combo for maintenance. If you've never clayed before, definitely do it before your next polish.
2) There are MF bonnets made for polishers specifically designed for product removal, but if you apply any products properly by machine, they come off so effortlessly by hand that I never found a bonnet to be a time saver. BTW, buying a D/A polisher will be a decision you'll never regret. Whether it's a Meguiar's, Porter-Cable, Griot's Garage or even the new Harbor Freight if cash is tight, you'll absolutely love the time and effort a polisher shaves from your process. You can equip one with brushes to clean tires, carpets and upholstery, so it's more than just a paint tool. I even scrub my shower with mine!

Bill

[The Guz]

Re: Questions from a somewhat Noob

1. If ultimate polish is working well and you don't have severe swirls then stick with it. If you have swirls or scratches that ultimate polish can't get out then that's where ultimate compound comes in. Just so you know, new cars can have swirls. Especially if the dealer washes the car prior to delivering it to you. Wash it and clay it. Then take a look at the paint's finish under the sun. That will give you an idea of what you are dealing with. A test spot is always recommended with the least aggressive method first. As I stated if UP works then stick with it. If you need more correction then go for UC. I think it is worth having it in your arsenal. You never know when you will need it.

2. If you are looking for a budget DA, harbor freight has one for about $55 when it is on sale. It has received some good reviews. Although it is a little loud and the backing plate isn't the best. So users usually replace it with a 5 inch backing plate and get 5.5 inch foam pads (for compounding, polishing and wax). You could get a microfiber bonnet to remove wax but I find it best to remove it with a good microfiber towel such as the meguiar's supreme shine.

3. I'm a fan of ultimate protectant. I use it on my interior. I have not used the new ultimate interior detailer but it is supposed to leave a semi-matte finish along with a little UV protection. Ultimate protectant offers more protection. If you are happy with ultimate protectant then stick with it. Although it never hurts to try new products .

A tip on how I use ultimate protectant is to first use quick interior detailer. I use it as my foundation for a light cleaning and follow up with ultimate protectant.

[Cranston37]

Re: Questions from a somewhat Noob

Thanks for the replies!