DakarM

for the really aggressive swirls/deep scratches. i end up using griots garage 3 step polishing compound. usually i can get away with just the mildest compound and that is the first one i try but if that fails. the three step hasn't failed me yet.

Spec R

haha i could have taken the time, but i really didnt want to haha

DakarM

yeah it takes all day ~8hrs :hs:

Spec R

oh yeah, this one took about 12 hours...over 2 days.

white_n_slow

Detailing newb question: what kind of polisher do I need? What are the necessary features for a cheap-ass like myself?

I was thinking of shining up the g20 before I send her off to her next owner.

white_n_slow

? :hsd:

Spec R

when doing a test spot, its important to tape off the area to get the most contrast between the corrected area vs the non corrected area.

sorry i didnt get these questions at first glance. the porter cable 7424 is the most commonly used random orbital polisher on the market. there are re-badged versions of it from griots and meguairs with small changes to the motors and ergonomics, but yeah they're supposedly just PC's.

would u be polishing out cars down the line? i would think it would be better just to have the G20 done by a local detailer, since you'd be spending the same amount. most guys charge around 200-300 bucks - which is what you'd be spending on the polisher, pads, towels, and product.

white_n_slow

I don't have immediate plans to polish anything else, but I will probably be doing a rustoleum job on both the truck and the civic at some point down the road, and I'm sure at some point in the future I'll want to be able to detail shiz. I've always been of the mindset that a little extra $$$ is worth the experience and the larger collection of tools.

So it's going to run 200-300, how much of that is the polisher itself, and how much is accessories?

DakarM

about 150-190 for the polisher. you'll want the 5" rubber hook and loop fastener and whatever polishing/sealing/cleaning compounds you want. for good polishing pad it's about $10/pad.

Spec R

yep - whatever system you decide to choose, go with the recommended pad for that system. systems usually consist of 3 main steps - polishing/cutting, finishing/polishing, wax/sealant application. there might be other steps, but they all fall within those 3.

you'll usually find its a 3 pad combo - 1st pad is a stiff, "cutting" pad. 2nd is more of a "polishing" or "finish" pad. 3rd is a soft pad to apply sealant/wax.

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