I'm fairly new to the world of auto detailing...well as far as using a Porter Cable 7424 XP random orbital buffer. I would like to test out my skills on my gf's 2001 Dodge Neon which is a blue color and is def in serious need of some paint care. Just asking for a few tips so that I can perfect my technique for when I get to my Black 2009 Corvette Coupe. Also I've been using Zaino on the coupe but have been hearing a lot about the Menzerna Polish line and that it is of high quality. I've been doing a little research and was just asking some opinions before I jump to buy a buffer and the products.

Thanks in advance
-FastEddie

Oh and on a sidenote I need to ask how do you guys clean your pedals on your Corvettes?

 

I used to have a PC, now a flex but the advice is the same.
Wash, clay, wash, machine polish, protect.
Buy several orange and white pads, and one finishing pad.
The orange is more aggressive. The advice is to start with the white, but you will achieve very little correction with it so be prepared to step up to the orange pad.
I use orange/menzerna sip, white/ZPC, then Z sealants.
Practice on one car and you should be fine.

 

Eddie,

Glad to hear you are getting more in to detailing. ThePorter Cable 7424XP Random Orbital Buffer is a great investment for any detailer to make. It does a great job of building up safe levels of heat and pressure to work in polishes and apply other products. As for what polishes to use there are several very good products out there. To permanently remove swirls I would suggest looking at the Menzerna Polishes as you suggested. My favorite combination is to use a good medium polish with an orange pad and a light polish with a white pad. For the medium polishes Menzerna has two good ones with the Menzerna Super Intensive Polish PO83 - 32 oz being slightly more aggressive and the Menzerna Power Finish PO203S - 32 oz being slightly less aggressive polish. Both work really well and do a great job of removing swirls, oxidation and other surface imperfections. After that I follow up with a white pad and a light polish like the Menzerna PO106FA Nano Polish (Super Finish) - 16 oz. This polish removes any haze on the surface and ensures an optically clear shine that is really vibrant and glowing. I highly recommend this combination to restore a really deep and glossy shine. I hand remove each of these products with a clean microfiber towel.

After polishing the paint protect it with a sealant and/or wax. Sealants offer more durable protection and are best for daily drivers. Waxes offer a little deeper gloss but it lasts far less. The Menzerna Full Molecular Jacket (FMJ) - 16 oz Kit is a nice option to use after. However my two favorite products are the Chemical Guys Jet Seal 109 - 16 oz and the Blackfire Wet Diamond with Polycharger - 16 oz. I apply these with a blue pad and my PC. After that you can certainly stop there or layer a carnauba wax on top Chemical Guys 50/50 Limited Series Concourse Paste Wax - 16 oz and the Dodo Juice Blue Velvet Hard wax - 250 ml. Both of these waxes will make the black paint look extra glossy and add more protection. Like most top quality waxes these need to be hand applied.

For the pedals I usually use a little bit of the P21S Total Auto Wash - 1000 ml Kit on a soft cloth. If they are really bad try using a soft brush as well. Also be careful with the pedals and make sure they are not slick when you are done.

To gain a better understanding of this process I highly recommend reading our Detailing Guide. If you have any additional questions please let me know.

Greg @ DI

 

http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-polisher.html

We offer the packages, including the PC-XP, that contain all the polishes and pads needed to properly polish a car. Using and practicing is a great idea also, but you will find it is a pretty quick learn and wish you had done it before. Call us if you need some help and review this post and some video's. Let us earn your business.