i want to start detailing my car myself and possibly a few friends. i just bought an orbital buffer and some pads, anyone have any tips so i can get started? i found a few write ups but it seems its all opinion. i have a really weathered jet black paint job that needs tending to. i got a set of foam pads 3 polishing (heavy fine and extra fine) as well as 3 cutting (heavy fine and extra fine) and a wool pad. im not even sure where to start haha. usually when i detail i do it by hand and use a clay bar then polish and wax. now that i have the bufferim sure i can squeeze in a few more steps to get a professional job done. can anyone point me in the direction of a step by step? im trying to read up on the subject because theres a lot of science behind it sort of speak. like i said with so many different opinions its hard to choose one on my own. any detailers care to share a few products and routes i could take? time between application? technique? product removal? ect... thank you

 

best site to learn about detailing is autopia.org or possibly autogeek.net. I'm still a newbie when it comes to detailing but I learned so much from those sites.

Nothing feels more satisfying than looking at your beautiful jet black car looking almost mirror finish.

 

nice ill check that out thanks

 

autopia.org is a great resource. Take some time and do some research on that site. A word of caution, there are strong opinions on what is "best" and it you need to experiment a bit to find out what works for you on your car. But, when you start, begin with a less aggressive product and progress to more aggressive product SLOWLY. I've seen people go way to aggressive way too fast and do more harm than good.

 

Go to a junkyard and get a door panel and practice on that. I think that could be a good way to learn.

 

i have a toyota for work thats going to be my test subject

 

I started out with some of the over the counter products when I first got my DA polisher. The Meg stuff such as Ultimate Compound and Swirl X are good starting products to use with a polisher to get the hang of it especially the patience to do 2'x2' panel at a time. I was so used to do the entire hood or several panels before worrying about removing the dried product. Also I highly recommend Blackfire Wet Diamond if you have black car. Love that wet finish look.

GL

 

I've used my DA polisher with Meg ultimate compound and a CCS yellow cutting pad. That setup does nothing to BMW paint, but that same setup will remove all the scratches off my CRV's paint. Anyone got any good recommendation to BMW DA polisher setups?

 

What color is your car? Mine is jet black and I think the paint is soft, can be marred easily. I use da, Meg yellow pad and 205. If I want more cut I use optimum hyper compound, not the 105. Too much dust and hard to wipe down. Thinking of getting the new Meg microfiber correction system since it has great reviews so far by the pros.

 

What's 105 vs 205?