Hey all,

Looking to get started using a buffer and getting a complete setup to detail my car. The current car has some swirling, pretty bad in some parts, with misc scratches and slight water spotting across the car. I'd like to correct it, and bring the car back to its showroom, if not better, condition.

Here's my purchase list:

Polishes/Sealants:
Menzerna PO85RD
Menzerna PO203
Menzerna PO106FA
Menzerna LPS

Machine/Pads:
Griots Garage Polisher (comes with 2x White CCS 6.5", 2xGrey CCS 6.5", 1x Blue CCS 6.5", Pad cleaner/conditioner)
5" Backing Plate
2x Orange Lake County 5.5"
2x White Lake County 5.5"
1x Black Lake County 5.5"
1x Blue Lake County 5.5"

Misc:
303 Cleaner & Conditioner
Applicator Pads
Microfiber Buffing & Detailing Cloths
SchMITT Yellow/White glove
Chemical Guys Citrus Wash&Gloss
Chemical Guys Medium Clay bar & lube

Am I going to have too many pads? I've read several posts saying the 6.5" pads are great for large areas, but can be a pain to do smaller areas (that the S2k definitely has). Would the 5.5" be good for the smaller areas, or should I go even smaller down to 4"?

Also, I know I'm missing a wax. I'm used to the standard NXT Tech wax put on by hand, and was a little confused at all the choices as far as waxes (liquid vs. carnuba) and the application process.

Thanks guys!

 

From my research the 85RD and the 106FA are pretty much the same. I would look at S34A instead if you have some heavily marked spots.

If you go to the Menzerna Website there is a good right up on the different compounds and use. The 85/87 series were the starting compounds they had, but there looks to be a lot of overlap...

I use the S34A, PO203, PO106FA, and the 60APO (only if I am not sealing the car, I detail as a hobby for friends and fam..)

You don't need a lot of pads if you are not doing multiple cars a day, just wash them after use. You only need one pad a car unless you are using the same pad type for multiple compounds.

You will also have to let the LPS set-up for at least 12hrs before putting a coat of wax down. I actually put a second coat of LPS on my car today (look under Show you Car for pics) First time using it and I am really impressed... Just now trying to identify a wax to put down over it... Also the pad you use to put the LPS down won't be able to be really washed well, stuff just repels water

OH if you are going to wax/seal using a polisher, get the LC Red pad, it soaks up less of the material, and the LPS ain't cheap!

 

i'd stick with the 5.5" , the 4" pads are too small and are really are for tight spaces.

 

You can drop the 106FA, the P203S is more than versatile enough to replace it, you can change the cut with the pad so it shouldn't be necessary.

Also, get 5.5 inch pads, 6.5 is too big for a DA Polisher. As far as the LSP, I would recommend you pick up Menzerna Powerlock while your at it, looks very glossy(exactly what you want for white) and is a breeze to use. Good luck

 

If anything, drop the 203 and keep the 106 and 85RD.
pads are ok, but I'd lose one of the orange and gain and extra black.

Once you polish your car once, you should only have to hit it with a final polish anytime it needs some love. Our paint is CRAZY soft so not much need for orange pads nor 203.

 

Sweet, that was the kind of feedback I was looking for. Thanks for the help guys!