Wow. I've spent entirely too much time cruising around in here looking at old posts and just trying to learn.

I've got a 2004 Silverstone. There are some paint flaws - most notably, where a paint shop missed the match on respraying the nose of the car, and a couple knicks from the previous owner. Otherwise the car is low mileage and in great shape, and I love it.

I recently got it detailed by a pro, a hand detail, and while it does look nicer - it's still got swirls in it (no surprise I guess with a hand detail). And so, I borrowed a Porter Cable polisher from a coworker.

My problem is this. I don't know what to buy.

More specifically, I don't know what *brands* to buy. I know the basic process - wash, dry, clay, polish, seal. But the number of choices is staggering. I've been a zymol guy for years, but their HD Cleanse doesn't seem to do much on the swirls (although, I haven't tried it with the PC yet).

Blackfire...Chemical Guys...Zaino...Pinnacle...Einszett...Menzerna...Po orboys...it goes on, and on, and on. I just found yet another, Collonite. Microfiber or terrycloth cotton? Depends on who I ask, it seems. It's overwhelming.

Then there's all these pads you have to select from, and when people tell me something like "use an orange pad," that doesn't mean a whole lot to me.

I printed up a copy of the detail handbook from the sticky at the top, and that did help somewhat as far as technique is concerned. But I'm still at a loss for what to buy. Any suggestions welcome.

--Detailing newbie in NC

 

its all opinion -
best way to learn is to post up in your local forum that you have the machine and have done some reading but would like someone to show you the how to... they can give you their favs as to products and you can buy them, or maybe they will bring theirs . offer to supply refreshments. and let us know how it goes!

btw, assume you have seen our videos in our how tos section?

 

check out...

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/

lots of great info