[tofu-]

thanks greg.

is prepsol safe to use on a vehicle 3-4 times a year prior to waxing or post polishing?

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by mob17

Greg,

I wish you shipped to the UK

Sorry about that, I sincerely wish we did too. We had so many problems with international shipments it was just too time consuming to continue on with. Hopefully we'll have it back at some point, but it will not be in the near future.

Greg

Originally Posted by tofu-

thanks greg.

is prepsol safe to use on a vehicle 3-4 times a year prior to waxing or post polishing?

Sorry I'm not sure what you mean by prepsol? Once I have that info I'll try to get back to you.

Greg

[MxRacerCam]

Hey Greg,

What do you recommend for an inexpensive orbital? I plan on using a clay bar on my Barbara Red 335i to get rid of the bugs and contaminants, but after I do that, I'll want to use a light cleaner wax and a good sealer wax, and feel like an inexpensive orbital might make my life a lot easier. It's something I'll use once every 6-8 weeks just for upkeep on the one car. I'm not looking to recondition the paint or do anything particularly heavy though.

Thanks for your help!

-Dave

[BMW335icoupe]

Originally Posted by MxRacerCam

Hey Greg,

What do you recommend for an inexpensive orbital? I plan on using a clay bar on my Barbara Red 335i to get rid of the bugs and contaminants, but after I do that, I'll want to use a light cleaner wax and a good sealer wax, and feel like an inexpensive orbital might make my life a lot easier. It's something I'll use once every 6-8 weeks just for upkeep on the one car. I'm not looking to recondition the paint or do anything particularly heavy though.

Thanks for your help!

-Dave

Griots Garage.

[2ndname]

I have a question o' wise one.

Today I've done the following:
1. Washed the car
2. Clayed the car
3. Used Menzerna's SIP PO83 with a cutting pad
4. Used Klasse's AIO with a polishing pad
5. Used 1 coat of Klasse's High Gloss with a finishing pad

Now, in about 2-3 weeks, I will be washing my car again (Yes, black car - PITA), what are the suggested steps? Do I do all of the steps above all over again? I want to rebuild my paint due to neglect from the previous owner so I want to make sure that I'm doing it right. Thanks in advance!

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by MxRacerCam

Hey Greg,

What do you recommend for an inexpensive orbital? I plan on using a clay bar on my Barbara Red 335i to get rid of the bugs and contaminants, but after I do that, I'll want to use a light cleaner wax and a good sealer wax, and feel like an inexpensive orbital might make my life a lot easier. It's something I'll use once every 6-8 weeks just for upkeep on the one car. I'm not looking to recondition the paint or do anything particularly heavy though.

Thanks for your help!

-Dave

Dave,

Unfortunately the very inexpensive units are usually not worth it because they don't have enough power to work in a polish and the pad/bonnets are not great for the paint. For a high quality buffer that is reasonably affordable the Porter Cable 7424 XP is a great choice, in a kit like this one DI Packages Porter Cable 7424XP 4" Basic Kit.

If you have the time for a two step process I'd highly recommend getting a polish and sealant instead of a cleaner wax and a sealer wax, which would be somewhat redundant. By using a light polish like the Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish M205 you can clean the surface and remove some of the ultra fine swirls and oxidation. I would apply this with at least two white pads and then pick up one blue pad for the sealant. My favorite sealant is the Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection but the Rejex Sealant will also work great. This combo should produce an incredible shine and protect the surface for months. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be happy to help.

Greg @ DI

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by BMW335icoupe

Griots Garage.

The Griot's Garage Random Orbital Polisher is a great choice as well for just a bit more money than the PC.

Greg @ DI

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by 2ndname

I have a question o' wise one.

Today I've done the following:
1. Washed the car
2. Clayed the car
3. Used Menzerna's SIP PO83 with a cutting pad
4. Used Klasse's AIO with a polishing pad
5. Used 1 coat of Klasse's High Gloss with a finishing pad

Now, in about 2-3 weeks, I will be washing my car again (Yes, black car - PITA), what are the suggested steps? Do I do all of the steps above all over again? I want to rebuild my paint due to neglect from the previous owner so I want to make sure that I'm doing it right. Thanks in advance!

Glad to hear the detailing went well! In 2 - 3 weeks you'll have plenty of protection left on the surface so you don't have to do anything. Obviously a nice wash will help clean the surface and you can add that freshly detailed appearance with a quick coat of wax or a spray on product. The Chemical Guys HYBRID V7 - Optical Select High Gloss Spray Sealant is very popular for this task as it adds protection and a noticeable shine. With about 15 - 20 minutes the whole car should look like it was freshly detailed. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be happy to help.

Greg @ DI

[MxRacerCam]

Originally Posted by Detailed Image

Dave,

Unfortunately the very inexpensive units are usually not worth it because they don't have enough power to work in a polish and the pad/bonnets are not great for the paint. For a high quality buffer that is reasonably affordable the Porter Cable 7424 XP is a great choice, in a kit like this one DI Packages Porter Cable 7424XP 4" Basic Kit.

If you have the time for a two step process I'd highly recommend getting a polish and sealant instead of a cleaner wax and a sealer wax, which would be somewhat redundant. By using a light polish like the Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish M205 you can clean the surface and remove some of the ultra fine swirls and oxidation. I would apply this with at least two white pads and then pick up one blue pad for the sealant. My favorite sealant is the Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection but the Rejex Sealant will also work great. This combo should produce an incredible shine and protect the surface for months. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be happy to help.

Greg @ DI

Greg, thanks for the reply. I ended up getting the PC 7424XP and the Meguiars Microfiber kit. I am really impressed with how well this kit worked!

[deng]

The interior plastics/vinyl and leather is showing its age. What do you recommend I use to clean he polish these materials? I need a really good professional cleaner for my beige colored plastic and vinyl trims.

[mia335i]

What's your thought of Adams porter cable7424xp kit with swirl
Removal, polish and wax. (the 3 step kit ) comes with clay too. My car is a 09 jet black 335 with some swirls. Thanks

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by MxRacerCam

Greg, thanks for the reply. I ended up getting the PC 7424XP and the Meguiars Microfiber kit. I am really impressed with how well this kit worked!

Great selection and I'm thrilled to hear the DI Packages Porter Cable 7424XP & Meguiar's DA Microfiber Correction Kit worked out so well for you. Don't hesitate to ask any questions or check out our Ask a Pro Blog which has four different articles on this topic!

Greg @ DI

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by deng

The interior plastics/vinyl and leather is showing its age. What do you recommend I use to clean he polish these materials? I need a really good professional cleaner for my beige colored plastic and vinyl trims.

For leather, leatherette, vinyl and porous plastic surfaces I like to use the Leatherique Rejuvenator. This product is most known for treating seats but I've used it on the dashboard, doors, etc. It helps those surface not look and feel so dry. It will also simultaneously clean the surface and help the surface look more like new again. I would apply it with a terry cloth applicator or soft cloth. Let it sit for at least 15+ minutes and up to a few hours and then re-wipe the area with a clean microfiber towel. Sometimes if the towel is just ever so slightly damp it's a big help removing any excess product and contaminants on the surface.

If you have hard plastic surfaces or coated surfaces you can clean and protect them with the Einszett 1Z Cockpit Premium. This is a great interior cleaner and protectant I use all over.

Don't forget to save 10% off with the e90post coupon code. I hope this info was helpful!

Greg @ DI

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by mia335i

What's your thought of Adams porter cable7424xp kit with swirl
Removal, polish and wax. (the 3 step kit ) comes with clay too. My car is a 09 jet black 335 with some swirls. Thanks

The Porter Cable 7424XP Random Orbital Buffer is a great tool I use and highly recommend to others. Clay is pretty generic so I assume that should work fine. As for the Adam's polishes I honestly can't say because I haven't used them. My concern is I don't see/hear of a lot of pro's and elite detailers I know using those polishes. My guess is that a combination like the Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish M205 and Meguiar's Ultra-Cut Compound M105 performs better and may be more cost effective too. Sorry I don't have more specifics for you!

If interested in learning more about the M105 and M205 combo check out these articles:
http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...ars-m105-m205/
http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...-cut-compound/
http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...-cable-7424xp/

We have a nice package deal here DI Packages PC 7424XP with M105, M205 and 5.5" pads or the very cost effective DI Packages Porter Cable 7424XP, Meguiar's Polishes and Hydro Pads Basic Kit. We also have a good clay bar and lube it here DI Packages DI Gentle Fine Grade Clay Bar 100g & Clay Lube. Lastly we offer free shipping on all orders over $149 with the coupon code DIFREE.

I hope this info helps!

Greg @ DI

[taibanl]

Originally Posted by Detailed Image

I understand so many choices can make it hard. In general I would suggest you pick up the DI Packages Porter Cable 7424XP 5.5" Starter Kit, and you can select any combination of pads you prefer by adding a comment in the comment field.

As for products if you just want to use a very light polish try the Menzerna Super Finish Polish SF 4000 (PO106FA Nano Polish) is a great choice applied with at least two white pads. This will help safely remove very fine imperfections, oxidation, etc. and restore a great shine. Afterward you can protect the surface and enhance the shine with a quality sealant. The Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Sealant is one of my favorite choices and can be applied with the blue pad.

I hand remove both of these products with clean DI Microfiber All Purpose Towel, probably at least 2 - 3 to remove the polish and 1 - 2 for the sealant. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be happy to help.

Greg @ DI

Originally Posted by Detailed Image

Dave,

Unfortunately the very inexpensive units are usually not worth it because they don't have enough power to work in a polish and the pad/bonnets are not great for the paint. For a high quality buffer that is reasonably affordable the Porter Cable 7424 XP is a great choice, in a kit like this one DI Packages Porter Cable 7424XP 4" Basic Kit.

If you have the time for a two step process I'd highly recommend getting a polish and sealant instead of a cleaner wax and a sealer wax, which would be somewhat redundant. By using a light polish like the Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish M205 you can clean the surface and remove some of the ultra fine swirls and oxidation. I would apply this with at least two white pads and then pick up one blue pad for the sealant. My favorite sealant is the Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection but the Rejex Sealant will also work great. This combo should produce an incredible shine and protect the surface for months. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be happy to help.

Greg @ DI

Originally Posted by Detailed Image

Glad to hear the detailing went well! In 2 - 3 weeks you'll have plenty of protection left on the surface so you don't have to do anything. Obviously a nice wash will help clean the surface and you can add that freshly detailed appearance with a quick coat of wax or a spray on product. The Chemical Guys HYBRID V7 - Optical Select High Gloss Spray Sealant is very popular for this task as it adds protection and a noticeable shine. With about 15 - 20 minutes the whole car should look like it was freshly detailed. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be happy to help.

Greg @ DI

Greg, I bought (from you) and had professionally applied (ImageAutoNY in Syracuse - did a great job) the Opti Coat based on another thread....from reading it seems like the sealant recommendations are all over the map? Can you briefly elaborate?

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by taibanl

Greg, I bought (from you) and had professionally applied (ImageAutoNY in Syracuse - did a great job) the Opti Coat based on another thread....from reading it seems like the sealant recommendations are all over the map? Can you briefly elaborate?

Thank you for the purchase, glad to hear the Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0 Permanent Paint Coating is protecting your paint. This type of product is in a category by itself above traditional sealants. This stuff is basically semi-permanent and should last two years plus.

Other sealants like the BFWD and PowerLock are great picks for about 4 - 6 months and they are two of my favorites. These are great for most detailers and doesn't require such an in depth application and prep that Opti-Coat requires. Chemical Guys HYBRID V7 - Optical Select High Gloss Spray Sealant is a great spray on sealant that is less durable than all of these but works great.

Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be happy to help.

Greg @ DI

[The Other Nerdist]

Hi Greg,

I just placed a large order from you (at least for me) of some Menzerna polishes, CG glaze, BFWD sealant, and CG Pete's wax along with a few other things. Several years ago I purchased the Flex kit from you with several pads and pad cleaners. I forgot to order more pad cleaners! Is there anything that I can use as a one time substitute to safely and effectively clean the pads? Thanks again for all the help!

[craneboy]

Hi, I've been using this product with great success so far,

http://www.poorboysworld.com/poorboys-polish-blue.htm

However, my local detailer in the UK has said that this product does not really get rid of scratches and bird marks, etc. It just masks them by using a filler.

Is this correct?

If so, could you recommend me an alternative to try that is as easy to apply and remove?

Many thanks,

Andy R

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by The Other Nerdist

Hi Greg,

I just placed a large order from you (at least for me) of some Menzerna polishes, CG glaze, BFWD sealant, and CG Pete's wax along with a few other things. Several years ago I purchased the Flex kit from you with several pads and pad cleaners. I forgot to order more pad cleaners! Is there anything that I can use as a one time substitute to safely and effectively clean the pads? Thanks again for all the help!

Thank you for the continued support of DI, it's sincerely appreciated! Yes you can use a light degreaser to clean the pads as well or even regular liquid soap but that may be less effective. The P21S Total Auto Wash is a great choice as it's a gentle cleaner that is pretty effective. If you have a traditional degreaser just dilute it a bit before using it. Let me know if you have any other questions and I'll be happy to help.

Greg @ DI

[Detailed Image]

Originally Posted by craneboy

Hi, I've been using this product with great success so far,

http://www.poorboysworld.com/poorboys-polish-blue.htm

However, my local detailer in the UK has said that this product does not really get rid of scratches and bird marks, etc. It just masks them by using a filler.

Is this correct?

If so, could you recommend me an alternative to try that is as easy to apply and remove?

Many thanks,

Andy R

Andy,

That polish with wax is non-abrasive so it can only help clean the surface, in general it will not remove the etchings from bird droppings, swirls, etc. If you'd like to remove the swirls before using this product I'd recommend a polish or combination of polishes like the PBW SSR 1 and SSR 2.5 or the Meguiar's M105 and M205. Two good combos for swirl removal that is not temporary and they don't hide imperfections.

Greg @ DI

[The Other Nerdist]

Greg,

I ordered Menzerna Super Finish Polish SF 4000 (PO106FA) & Super Intensive Polish SI 1500. I have a jet black BMW with some bad swirls, minor scratches, and etching. I've been reading where the jet black is soft. Would using the Super Intensive Polish with an orange pad and the Super Finish with a white pad be too aggressive? Its been a few years since I've done this and it was last on an Atlanta Blue Z with no problems. This is my first time working on this car and it doesn't look like its ever been worked on before. Thanks again!

[The Other Nerdist]

Another thing, and sorry for the multiple posts…using the Flex machine and the Super Intensive Polish with an orange pad and Super Finishing Polish and the White pad, what speed setting would you recommend? I'm afraid to crank it up at the risk of damaging anything.