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Just Ordered a Porter Cable 7424. What else do I need?
Hello. I want my MINI to look it's best so I ordered a porter cable 7424 polisher. But I'm a little confused as to what else do i need? I looked at detailers paradise and theres many different kinds of polishing pads. It's a little overwhelming. Which ones should I get?
The only other things that are on my shopping list is the DVD by octaneguy and a decent wash mitt from detailer's paradise. What else do you guys recommend?
Karmacide,
Choosing OC's DVD is the next best step, that way you can watch and learn what else you need for your PC. That way you can order the right pads, polish, and wax.
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Hello. I want my MINI to look it's best so I ordered a porter cable 7424 polisher. But I'm a little confused as to what else do i need? I looked at detailers paradise and theres many different kinds of polishing pads. It's a little overwhelming. Which ones should I get?
The only other things that are on my shopping list is the DVD by octaneguy and a decent wash mitt from detailer's paradise. What else do you guys recommend?
For pads I would start with a black, white and orange. Use the black for putting on your wax (Epic) or for the filler (Amigo), White is what I use for light swirls using Swirl or Finish. I also sometimes use Amigo on a white pad. If you have stubborn swirls I use Swirl on an orange pad. DP also sells a yelow pad, but it is the most aggressive and I have not had to use it since Swirl on an orange pad or Cut on a white pad has taken out everything I have encountered.
So from least aggressive to most it goes black, white, orange and yellow for the DP pads. I really like the addition of my 4" pads since on the MINI there are many places that the 6" pads have a hard time getting to. So there is that to consider. For any pad you will need a backing plate that has Velcro so the pads are easy on and easy off.
Polish/wax wise I would get as a minimum Hydro (spray on wax), Epic (real synthetic wax), Swirl (really de-Swirl) and possibly some Slick. Slick and Hydro are two items that you can use between full-blown wax jobs. Slick is usefull for removing bugs, light dust and to add a quick shine. Hydro is a cool product you can use when the car is wet or dry to boost the Epic and add shine and protection.
I'm tired of typing so I'll let others add to the list. Check out some of the other threads on the Detailing 101 forum.
Hope that helps
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Last edited by MiniMaybee; 05-04-2007 at 08:03 AM.
Thanks. I apprectiate it. Just one more question, please! I was using zaino the previous year. Which is better: Zaino or the the Prima products i see on DP? What are the main differences if any?
I used Zaino in the past, but for me nothing can compete with the finish Epic leaves. Zaino has great products though. I still use their leather cleaner and conditioner as well as the tire treatment for car shows. Despite what some believe, putting Zaino on is not that difficult or time consuming and they smell great. I prefer the Prima line because I can get it locally here in Denver, Detailers Paradise is great supporter of our MINI club and of NAM, the products are well built and give great results. The durability of Epic and Z2 are identical in my experience but Epic leaves my car with a deep, wet looking finish. Add to that Hydro for in between spray-on waxing and Slick for quick detailing and it is really a great system.
Only negative for Epic vs. Z2 is that Epic can leave white marks on the trim whereas I use to use Z2 on my trim. Not a big deal though if you use Wizards Black Renew on the trim before using Epic and then use it to get any sloppiness off after waxing.
Ah I forgot some important questions. I've never used a porter cable before. Are the pads reusable/rewashable or once you're done with a pad you have to use another one and is it easier to work with the Curved edge pads? Is it safe to use on bonnet stripes or should i steer cleer of the stripes?
The pads are reusable - just wash them out well when you are done.
I don't use the convex pads - I have the regular DP/LC pads and I don't know why but I feel like if I had the convex pads, I would be concerned about losing control of the PC (I'm not particularly buff).
It is safe to use on your stripes, but you may want to tape the edges with painters tape just to be safe. You don't want to cause the edges to lift or jam any product up in there.
You will need to get polishing pads. If you go with the lake county system, there are 3 levels. Meguiars has two levels (well three, but everyone says stay away from the maroon cutting pad). Looks like autopia has both types on sale right now.
Then you will need the right polishes to go with each level. Of course there is a much wider variety of brands to choose from as well as levels of abrasiveness.
If I can interject with a related question: Is the OG DVD adequate for total PC n00bs? I've heard that the PC can be quite dangerous for someone who has never used one before (dangerous as in extremely damaging to the paint if you're careless/inexperienced).
My birthday's coming up and the PC/DVD is on the top of my list.
If I can interject with a related question: Is the OG DVD adequate for total PC n00bs? I've heard that the PC can be quite dangerous for someone who has never used one before (dangerous as in extremely damaging to the paint if you're careless/inexperienced).
My birthday's coming up and the PC/DVD is on the top of my list.
you're probably referring to the direct drive buffers. the buffers we use
are random orbitals so you're safe. just dont get any debris/grime on the
pads and you're set. any weekend detailer with patience can get
good at using random orbitals, imho.
im sure pro's like OG and DP use direct drive buffers when needed.
any weekend detailer with patience can get 
