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Oh Geeze... I've Been Bitten by the Detailing Bug :-\
Well folks, you did it. I am seriously hooked on detailing now. I cant wait for warm weather! But....its about to snow here.
I've been reading post after post, write up after write up....I'm HOOKED!!! I've been looking around and plan on spending ~$200 on supplies. Well, thats if I get a PC/OB. ~$100 for chemicals only.
What exactly is the difference between a PC() and an OB()? I have mild to medium swirls, (salsa...haha) that I'm trying to get rid of. Also what is a good drying towel? I've been using a chamois, but I don't like it. I've heard of waffle weave, but what is adequate for drying?
I have to say, OctaneGuy, your write ups are pretty much amazing.
Be glad that the bug bit you when you had a MINI and not, say, a Suburban. I was pretty indifferent about detailing before my MINI as well, and now I too am hooked. Welcome to the family!
I'm not sure what an "OC" is, but a PC (a Porter Cable random-orbital polisher) is pretty much the de-facto polishing tool for any and all cars, according to the detailing gurus here and elsewhere. I know that Griot's random-orbital is based on the same technoligy as the PC and works every bit as well (I've used both and for a non-pro I think that either will give you great results). Porter Cables are available from all over, though, usually with a good bundle offer (see Detailers Paradise site for good deals on PCs, pads and backing plates - everything you need).
As far as polishing cloths, what *I* use is:
Application: generally a good (plush) microfiber cloth such as the Detailers Paradise "Monster Fluffy" towel. This can also be used to remove product.
Removal: I read on someone's site (Zaino's I think) that they recommend "WHITE, 100% COTTON, MADE-IN-USA ONLY" towels with any selvages (trim) cut off for this use. Intrugued, I went and bought a single bath sheet conforming to these requirements from Bed Bath and Beyond (I think I paid $12) and cut that towel into 6 hand-sized clothss and 4 small detailing cloths. I've been VERY happy with the results - the cotton clothes seem to have just a bit more "tooth" than microfiber, which makes removing substances like cured wax very easy. Don't get towels from India or China, even if they say "100% cotton" on the label, as some people have reported that sometimes they still contain artiicial fibers (which can scratch).
Drying: A large, 100% cotton "Made in USA" towel... I've used the DP "Waffle Weave" drying cloth as well, and loved it. I use an older, scruffier (Made in China, I believe) towel on the wheels ONLY, as the paint there is tougher and sometimes has brake dust residue (baaaaad for paint).
Good luck!!
__________________
~Matt Cook | Dublin, Ohio | '92 Classic Mini Sprite: "Fiona" + Purple Haze 2005 MCS Cabrio: "Dawn". See old MODs from "Nano" HERE - post #166 - many with How-to links!
I have the same level of excitement as you. I just spent a boatload on a PC and every Prima thing under the sun... Oh the sun, how i miss thee.
Waffleweaves are the best drying towel out (I don't have one, but plan on ordering from DetailersParadise). I used to use a chamois but cringed everytime i dragged it across the paint (yay swirls).
A PC is a PorterCable polisher. You can pick one up at DetailersParadise as well, and defiantly try out Prima's Swirl.
I would also highly recomend OctaneGuy's dvd that you can get in the NAM store. At first i thought it was a really weird concept to buy a dvd on polsihing a car, but I am so glad that i finally gave in and bought it. You will really thank yourself (or you can thank me too )
qwertmonkey - you need to wash the infected area immediately with alcohol. Put some antibiotic on the bite and wrap with a warm Monster Fluffy then get yourself right to the hospital. There is little hope that you will ever fully recover, but pray to your God that you have not become one of the undead. Quick - there's still time.
Be glad that the bug bit you when you had a MINI and not, say, a Suburban. I was pretty indifferent about detailing before my MINI as well, and now I too am hooked. Welcome to the family!
I'm not sure what an "OC" is, but a PC (a Porter Cable random-orbital polisher) is pretty much the de-facto polishing tool for any and all cars, according to the detailing gurus here and elsewhere. I know that Griot's random-orbital is based on the same technoligy as the PC and works every bit as well (I've used both and for a non-pro I think that either will give you great results). Porter Cables are available from all over, though, usually with a good bundle offer (see Detailers Paradise site for good deals on PCs, pads and backing plates - everything you need).
As far as polishing cloths, what *I* use is:
Application: generally a good (plush) microfiber cloth such as the Detailers Paradise "Monster Fluffy" towel. This can also be used to remove product.
Removal: I read on someone's site (Zaino's I think) that they recommend "WHITE, 100% COTTON, MADE-IN-USA ONLY" towels with any selvages (trim) cut off for this use. Intrugued, I went and bought a single bath sheet conforming to these requirements from Bed Bath and Beyond (I think I paid $12) and cut that towel into 6 hand-sized clothss and 4 small detailing cloths. I've been VERY happy with the results - the cotton clothes seem to have just a bit more "tooth" than microfiber, which makes removing substances like cured wax very easy. Don't get towels from India or China, even if they say "100% cotton" on the label, as some people have reported that sometimes they still contain artiicial fibers (which can scratch).
Drying: A large, 100% cotton "Made in USA" towel... I've used the DP "Waffle Weave" drying cloth as well, and loved it. I use an older, scruffier (Made in China, I believe) towel on the wheels ONLY, as the paint there is tougher and sometimes has brake dust residue (baaaaad for paint).
Good luck!!
Well, we have an LR3 too so...
Thanks for the advice. I think I'm going with a Makita Random Orbital Polisher. (Since I now know what it is, I'm going with a brand that I particularly like. ) And as for drying, I think I'll go with a waffle weave. I don't want to take the chances with a cotton towel. I'm afraid it will have badd stuff in it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcdbrendan
I have the same level of excitement as you. I just spent a boatload on a PC and every Prima thing under the sun... Oh the sun, how i miss thee.
Waffleweaves are the best drying towel out (I don't have one, but plan on ordering from DetailersParadise). I used to use a chamois but cringed everytime i dragged it across the paint (yay swirls).
A PC is a PorterCable polisher. You can pick one up at DetailersParadise as well, and defiantly try out Prima's Swirl.
I would also highly recomend OctaneGuy's dvd that you can get in the NAM store. At first i thought it was a really weird concept to buy a dvd on polsihing a car, but I am so glad that i finally gave in and bought it. You will really thank yourself (or you can thank me too )
Thanks for the drying advice. I was the same way with the chamois. I just thought, "I have to be doing something wrong!" And as for the DVD, I guess I'm going to have to get one of those too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kenchan
and the others are just kinda like noise in the background.
Tell me about it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MiniMaybee
qwertmonkey - you need to wash the infected area immediately with alcohol. Put some antibiotic on the bite and wrap with a warm Monster Fluffy then get yourself right to the hospital. There is little hope that you will ever fully recover, but pray to your God that you have not become one of the undead. Quick - there's still time.
Well, since I don't have a Monster Fluffy yet, I'll have to order one right away!!! :impatient
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcdbrendan
^^ hahaha
mcdbrendan....hmm....well I'm just playing with the new multi quote feature.
Thanks for the advice. I think I'm going with a Makita Random Orbital Polisher. (Since I now know what it is, I'm going with a brand that I particularly like. ) And as for drying, I think I'll go with a waffle weave. I don't want to take the chances with a cotton towel. I'm afraid it will have badd stuff in it!
Thanks for the drying advice. I was the same way with the chamois. I just thought, "I have to be doing something wrong!" And as for the DVD, I guess I'm going to have to get one of those too.
Well, since I don't have a Monster Fluffy yet, I'll have to order one right away!!! :impatient
mcdbrendan....hmm....well I'm just playing with the new multi quote feature.
1) Waffle Weave drying towel. I use 1 for drying the paint outside and I don't drag it across the paint, I just put it on the panels and let it absorb the water; and I use another slightly dirty one for drying off the door sills and hatchback areas.
2) Monster Fluffy... great, super soft MF towel that I use for Quick Detailing with Slick, and for Hydro and for buffing off Epic
3) Hydro. This stuff actually changed my #1. Although I've only had one chance to use it once, if I'm going to use Hydro, I spray it on the car while it is wet and wipe it off with the Monster Fluffy. Great shine.
__________________
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www.myminiac.com -- mini-themed t-shirts (unveiled at AMVIV and MOTD 5!!)
I too had the bug hit me earlier this year. Needless to say , my MINI looks incredible. What I derived from reading and reading posts is that you need a pc to get the flawless finish. Believe me if you are using your spare time to read these forums you are searching for the best.
I have followed alot of Octane Guys recommendations and they have been what I was looking for.
The PC with meguiars m80 is very easy to work with , match it up with Meguiars pads w8006 for light swirl removal and a glossy finish.
I've not tried the swirl that others talk about. Good price is autodetailingsolutions.com for meg's stuff
I then bought the coopersport.ca package so, after swirl removal I use Prima's amigo to get out the very fine micro marring left behind (only visible on the mini black roof) I found this on the black finishing pad from Lake country to be the ticket.
Then top with Epic . I use slick for QD and it leaves behind a noticeable gloss. The mystique wash also leaves a gloss behind. Nero for the black trim.
The towels that came with the package are awesome as well. You definately need to spend money on that stuff too.
Oh ya, a metal polish, tire dressing lots of masking tape.
Your gonna need a floor jack and some stands because you'll need to take the wheels off to clean the back side and the wheel wells.
that makita polisher is a boatload of money!!! check out a PorterCable 7336 from detailersparadise before you spend that much.
Well I know it is, but I've had really good luck with Makita. I'll check out a few other brands before I take the plunge.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mini_dreams
yes, another one comes over to the shiny side.
well, my 2-3 favorite products are:
1) Waffle Weave drying towel. I use 1 for drying the paint outside and I don't drag it across the paint, I just put it on the panels and let it absorb the water; and I use another slightly dirty one for drying off the door sills and hatchback areas.
2) Monster Fluffy... great, super soft MF towel that I use for Quick Detailing with Slick, and for Hydro and for buffing off Epic
3) Hydro. This stuff actually changed my #1. Although I've only had one chance to use it once, if I'm going to use Hydro, I spray it on the car while it is wet and wipe it off with the Monster Fluffy. Great shine.
Thanks for the insight. I'm definitly looking into a high quality MF towel. I'm pretty sure I'm going with the Monster Fluffy. Plus, I love the name.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mini44
I too had the bug hit me earlier this year. Needless to say , my MINI looks incredible. What I derived from reading and reading posts is that you need a pc to get the flawless finish. Believe me if you are using your spare time to read these forums you are searching for the best.
I have followed alot of Octane Guys recommendations and they have been what I was looking for.
The PC with meguiars m80 is very easy to work with , match it up with Meguiars pads w8006 for light swirl removal and a glossy finish.
I've not tried the swirl that others talk about. Good price is autodetailingsolutions.com for meg's stuff
I then bougt the coopersport.ca package so, after swirl removal I use Prima's amigo to get hout the very fine micro marring left behind (only visible on the mini black roof) I found this on the black finishing pad from Lake country to be the ticket.
Then top with Epic . I use slick for QD and it leaves behind a noticeable gloss. The mystique wash also leaves a gloss behind. Nero for the black trim.
The towels that came with the package are awesome as well. You definately need to spend money on that stuff too.
Oh ya, a metal polish, tire dressing lots of masking tape.
Your gonna need a floor jack and some stands because you'll need to take the wheels off to clean the back side and the wheel wells.
Are you scared yet?
Scared? Never. lol I knew about the floor jack, but I've been doing that for a while. I have a thing about good looking wheel wells and tires. The only think that I need to learn a bit more about is the Polish and pads. There are so many different w's and 000's, it gets confusing! :impatient
I've been looking around and plan on spending ~$200 on supplies. Well, thats if I get a PC/OB. ~$100 for chemicals only.
) and an OB(
) And as for drying, I think I'll go with a waffle weave. I don't want to take the chances with a cotton towel. I'm afraid it will have badd stuff in it! 
