Hey Everyone,

First off, I'm a bit of a beginner to all this, admittedly I've T-cut some red cars and made them back to like new again. But now I'm looking at 'proper' polishing/detailing on my own vehicles but I'm a little unsure as to what to buy in the way of products and pads.

I have a DeWalt rotary polisher (yes, I know, the words  Beginner and rotary in the same subject!). Which I was given by a friend, it came with a few of his leftovers, but I would like to start afresh. The cars it will be used on have medium to soft paint (VAG group and Toyota). Two are light colours and the other is Black.

The main aim is to remove a few scratches and give the cars a nice deep clean shine. I have some AG Ultra Deep shine hanging about and also AG extra gloss protection, but these are both more Glazes/sealants from what I've read up on them? And as for pads, I haven't a clue really!

So could someone (or a few), recommend what Polishes and Pads combo would be of best use. Oh and also any waxes/sealants/other fluids and products to use, as neither car has been polished in at least 4 years so will be having the Claybar/polish/sealant treatment. Have looked up quite a few 'how-to' guides on what to do, but still unsure as to what to use.

Thanks in advance for your help, and for patience with my stupid questions further down the line!
Cheers
Rob

Hi Rob,

 

Firstly dont be scared about using the rotary, they are not fire breathing monsters like they are made out to be on the forums. Yes they can cause damage but if you have basic common sense you will be fine.

 

I would advise reading a guide on detailing work by DaveKG i think his name is on rotary polishing. It would be beneficial for you to practice on a scrap panel if you can get hold of one, if not using a polish with fillers or a glaze would help you get to grips with how the rotary work. AutoSmart Topaz works well for this and i can send you a sample if that would help.

 

Pads wise with a rotary i use Chemical Guys Hex Logic and also Lake Country Hydro Tech pads - you will need a few different ones. The colours relate to the amount of cut each pad has. For example, for you i would recommend in Hex Logic getting a black, white and a green.

 

For polish i highly recommend Koch Chemie range i use M2.01 and H7.01. Be careful using the H7.01 on a rotary, it cuts aggressively.

 

I would also suggest looking at some Meguiars M205 as it is very versatile with different pads on the rotary, it can cut well on Toyota paint.

 

Always start with the least aggressive combo and work your way up from there if it is not correcting enough e.g. M2.01 or M205 on black, if not enough then step up to white and so on.

 

Only step up polish after you have gone to the most aggressive pad then start again with the least aggressive pad with a more aggressive polish. Hope that makes sense?

 

Need to have a deep clean wash and decontaminate the paint, tar and iron removal then clay before polishing.

 

Easy to use stuff i would recommend tac systems ceramic coat followed by bilt hamber double speed wax. Cracking combo IMO that doesnt break the bank. 

 

I hope this helps a bit, anymore questions just ask.

 

Cheers,

 

Ben.

Good advice Ben

I use Sonax , Menzerna and Scholl Polishes

Also read the Polished Bliss Guide:

HERE

Hi Rob,

 

Firstly dont be scared about using the rotary, they are not fire breathing monsters like they are made out to be on the forums. Yes they can cause damage but if you have basic common sense you will be fine.

 

I would advise reading a guide on detailing work by DaveKG i think his name is on rotary polishing. It would be beneficial for you to practice on a scrap panel if you can get hold of one, if not using a polish with fillers or a glaze would help you get to grips with how the rotary work. AutoSmart Topaz works well for this and i can send you a sample if that would help.

 

Pads wise with a rotary i use Chemical Guys Hex Logic and also Lake Country Hydro Tech pads - you will need a few different ones. The colours relate to the amount of cut each pad has. For example, for you i would recommend in Hex Logic getting a black, white and a green.

 

For polish i highly recommend Koch Chemie range i use M2.01 and H7.01. Be careful using the H7.01 on a rotary, it cuts aggressively.

 

I would also suggest looking at some Meguiars M205 as it is very versatile with different pads on the rotary, it can cut well on Toyota paint.

 

Always start with the least aggressive combo and work your way up from there if it is not correcting enough e.g. M2.01 or M205 on black, if not enough then step up to white and so on.

 

Only step up polish after you have gone to the most aggressive pad then start again with the least aggressive pad with a more aggressive polish. Hope that makes sense?

 

Need to have a deep clean wash and decontaminate the paint, tar and iron removal then clay before polishing.

 

Easy to use stuff i would recommend tac systems ceramic coat followed by bilt hamber double speed wax. Cracking combo IMO that doesnt break the bank. 

 

I hope this helps a bit, anymore questions just ask.

 

Cheers,

 

Ben.

 

 

Some great advice there Ben - really appreciate the time taken with that response.

 

 

The move to the  Koch Chemie range has been a real eye-opener it has to be said.

 

Thanks for steering me down this route - I haven't looked back at all!

 

 

Keep up the good work matie. :beer:

Thanks Ste.

 

Pleased you like the Koch Chemie range, for me it was a real step up, they are very easy to work with and i cant recommend them enough. 

 

That said i have just bought myself some Scholl S40 for jeweling so we shall see how that is....

Hi Rob,

Firstly dont be scared about using the rotary, they are not fire breathing monsters like they are made out to be on the forums. Yes they can cause damage but if you have basic common sense you will be fine.

I would advise reading a guide on detailing work by DaveKG i think his name is on rotary polishing. It would be beneficial for you to practice on a scrap panel if you can get hold of one, if not using a polish with fillers or a glaze would help you get to grips with how the rotary work. AutoSmart Topaz works well for this and i can send you a sample if that would help.

Pads wise with a rotary i use Chemical Guys Hex Logic and also Lake Country Hydro Tech pads - you will need a few different ones. The colours relate to the amount of cut each pad has. For example, for you i would recommend in Hex Logic getting a black, white and a green.

For polish i highly recommend Koch Chemie range i use M2.01 and H7.01. Be careful using the H7.01 on a rotary, it cuts aggressively.

I would also suggest looking at some Meguiars M205 as it is very versatile with different pads on the rotary, it can cut well on Toyota paint.

Always start with the least aggressive combo and work your way up from there if it is not correcting enough e.g. M2.01 or M205 on black, if not enough then step up to white and so on.

Only step up polish after you have gone to the most aggressive pad then start again with the least aggressive pad with a more aggressive polish. Hope that makes sense?

Need to have a deep clean wash and decontaminate the paint, tar and iron removal then clay before polishing.

Easy to use stuff i would recommend tac systems ceramic coat followed by bilt hamber double speed wax. Cracking combo IMO that doesnt break the bank.

I hope this helps a bit, anymore questions just ask.

Cheers,

Ben.

Awesome advice!! I'll second the advice given whole heartedly there. Although I haven't used the Koch Chemie polishes, I'll be reading up on them if Ben and Ste rate them. I need a replacement for the Menz Power Finish that I finally used up.

I know nothing of these Koch polishes either..It will have to be good to be a replacement for my present ones

Having said that, with the amount of work I'm getting and been promised in my new premesis , I will need some more polish pretty soon!!

Thanks Ben, that's great!
Can you recommend anything for tar and iron removal? I assume the iron removal would be for paint and wheels? (told you there would be silly questions!)

It's looking like quite a shopping list, I might just get it at under £100. Can anyone recommend a retailer??

Finally, I currently use a bog standard 'wash & wax' shampoo for day to day cleaning. Will this still be ok for the wash part of the process??


EDIT: yep, another question! Whats best to use, QD or a pad conditioner on the pad when polishing?

Thanks Ben, that's great!

Can you recommend anything for tar and iron removal? I assume the iron removal would be for paint and wheels? (told you there would be silly questions!)

It's looking like quite a shopping list, I might just get it at under £100. Can anyone recommend a retailer??

Finally, I currently use a bog standard 'wash & wax' shampoo for day to day cleaning. Will this still be ok for the wash part of the process??

EDIT: yep, another question! Whats best to use, QD or a pad conditioner on the pad when polishing?

For tar I would get something like AG Tar Remover or Auto Finesse OliTARate and for iron removal my favourite is Bilt Hamber Korrosol.

I would recommend Shop N Shine who are based in Derby, Dom is a great guy and will look after you.

Wash and Wax shampoo is fine for maintenance washes.

I usually prime my pad with a little bit of QD. Don't necessarily need a dedicated pad conditioner.

For tar I would get something like AG Tar Remover or Auto Finesse OliTARate and for iron removal my favourite is Bilt Hamber Korrosol.

I would recommend Shop N Shine who are based in Derby, Dom is a great guy and will look after you.

Wash and Wax shampoo is fine for maintenance washes.

I usually prime my pad with a little bit of QD. Don't necessarily need a dedicated pad conditioner.

 

 

Good recommendations there Ben.

 

I recently finished off my Autosmart Tardis bottle which was a good tar remover.

I have now switched to Autobrite Just the Tonic - which is also performing well.

 

...just to add another couple of well known options on the tar/glue remover.

Having just recently purchased a new white car I have noticed lots of little orange spots in the corners which are hard to remove using a standard snowfoam prewash and a wash with AG shampoo and conditioner. I  Have never noticed these on my Red or Blue octavias previously. Will these be Iron? and what's the best product to remove them the ones mentioned above tardis etc.?

That will be iron fallout.

Bilt hamber Korrosol would remove this. Or a clay bar.

That will be iron fallout.

Bilt hamber Korrosol would remove this. Or a clay bar.

 

I have some Bilt Hammer clay and was hoping to give one of them clay mits a try but predominantly I was hoping there was a product that would dissolve or at lease soften it. would Korrosol fit the bill? Oh and how the hell have I not noticed these spots before is it just a freak one off or is it because the car is white and easier to see? Where does it come from power stations etc?

I have some Bilt Hammer clay and was hoping to give one of them clay mits a try but predominantly I was hoping there was a product that would dissolve or at lease soften it. would Korrosol fit the bill? Oh and how the hell have I not noticed these spots before is it just a freak one off or is it because the car is white and easier to see? Where does it come from power stations etc?

Yeah Korrosol should remove it without having to result to clay.

Just easier to spot on white cars.

Comes from loads of places!

Me again!

Just looking back over the advice and hoping to pick up some Christmas discounts.....

with the koch chemie range, you mention the H7.01 cuts very aggressively on a rotary, would I be better off with the F5.01 to start alongside the M2.01?

Also, cant find tac systems ceramic coat anywhere. Any other alternatives?? Something like Auto Finesse Tough Coat a reasonable substitute?

Edited 9 December, 201510 yr by robt100

Can't edit more then once so have to put it here...

I also have AG ultra deep shine and Extra Gloss Protection, would either of these do as the sealant??

Me again!

Just looking back over the advice and hoping to pick up some Christmas discounts.....

with the koch chemie range, you mention the H7.01 cuts very aggressively on a rotary, would I be better off with the F5.01 to start alongside the M2.01?

Also, cant find tac systems ceramic coat anywhere. Any other alternatives?? Something like Auto Finesse Tough Coat a reasonable substitute?

Hi Rob,

You can only get F5 in litre sizes so unless you polish regularly I wouldn't recommend it.

You would be better getting H and M and if the M is not cutting it then switch to half and half. Start with a pea size of H and two pea sizes of M and work upwards if needs be.

As for TAC if you search 'saverschoiceuk' on Google. All their range is sold there.

Hope that helps.

They are OK, but will only last about 2 to 3 weeks at best

If you don't mind reapplying...They are better than nothing

Thanks for the assistance again.......one last thing..... Theres 3 different Tac coatings, none of which say ceramic coat......so what am I missing?? which is the equivalent?

Thanks for the assistance again.......one last thing..... Theres 3 different Tac coatings, none of which say ceramic coat......so what am I missing?? which is the equivalent?

Looks like it is out of stock at the moment, just checked myself.

I could send you some FOC?

That's a very kind offer Ben!! You sure you don't want anything for it?? I've got a while yet till I have time to do the polishing (im the lucky guy working 26th dec-2nd jan ) so there's not a hurry on that side, it was more sales time that has sped up my purchases.

Also, does anyone know a link to any good videos of how to apply sealants/wax? As id been doing polish wrong its best I check waxing before I start.

How about this:

https://youtu.be/We_x09XCf6I

thanks Chris, its given me a good idea on what to do.

I have now used the boxing day sales to buy most things! Just have the H7.01 and meguiars M205 and the TAC ceramic coat to buy when I find them (might have to take up the offer on the TAC stuff Ben!). Might be getting a bit of practice soon as a friend needs a very cheap runaround and I hope to make it look worth more than £200 for him!

I have now used the boxing day sales to buy most things! Just have the H7.01 and meguiars M205 and the TAC ceramic coat to buy when I find them (might have to take up the offer on the TAC stuff Ben!). Might be getting a bit of practice soon as a friend needs a very cheap runaround and I hope to make it look worth more than £200 for him!

Sorry for my late reply!

Yes shoot me a PM and I'll send some to you.

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