First Time Detailing Truck

So I'm looking at detailing the exterior of my 2014 Tacoma that I've had for just over a year now. I don't have the time to go super crazy with all the steps, nor do I want to polish it out of fear that I'll do more damage than good. I am looking at picking up a DA polisher to help expedite this process. Also, I want to go with a sealant instead of a wax due to the fact that I don't want nor have the time to be waxing 4-6 times a year. With this is mind, I called Autogeek.net to see what products they would recommend. Here's what they suggested:

Porter Cable

$139 7424XP PORTER-CABLE Car Polisher and Buffer, 6", Orbital, Variable Speed (7424XP)

7424XP
Backing Plate - what size should I get?
Lake Country CCS white pad - what size?
Lake Country CCS grey pad - what size?
Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay Special
Wolfgang Polish Enhancer (use white pad) - do I really need this?
Pinnacle Black Label Diamond Paint Sealant (use grey pad) - this stuff is really expensive. Is there something else as good but less expensive?

What do all think of this list?

David

 

Anyone have any feedback for any of this?

David

 

Honestly, the DA isn't necessary if all you are doing is applying a sealer. I almost want to say the process will be most "expedited" applying by hand. And you'll better be able to get to all the nooks and crannies and right up to all the edges to ensure best coverage. In a 100% synthetic sealer, there's no abrasive quality whatsoever. No pressure needed. In fact, less is better -- to lessen chances of swirls introduced from a pad. Sealer goes on much easier than waxes for the most part. Wipes off easier, too, on a near new vehicle like yours. In my opinion, for a daily driver you don't need to spend more than $23 on some Meguires Ultimate Liquid wax. It's awesome stuff, and I've tried a lot of products. People think it's over the counter, big box store stuff... but it really is good. And gives amazing results- super slick shine.

But if you wanna go with the Pinnacle, go for it. As far as the polish enhancer, it's doing nothing for you as far as durability goes. It may enhance the gloss some under the sealer. Some would argue this point, but I like the idea of the sealer going down directly on clean paint with nothing else under it, to maximize adhesion and durability. If appearance is more important, gloss it up. There's not necessarily a best way- people have different end goals in mind. But honestly, unless your paint is beat to hell, I think you'd be AMAZED with the results of a simple clay job (Meguires or Mothers from your local parts or big box store) followed by some Ultimate Liquid applied by hand. You wipe it on, and wipe it off 3-5 minutes later. Apply a second coat 12-24 hours later. Second coat is mostly to ensure even coverage as opposed to layering. Layering isn't necessary. If you can't wait 12-24, do it immediately. It'll be fine. As it cures, it will change appearance. Maximum shine seems to come after 24 hours in my experience. But it'll looks great right after you're done too.

But if this is a hobby and you wanna have fun with a DA, go for it. I plan to get one too. Not because I need one. But because it's fun and a hobby. So, I get that aspect too. It's also fun ordering expensive products and trying them out! I'm Always looking for something better! But i did the Meguires clay and ultimate liquid a couple weeks ago and was blown away. Hope this helps.

EDIT: Ultimate Liquid is a 100% synthetic SEALER. IT IS NOT A WAX. they call it a wax for marketing purposes. And because 9 out of 10 people don't know the difference. People think they want a wax, and Meguires knows they'd be happier with a sealer. Clever, huh?

By the way- I researched this stuff for hours and hours. Was in the same spot you were in. I was prepared to spent $250 to get all set up. In the end, I was more than content with the $20 clay kit, $23 ultimate liquid, and a couple $2 microfiber pads.

 

If you have any more questions, I'm happy to help.
(FYI Claying is essential)

 

harpolith - thanks for your detailed response. It's kind of funny in a way...

Due to the complete lack of responses, I wound up going more mainstream so to speak. I still went with the DA mainly because 1) I'll be doing my Tacoma, my wife's 2007 RAV4, and my 2010 Hyundai Accent. The Accent and RAV4 will need some polishing and don't want to kill myself in the process. And 2) tools/toys are always a good idea.

The funny part is that I wound up buying Meguiars Clay, Ultimate Polish, and Ultimate Liquid Wax since that was initially the route I was going to go prior to talking with Autogeek.

And I picked up some microfiber towels and 2 microfiber bonnets.

Can't wait for everything to get here.

Thanks,
David

 

Ha kind of a coincidence on the Meguires products. You'll be happy with them. I'll see if I can find some threads on the Meguires online forum about the polish application. Some people report no problems at all, some report that it can be tricky to work with. Sounds like removal of the polish can be a bit problematic. The trick is to remove it at the right time. It employs diminishing abrasive technology. The more you work it, the more the abrasives break down; basically turning from larger to smaller particles until they're completely (or nearly?) gone. It contains a mix of abrasives and polishing oils, so no additional gloss product is necessary. So you want to be sure you're working it all the way down for the best results. Sort of like working from 220 grit sand paper to 3000 grit. If you stop too soon or not soon enough- I think that's where people run into problems and removal can be difficult. There's a definite sweet spot that I'm sure you'll discover. I can't remember if it turns white-ish or clear-ish when it's time to remove. I know it has something to do with appearance. And you want to work a small area at a time, remove the product, and then move to the next spot. Maybe you know all of this already, but I'm including the info for anyone that is interested.

Yup, with three vehicles I now understand your want of a DA. The sealer application/removal will be a breeze on the 2014. If you're in the shade, you can do the whole vehicle and then remove it (rather than a panel at a time). I didn't have any trouble at all with removal on my '14 after 30-45 minutes. Those were the original instructions when the sealer was introduced. Because some people struggled with removal, they updated the directions to more of a wipe on-wipe off technique, with just 3-5 minutes in between app/removal.

I'd be grateful if you report back. I'd really like to try the polish and am anxious to hear your thoughts. I've got some scratches on my hood (from poor washing technique before I studied up!). Wondering if polish will suffice or if compound is necessary. Really don't want to go to compound. It roughs it up pretty good. I've seen it in videos. In fact, I wouldn't likely try the compound application on my own, and certainly not without a DA. Wouldn't want to risk it on the hood of a '14. The scratches/swirls aren't that noticeable. DA will be good to have for that polish, too. It will save time and shoulders.

EDIT: ultimate polish does NOT employ diminishing abrasive technology. Many of megs products do employ it, but the ultimate polish works differently (I think it's called micro-abrasive technology). Two different things.

 

Also- apply the Ultimate Liquid THIN. AS THIN AS YOU CAN. That's all that is necessary and it will make removal an absolute breeze- Just a light wipe by hand with a microfiber. No need to buff like the old cleaner waxes. This is a totally different animal. It really does go on like a grease, rather than the old fashioned waxes you might remember. And it never hazes over like a true wax. So, let go of your old "waxing" expectations.

Here are a couple videos about applying the Meguires UP and UC.

Part 1
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=71Gv6Ea1leM
Part 2
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd_pIPrKfAE

 

Good thread. See post #7:
http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forum...timate-Polish&highlight=Ultimate+polish+video

Also take a look at this thread:
http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forum...timate-Polish&highlight=Ultimate+polish+video

Lots of good info on MOL.

 

Another good thread re: Ultimate Polish

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forum...ith-DA-Power-System&highlight=Ultimate+polish

 

David- I just picked up some ultimate polish today. Going to give it a shot by hand. Did you ever get the chance to use this product? Any advice before I'm knee deep?

 

Ok so I wound up doing the following:
Wash
Clay bar
Wash
Polish
Sealant

I did all of the steps in the shade, but it was fairly warm out almost 90F. While the clay bar step yielded great results, it took a long while to get it done. As for the polish, personally I didn't like the product. I don't know if it was because it was too hot out or what, but the polish seemed to dry prematurely and left this crusty white residue that was fairly difficult to remove. I did find that a wetted microfiber towel and some elbow grease.

The Ultimate Liquid Wax is a great product that is super easy to apply and buff.

David

 

Thanks. Your experience with the the polish isn't unusual. I guess it takes a little practice to find the correct balance between amount of product and speed of application. Guess I'll just try the tailgate and see if I want to do more than that.

 

Temps are probably your biggest culprit. You have to work a much smaller area with temps that high. I started with Meguiars polishes but moved onto a different brand that was easier to work with. In my opinion there are other brands out there much easier to work with.

 

What brand do you recommend?

 

I currently use Adams Polishes. They finish down nice. A lot of people swear by Menzerna. I plan on trying them next once I use up my existing polishes.

 

Well guys- I took the plunge. Ordered a Griots 6" polisher and a bunch of pads. Can't wait to try my hand at working with a machine.

 

Awesome! That is the buffer I went with a few years ago. I ended up putting a 5" backing plate on it & using 5.5" pads. Does a great job!

 

Good to hear. I also ordered 5" and 3.5" backing plates and 4" and 5.5" Lake Country pads.

 

What pads do you use for which products?

 

What brands do you recommend?