Machine Polishing 101

Mike Phillips, of Autogeek.com, is kind of a guru in the automotive detailing world (to say the least). The AG forum is first rate and Mike actually PARTICIPATES regularly. Additionally, there are lots of professional detailers over there that chime in on the forum every single day. It's an awesome resource.

Mike just posted this article to the forum today and it, too, is a great resource for anyone new to machine polishing or anyone interested in getting into the hobby. It's a nice little run down of what you'll need to purchase, as well as links to products. Thought I'd share it with all of you good TW guys.

https://www.autogeekonline.net/foru...g-recommendations-beginner-mike-phillips.html

 

Geez, that's a long article!!! I'm not even finished with it, so I'll have to pick it up in the a.m., but it's got a TON of good info so far! Good find @harpolith!

 

If you haven't browsed the forum home page, check it out. Get into the sub-categories, like Mike Phillips How-to articles. The whole forum is deep and wide. Unbelievable the amount of info there, in addition to product/brand reviews, etc. Tons of videos, too.

I support the forum by shopping on AG. I've learned so much there. It's actually remarkable to me that there's that much info there and it's free to anyone who wants to browse. It's also frequented by reps of specific brands, like Griots, Mothers, Flex, McKees, Duragloss, and Mike P himself is a former Meguiars employee with a wealth of institutional knowledge about their products. If you have a question, somebody over there will have an answer.

 

Ya......see the problem??? I like to handle my addictions, one at a time, thank you very much!

 

Yes indeed a very nice post that covers all of the basics … many excellent points there

 

Interesting article. Do you guys use 1 pad per panel like he suggests?

 

Compounding- definitely. Polishing- usually. Finishing polish- I'll stretch a pad 1-2 panels. Wax/Sealant- one pad for whole vehicle.

 

Got a PC 7424 for Father's Day and will never go back. I have been able to stretch the pads to more than one panel. I am currently using the closed cell pads that came with the kit. Has anyone tried any pads from chemical guys, Adams, etc. and gotten better results?

 

What pads are you using now? You should try some thin pads. Either Lake Country Thin Pros or Griots BOSS pads. They really improve the effectiveness of these PC style dual action polishers (PC, GG6, etc.).

 

I'm using the CCS Lake country pads and have been satisfied. Just wondering if anyone had tried these vs other pads.

 

So much info out there, just want to protect and shine. Great resource, thanks for the link!