Paint protection advice (wax and sealer)

What does everyone recommend as far as machine polishers and waxers

 

As far as machine polishers either a Flex 3401 or Rupes Bigfoot. For waxes, I always apply by hand. No benefit to using a machine

 

The ones Ace mentioned are very nice machines but are costly. If you've got the $$ get one. The Rupes Duetto is nice too. And the Griots Boss polishers are getting good reviews.

But for someone who is just gonna polish his own vehicles a couple times a year, I really like the Griots Garage 6" polisher fitted with a 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads. You can also get their 3" HD backing plate and use 3-4" pads for more intricate areas. It's got more power than you'll ever need for doing personal automotive detailing. Autogeek sells it with a 25 foot cord (very handy) for an extra $15. The whole set up plus a few pads can be had for under $225.

Those other polishers you'd be looking at nearly $400+ all said and done. If you're really into detailing and you like nice stuff, do it right the first time. But for occasional Polishing and Waxing/Sealing, the GG6 is a great machine and will serve you well. Professional detailers even use it-- Griots also offers a lifetime warranty and has great customer service.

 

The Porter Cable is an entry level machine. It's a little workhorse but not as powerful as the Griots 6" (GG6). The Porter Cable is also cheaper than the GG6. IMO the increase in cost is a small price to pay between these two machines, considering how much more correcting power the GG6 has. The Porter can correct, but it'll take you longer to do the same job.

Here are some notes regarding the GG6 and PC:
https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/110909-porter-vs-griot-s.html

A note on the Rupes machines-- their polishers are meant to be used as a system with their pads and polishes. There's a bit of a learning curve with them but they're smooth like a Cadillac. If you want to use other brands of pads/polishes, you will have some experimentation ahead.

With all other polishers, you can take your pick of any of the pads and polishes available.

I highly recommend the GG6 to "weekend detailers" for working on their own vehicles and maybe a side job here and there.

 

Uh, except for it's easier, faster, and you use less product.

 

There is no benefit to using a machine to apply wax. Yes, you can cover big panels but you still have to go back by hand and get other areas. Plus you will use more product giving the size of the machine pad. Ever had polish build up on a pad?

 

Erry Day. I use too much product when I use my machine but I'm learning to back off. I no longer wax but I seal via machine. Would take all day by hand. Plus its an excuse to use a power tool.

 

If it takes all day to wax or seal then use a different product. Too many products out there that are easy on and easy off. I can put layer of wax on my truck in under 30 minutes with Collinite, Wolfgang, or Adams.

 

Porter cable works great for me

 

I've recently tried a few new products.

Finish Kare 1000p High Temp Paste Wax. It's a 100% polymer sealer. Great stuff. Some describe it as a "second layer of clear coat". It's got great self-cleaning abilities. Hose off the truck and it's practically clean again. Super bright and glassy. Slick too.

Sonax Brilliant Shine Detailer. It's more of a spray wax than a detail spray. It's got some staying power and definitely leaves something behind that makes water bead incredibly well. BUT... it's not slick. It leaves paint feeling grabby on a towel. The beading and self-cleaning makes up for this aspect IMO.

Blackfire Crystal Seal. It's a WOWA sealant (wipe on walk away). It's unbelievably easy to apply. And NO removal. It's a polymer sealer that you spritz one or two spritzes per panel, spread with a little microfiber applicator, and you're done. It flashes really quickly. When your done, take a dry towel and buff off any high spots or streaks. You can seal a vehicle in like 10 minutes tops. And it lasts 2-4 months at least. Great stuff.

McKee's 360 AIO. An all in one Polish and Sealant with incredible durability. 6 months? Possibly. Great correction of minor swirls and leaves paint bright and glossy (if applied with a DA). And SUPER easy to use. You apply with DA until it disappears, then give a light wipe with a towel and you're done.

 

I swear by astroshield for machine use for a basic polish and swirl removal by my trusty porter cable.

As far as wax I bounce between Collinite, Groits Best of show and Castle trophy wax my personal favorite.