Getting ready for my DIY exterior detail (wash/polish/seal)
 

I'm excited to enter the world of exterior detailing for basically the first time ever.

Everything has come in (some was ordered online, the rest was sourced at AutoZone/AAP).

My car came from the factory with some minor swirls (lovely, right?), so I got Blackfire SRC Finishing Polish to be followed by their Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection sealer.

I received the Blackfire products today and quickly read the instructions on both. This will be my first time polishing/sealing a clear coat car with an orbital buffer, so I'd like to follow directions as closely as possible.

Quick question: The directions mention spraying polishing pads with conditioner before starting. I hadn't read anything during my research about conditioner for the pads, so I wanted to ask if this step is absolutely necessary? Is pad conditioner something I will be able to find at AZ/AAP or will I have to order online again?

Any info appreciated!

80 views and no input??? Come on fellas, I know one of you detailing nuts has the answer!! BTW, I mean detailing nuts in a good way!

using nothing is really ok. A tiny spritz of water is fine. Quick-detailer is good.

A bit of quick spray-wax/detailer should keep it cool. Just make sure there is product on the surface of the pad and start slow and light pressure building up to what you are comfortable on.

Have you looked at Larry Kosilla's DRIVE CLEAN videos and also his personal videos on YouTube? If not, I highly recommend it. He is a detailing nut (in a good way).

Drive Clean: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL96D52AF54166C886

Larry's Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/AMMONYCdotcom/videos

Thanks for this. Great stuff!!

I've decided to add a clay bar treatment to Tuesday's detailing session.

The clay bar treatment fits best between the wash & finishing polish, yea?

Last question (yea right...), is there anything in particular I'll need to do between the finishing polish and sealer application? Is just wiping clean after the polish application/buffing enough before moving on to applying the sealer?

if it's your first time using an orbital buffer, start the job on a less noticeable part of the car. Don't start on the hood. I remember my first time with an orbital buffer i started on the rear bumper. Don't set the speed too fast. Set it to speed 2 or 3 and once you get used to it then you can set it faster. Also keep the buffer moving don't stay at one spot otherwise you'll "burn" the surface.
I learned a lot from watching Youtube videos. As for the products that you mentioned, i never used those so can't comment on that.

I learned all I needed to know from Youtube videos. (detailing-wise)

Ok, my orbital buffer comes with bonnet type polishing/buffing pads.

It came with a microfiber and a wool bonnet. From what I've been seeing on YouTube, I really should avoid using the wool unless I really want to cut a significant amount of clear coat. Will the microfiber bonnet be good for use with the finishing polish?

do you have something like a PC7424 or one of those weird 12" double-handled ones?

The weird double handled one.

Ehhhhhh. Someone else chime in here. That's some oooooold technology.

sorry, but thats crap. you need a real dual action polisher. not going to do very much correction with that tool

most guys start with the porter cable 7424. For a few dollars more you get a much better polisher with the griots 6in (more power - still very safe). either one is fine really. I have my 5th polisher getting delivered tomorrow so you can never have too many (apparently)

what blackfire products did you purchase? the finishing polish and the wet diamond sealant?

I dont really use any pad conditioner. I just make sure the pad is primed well before going at it. If you don't understand what I mean by 'priming' a pad, I wouldn't put the buffer to your car so quickly

after final polishing, and protection to your sealant or wax - you could give the paint a wipedown with diluted IPA (rubbing alcohol). this will strip the surface clean. OR you could go over the car again with the buffer and a pre wax cleaning type of product. I use Klasse all in one for this task. More often I just do the IPA wipedown

I think you have much to learn young jedi. Get on autogeek, detailing bliss, autopia and youtube.

Better yet, buy the mike phillips book from autogeek (art of detailing). PACKED with knowledge about exterior detailing

watch this series and you will be good to go

The JUNKMAN tells all!

it is long but he will answer basically every question that you have, as well as make sure a novice (yourself) won't scratch your car.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...es-thread.html

watch it all you won't be disappointed.