Totally confused! Buffers, polishers and what the heck to do with a new car!

So I've been reading through this section for the last couple days, and I just can't seem to get a clear answer to my questions. Actually, I'm not even exactly sure what my questions are!

I have my new Ruby Red GT PP. The paint is in great shape (except for a couple water spots, but I can handle those).

I would like to take the paint to the next level, to try to get it to pop a bit more. Sometimes now it looks a bit dull. So far, I've just washed it a couple times, and used a "wax as you dry" spray. Also, on the roof and the hood I've clayed them, and applied a liquid wax. It looks good but not GREAT! I want great.

I currently have an old Craftsman 9 inch DA buffer. Is this good for anything, or should I donate it to Goodwill? I've used it in the past on cars with good results, but I've never tried to get a car to where I want this one to be. I've always just used it to buff off wax.

Should I get a more modern DA Polisher? I've been looking at the Porter Cables, which seem to offer pretty good bang for the buck for a noob like me. Thoughts on this? Can I make my old Craftsman work, or should I get out of the 90's?

I do not want to go to the hassle of wet sanding, etc, etc. Those cars look fantastic, but this is my daily driver, and those results are not worth the time to me. I would like to use a single polishing/glossing step, then seal, wax and call it a day. I've been looking at Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish. It sounds like one of the few products that say they don't remove swirls, so it's a very very light polish, which seems exactly what I'm looking for. Thoughts?

Then I'm looking at the Blackfire Wet Diamond sealer.

I have a can of Liquid Gold that I used on my 2015 Mustang with very good results. How would this work? Would I use it instead of the Gloss Enhancing Polish?

Thanks for the help. I'm sure I'll have more questions.

Autogeek is the m6g for detailing forums, the knowledge there has been very helpful so far

Fenix said:

Autogeek is the m6g for detailing forums, the knowledge there has been very helpful so far

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Visit Autogeek, read a lot, kiss your money goodbye :lol:

Also for starters try a cleaner wax, available locally. If you want more after that then 3D HD Speed is an awesome product.

It ALL comes down to how much you are willing to spend.

One of the best DAs out there right now is the Rupees Bigfoot. You can get the kit with a few pads and a different backing plate for $400 ish; a lower cost, but still great option, is the Porter Cable

Black Fire makes amazing products. Their Wet Diamond sealant is killer and reallllly makes the paint pop. My favorite sealant.

Polish and wax are very different, Id suggest going over the paint with a light pad (black) with a light polish like Menzerna SIP, 3M PerfecIt, or Meguiars M205 THEN top off with a few coats of your favorite sealant or wax. Personally I use two coats of Blackfire Wet Diamond sealant topped with a layer of Swissvax Mirage carnauba wax.

As far as your bottle of Liquid Gold, you would use that AFTER polish, not instead of.

Some links, Auto Geek ftw

Rupes Bigfoot Kit
Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant
Meguiars M205 ultrafine polish
Pinnacle / Portercable DA kit

Don't forget to use the two bucket method, grit gaurds and quality wash mitts and drying towels!! There is SO much to learn in the detailing world it's easy to get over whelmed!


Hope this helps!

I thank you all for your help!

My car thanks you all for your help!

Autogeek thanks you all for your help!

Paypal and Visa thank you all for your help, as well!

My credit card balance DOES NOT thank you for your help!!!

I ended up getting the Porter-Cable 7424XP Value Kit, Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish, and the Blackfire Wet-Ice Over Fire Combo (which includes the wet diamond and the Midnight Sun Carnauba wax).

I also got the Blackfire car care handbook and the complete car care instructional how-to DVD for free, plus a wheel cleaner sample, a mystery sample, and 15% off (searching for a coupon code). I'm pretty happy with that deal.

Total damage was $244. Now I have to convince my GF that I need to spend the next week playing with my car! She just got a brand new metallic black Mazda 6, so I'll have to tell her that playing with the Mustang is really just practicing to polish up her car!

Going to second backfire products.

The backfire crystal seal paint sealant is unbeatable for the finish it adds to car - lasts a good two month, easy to apply and make the paint look freshly waxed all the time.

There are many products I can recommend but the top one without any doubt is the sealant.

For washing I'm a big fan of rinses with Optimum. Easy to do all year. fast and deep clean, and no risk to the paint.

So you know, Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish isn't actually a polish; it's a glaze. It will not do anything to correct swirl marks. Nothing wrong with that, just want to make sure you know what you're getting.

Labradog said:

So you know, Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish isn't actually a polish; it's a glaze. It will not do anything to correct swirl marks. Nothing wrong with that, just want to make sure you know what you're getting.

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Blackfire Total Polish is what I would recommend. Its a nice polish use it once maybe twice a year and then use crystal sealant every 2 months. Meguires ultimate compound works for actual paint correction.

I'd start by watching all the videos on Autogeek.

Some are a littler commercialish for me, but the info is good.

buff the hell out of it so its how you like no swirls or scratches.. then opticoat it right after .. dont have to worry about buffing it for a long time, or waxing for that matter. best thing i did when i first got my car

On my new car I did Iron-X, then P21s, then ISO rub down, then Duragloss 601 and without removing that, Wolfgang's Deep Gloss Paint Sealant, removed, let stand for 1/2 hour, second coat of Wolfgang's, remove and let cure for overnight, then Collinite 845 Insullating wax, topped with Poorboy's World Liquid Natty's Red. I maintain with McKee's37 rinse free wash & wax. I have pics in the lightning blue picture thread and other places on here. I did use my DA during many of these steps with various pads (all fairly mild).