Getting into DA polishing

[Amsterdamned]

So I've decided to tackle some swirls on the hood of my Dolphin Gray S4. I have already tried using Swirl X by hand with no luck. I really like the Meguiar's DA Microfiber Correction System and think it will be a good entry into DA detailing. I plan to use this 2 step process to get my feet wet and get a feel for the machine. Once I get more comfortable and get over the learning curve I plan on getting into other pads, polishes, LSP's etc. I have already heard that Audi paint is quite hard and I might need something with a little more cut. The swirls aren't that bad so I'm going to start with the least aggressive approach and work my way up as neccessary. Here's my shopping list from this afternoon, I should receive my G110v2 any day now.

Feel free to recommend anything that will help penetrate the Audi paint or works well with gray metallic paint like Dolphin Gray. This car is my daily driver that is always outside exposed to the Florida elements. It has the potential to see lots of rainfall, sea salt, and tree sap etc...

I also bought some other stuff to help clean up the Ol' S4. I just remembered I forgot to get some iron cut. That will have to wait until the next round. I have plenty of clay so didn't pick any up.

1 Einszett 1Z Perls Shampoo - 500 ml

1 Meguiar's Professional DA Polisher Backing Plate W67DA - 5"
1 Meguiar's DA Microfiber Finishing Wax - 16 oz
1 Meguiar's DA Microfiber Correction Compound - 16 oz
1 Meguiar's DA Microfiber Finishing Disc Buffing Pad - 2 pack - 5.5"
1 Meguiar's DA Microfiber Cutting Disc Buffing Pad - 2 pack - 5.5"
1 Meguiar's Pad Conditioner Brush

1 Microfiber Waffle Weave Drying Towel - 36" x 24"
1 Microfiber Ultra Plush Two Sided Towel - 16" x 16"
3 Microfiber Black General Purpose Towel - 16" x 16"

1 Squash Air CS-X3 Refillable Air Freshener Dispenser

1 Grit Guard Grit Guard Insert - BLUE

1 Stoner Trim Shine Vinyl & Plastic Coating - 12oz

[OTDetailer]

I will leave Meg MF finish pads and polish out. replace with Menz SF4000 and Detailersdomain Blue pad or LC blue pad.

[Amsterdamned]

I will leave Meg MF finish pads and polish out. replace with Menz SF4000 and Detailersdomain Blue pad or LC blue pad.

I'll definitely consider the Lake Country pads all I hear are good things about them. Menz is great too. Whats a good foamer at a good price? How is the Gilmour at $60? The Cam Spray foamer is nice but a little too pricey for me.

[OTDetailer]

If you decide to get LC pads, get the flat ones. The Gilmour is what you'll need. The cam spray cannon is for powerwashers, so its more expensive. If your plan of attack is use Megs MF compound to cut, it will leave a good finish on your color, but if you want it to be great then follow it with MenZ SF4000.

[OTDetailer]

and you'll need more towels.... like 10-20 of them for paint corrections .....but its all up to you

[Amsterdamned]

I have a bunch of MF those are in addition. I'm going to add the LC Blue pad and Menzerma SF400. Thanks.

[Amsterdamned]

Iron cut and Gilmour Foamaster will have to wait until later.

[OTDetailer]

sounds good! it's all about having fun and not breaking the bank... enjoy!

[M|R]

For what its worth OP I bought the Megs DA kit with the PC 7424XP and some other stuff a few months back. It is a great machine and my shoulder thanks me everyday haha. Let me tell you the car I used it on (my vette) never looked so good ** after some time of course.

There is a learning curve, quite a big one depending on your detailing experience. It takes some time to get used to the machine and its speeds as well as the polishes and pads - but it will become secondhand nature over time. My suggestion to you...read read read as much as you can - the more knowledge the better. Although this forum is mainly occupied with professional detailers that I couldn't hold a candle to in comparison, if you need any insight or anything from me feel free to shoot me a PM, I was in your shoes a little while ago.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

[Amsterdamned]

Thanks guys!

[OTDetailer]

You'll need to read this !


Washing

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ead.php?t=4637

Claying

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ead.php?t=4829



DA polishing

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=63859

[JoeyZ]

Just picked up 2008 CPO S4, Dolphin Grey.

Washed with Adams Shampoo, Clayed, and hit with Meguiars DA and 300A. Followed up with Menz Power Finish on a green pad.

If you work the 300A properly, some go right to LSP, but with the Dolphin Grey, I was trying to really get it to pop so i followed up with the PF.

LSP was 1Z Glanz. 3 coats.

Rims and Bottom panels all hit with Collinite 476s. Winter is coming!!
Id post a pic, but not sure how.

[B6JoeS4]

Dolphin grey can look awesome with full correction. Here is mine after full correction, 2 layers of power lock, and a coat of Lusso Oro

[Amsterdamned]

That looks great Joe. Hand waxing just ain't cutting it anymore. I'm looking forward to results like that.

[Amsterdamned]

You'll need to read this !


Washing

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ead.php?t=4637

Claying

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ead.php?t=4829



DA polishing

http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...ad.php?t=63859

Just read these threads. Thanks.