Pad recommendations and polishing products

Hey guys, I have been a lurker here on the forums and really have been enjoying learning new things in the detailing world! But I am fixing to purchase a Porter Cable 7424XP (maybe a Flex), and I have no idea on what pads I should get with it, for instance: sizes, cutting power etc. Also, I don't even no where to start with compounds, polishes, etc, I actually have a bottle of Zaino's dual action polish but I have no idea how that compares to Menzerna and Meguiars. What would you guys recommend to someone who has never used a machine to polish? By the way, I am currently using Zaino as protection/LSP, I don't know if that is important or not. Thanks alot, Elliott

 

This is one of those questions that if you ask 10 different detailer's you'll get 10 different answers. For a beginner, though I'd recommend a light-medium cut foam pad, a polishing pad, and a super soft one to apply LSP with. For compound M105 is very versatile and not as finicky as others (use with cutting pad), I like Optimum polish or M205 for polishing (use polishing pad or cutting pad), and the choices for LSP are endless and subjective. Use the search function for more info, as this has been asked many times before. Many other pads are available but they are just half steps between these three and more than likely you will not need them as a beginner working on your personal vehicle.

If you want a recommendation of brand of pads, I prefer EDGE 2k because they do not require a backing plate and are dual sided. They work well and are incredibly convenient. I have also used and liked Lake Country (LC) pads, but grew tired of changing backing plates every time I wanted to use a different size or machine.

 

get combo of 105 and 205 or 95 and 205 from meguiars, menzerna power finish and menzerna 85rd, both are great combos and great results, for porter cable i would recommend 4" or 5.5" pads. for flex you can get 5.5, 4" dont know where to get backing plate for that.
if you want, you can get 6.5 but i don't like them couse you would need to use more polish and not as much control as with smaller pads. LSP i would recommend to get collinite 845 and 915, both are not expensive and very durable.

as far as colors, i would get full color line from DD, yellow, orange, green, blue and black, would probably recommend 2 of each if you just gona do your car

if you lurked around long enough you should know those are preferred polish brands on this forum IMO

what kinda car and color you gona use it on and where you located?

 

Yeah Im planning for now on just doing work on my car, it's a Titanium Silver 1999 BMW 323i and I'm pretty sure it's never gotten any special care. Tons of swirls, I think it may have even been keyed (can't tell, but the two scratches are DEEP looking). And Im in GA, pretty warm and humid compared to other places. And My LSP is Zaino, but I might try Blackfire out, I am VERY impressed with the results I have seen. But for a total beginner is a Flex really going to justify itself over a PC? Like will I really need the extra $150 worth that comes with the Flex? But thanks for all the helpful input guys! I can't wait to hear/learn more!

 

megs 105/205 combo is really good imo

lsp for light color cars dg 501/105 combo is really stunning and long lasting too!

 

it might be just my opinion but if you get new PC7424xp its as good as flex DA, plus with PC you can use 4" pads easily, with flex i would not recommend, i think right now with new PC there is no reason to get flex. it used to be better couse it was faster but new PC is just as fast.

 

I agree that the OP will be better off starting with the PC, but they are two completely different machine and it is inaccurate to say that the PC will produce the same results. The Flex has forced rotation and a higher OPM than the PCXP. RPM+OPM=Faster Correction that is less product dependent. I have both machines, so I am not biased. The PC is for waxes, sealants, and carpet duty...while the Flex comes out for one-steps and polishing. The reason I suggest the PC for the OP is price, but know that you will out grow it quickly and if time is a factor, you may consider the Flex. Also, with the EDGE adapter for the Flex, I can switch between 4, 6, and 8 inch pads effortlessly and without changing a backing plate.

 

A DB member has this one for sale if you are interested for $220 shipped:
http://www.detailingbliss.com/forum/f50/flex-xc-3401-vrg-12704.html