Compound and Polish

[Connor]

I have a DA that I use to wax fiberglass boat topsides in the summer. I use a wool pad for that, and I think it came with two foam pads, I have no idea what they are or do.
For compounding and polishing my SUV, what pads do I need, and what compounds and polishes would be good for a beginner to use? I have a friend who will teach me how to compound without burning up my paint, but I need to supply all the stuff. I know I can ask him, but I figured I would get some feedback here, considering there are a bunch of skilled detailers on this forum.

 

[j.mo]

First, what kind of DA?
Second, you'll need a couple foam pads, I'll link them in a second.
Third, I'd recommend the megs m105/205 duo. It's a great and highly recommended combo, also budget friendly.

 

[Connor]

I have a shurhold DA. All I know about it. It has a few power settings. Don't know anything else about it.

 

[j.mo]

Never heard of it, so not sure how effective it'll be. Nice thing about a da is they are hard to fuck shit up with. I started with a porter cable 7424, great for beginners. I now have a flex 3401, I wish I would have taken folks word and skipped the pc7424, but the great thing about it is it has a clutch. Impossible to fuck shit up.

Here's the compounds I recommend. There are others I use, and more expensive, for example menzerna is great also. But these are very effective and a great bang for the buck.
http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-105-compound-8oz.html
http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-205-polish-8oz.html

This is also a great place to cruise and learn, but there's not much someone here can't help out with and explain, but I'll leave it here just incase
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/

 

[Connor]

This DA has a very light clutch. Not sure that is the right word, but it stops very lightly. Thanks

 

[j.mo]

Here's a link to some lake County pads, but without knowing about your machine, idk the backing plate. 6" pads are pretty standard, but if you need more correcting power, a 5" will probably suit you better.
They make a few styles of pads, I have the waffle pads like Adams and cg sells, and also the lake country ccs pads. The smart pads imo correct better because there is more surface to surface contact than with the waffle pads. But the choice on pads is up to you.
Check them out here
http://www.autogeekmobile.net/lc-ccs-6inch-pads.html

 

[Connor]

Why does a 5 inch plate have more "correcting power"?

 

[TechieTruckGuy]

Lake Country pads are nice. Carpro flash pads are pretty bamf as well. You really can't beat M105 for compound. I personally use shine supply's classic polish. But I have others as well. Just depends on what I'm going for and what car I'm working on.

 

[DirtyBlackHoe]

I am a huge fan of Menzerna FG400

 

[Jared]

im subbing as I am getting into this shit slowly. I am going to tag team this thread OP if you don't mind?

 

[Connor]

Go for it Jared. Would be a pleasure.

 

[Jared]

I hear the new HD pads are really nice. I have a cheap HF unit I will be using until I get comfortable.

 

[Jordan]

I've had good success with CG pads on my HF polisher. Jared, I'd also look at the Astro backing plate for it, the backing plate that comes with the HF polisher sucks.

Here's the backing plate:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CH3Z8W?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

and I use these two pads most frequently:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040MI9H0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Amazon.com: Chemical Guys BUFX104HEX5 Hex-Logic Light-Medium Polishing Pad, White - 5.5 in.: Automotive

I use Chemical Guys V Series polishes, but any of the others mentioned are great as well, it's all personal preference.

 

[Connor]

Reviving thread. Does anyone have experience with SS Flat top? My paint is absolutely trashed. It's about as dull and swirl filled as you can get.
https://shinesupply.com/products/flat-top

Also, I think I have to polish after I compound. Do I need to polish immediately after?

At the shop we have a 6 inch Makita DA and 3M compound and polish. Not sure what the pads are, but I'll also bring my DA. I have two black foam pads that look identical to the LC ccs pads and two wool pads for it. I'm not sure if they are LC pads, but they look identical.

I'm going to try to use this stuff Saturday afternoon. I'll test on my hood and get some pictures.

 

[Ginger]

flat top is ok, thats what i have, my buddy has some wolfgang stuff that would great.