I'm considering buying a few supplies tomorrow to do a basic detail this weekend. I've never detailed a car but have been reading up on it a good bit. I don't need my car to look like it's ready for the showroom since it's my daily driver and I park near an unfinished lot at the trucking terminal i work at. Needless to say, with those trucks blowing up dust and dirt, my car looks filthy by Monday. I just want to get a few scratches and swirls out and have my mind eased knowing my paint is being protected.

Anyways, could I get away with a $30-$50 one or two speed random orbital, meguairs clay bar, polish, sealant, and wax? Are there any other products you'll would recommend at your local advanced auto parts/autozone?

Also, I have an 05 brilliant silver coupe. Thanks for any input.

 

it would be helpful to you. (http://autodetailingenlightenment.com/?p=83)

 

I don't think you'll be able to remove any scratches with a cheap buffer. The cheapest buffer I know of in the market that removes scratches is the PC 7424XP, and that's about $120-150, depending where you buy it from. Just giving you a heads up before you spend the time and effort and end up disappointed. The cheaper buffers may temporarily remove swirls marks, but even that's not guaranteed.

The products you mentioned above are fine though. If you do end up buying a good buffer, consider Meguiar's Swirl Remover 2.0. That thing cuts down the clear coat just enough to remove certain scratches, given you use the buffer properly and the scratches didn't break through the clear too much.

 

Like naveed said, don't cheap out on the buffer. For what you're doing I'd just do it by hand. Meguiars has a polish that works really well. Expect to spend 80 to 100 when allbsaid and done.

 

Thank you all for the info. I might give it a shot and do it by hand the first time then put some more money aside to get a good buffer in the mean time. I'm going to have some sore arms after doing it by hand...

Are there any steps I should skip if I do it by hand (because a buffer is completely necessary to do it)?

 

Lol you won't be that sore. Details aren't about skipping steps though. Just take your time and take breaks and it won't seem as bad.

 

I don't mind taking my time and making it an all day event, I was just wondering if there are some steps where the buffer is absolutely necessary and just aren't worth doing by hand.

 

^^ I think removing swirls on your entire car is one of those things that I'd skip without a buffer. Small sections are ok by hand, but I don't think you will see enough improvement (if you do your whole car) to warrant the amount of time it is going to take.

 

I can definitely agree with that. I'm thinking about just washing, clay baring, and waxing for the time being till I get a good buffer and other supplies.

 

I think that's the best idea Detailing supplies are someting you don't want to go cheap on if you value the looks of your car.