Tips for a beginner on Buffing/paint correction/etc

[LS1EATINPONY]

I am trying to get information/tips/hints/tricks just whatever to learn how to detail my car. I am specifically wanting to learn to use a buffer. I have no experience with one whatsoever and I would love to learn to use one so I can keep my car looking good. I was hoping that you GURUS out that can help lead me in the right direction so I can learn and keep my car looking better than new all the time.

What im wanting to know are things like, but not limited to:

Products to use specifically for paint correction, buffing, polishing and so on

What type of buffer should I use? Im not against buying a cheaper one that is low speed to learn with and then stepping up to a good high speed one later once I get comfortable.

What techniques will help me along the way?

What are some good detailing forums to go to that offer helpful information?

What to do about small rock chips and making them blend in as much as possible?

Any kind of info that someone can offer im open to. I have become very interested in this and never acted upon it until now. Thanks again for your help guys!

P.S. I did not do much research in regards to this ahead of time. I know that is a big no no but I normally dont have the time to sit and research these things to my liking as im always going and never at home or idle long enough to do so. That is why im asking here because I know the knowledge is here and there are people with great advice that can help alot. I apologize in advance.

 

[Johnf78]

I'm sure others with lots of knowledge on this will chime in but look up junkman2000 on you tube. I found his videos very helpful.

 

[28ONE]

I am trying to get information/tips/hints/tricks just whatever to learn how to detail my car. I am specifically wanting to learn to use a buffer. I have no experience with one whatsoever and I would love to learn to use one so I can keep my car looking good. I was hoping that you GURUS out that can help lead me in the right direction so I can learn and keep my car looking better than new all the time.

What im wanting to know are things like, but not limited to:

Products to use specifically for paint correction, buffing, polishing and so on

What type of buffer should I use? Im not against buying a cheaper one that is low speed to learn with and then stepping up to a good high speed one later once I get comfortable.

What techniques will help me along the way?

What are some good detailing forums to go to that offer helpful information?

What to do about small rock chips and making them blend in as much as possible?

Any kind of info that someone can offer im open to. I have become very interested in this and never acted upon it until now. Thanks again for your help guys!

P.S. I did not do much research in regards to this ahead of time. I know that is a big no no but I normally dont have the time to sit and research these things to my liking as im always going and never at home or idle long enough to do so. That is why im asking here because I know the knowledge is here and there are people with great advice that can help alot. I apologize in advance.

The questions you're asking are great but I doubt we can really cover it all in a couple of post. Bottom line is you're gonna have to read these as they're very informative...

Check these out:
http://www.s197forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40276

http://www.s197forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84488

Other options:
Start here for general info:
http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html

Join this forum:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/

For videos:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5x3E51Y0-SA9CWVICtNIeQ

 

[00blkvert]

As 28ONE said great questions but it's a lot of writing to answer all those in depth.

Websites and forums
http://www.detailingbliss.com
http://www.live2detail.com/content.php
Even chemical guys has some decent how tos and videos

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/results?q=ammonyc&sm=3

Purchase sites-

Autogeek
Autoality- he offers a "detailers club membership". It is $50 but you will save that in your first order since your starting from scratch. You will probably save 100-150 in your first order if you purchase enough between pads, compound, polish, wax, sealant, towels, grit guards, soap, wash mitt, etc.
Detaileradomain

These 3 sites will have just about anything you need to get started. Once you starting getting into different coatings or boutique waxes then you will have to look elsewhere.

Good starter and hobbiest buffer is the Griots Garage. It's probably the strongest overall in that price category. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.

For rock chips Larry from Ammonyc(the YouTube channel I posted) has an awesome technique for rock chips. You also have dr.colorchip which will give you decent results.


Your best bet is to watch some videos and do some reading then come back and ask specifics.

1 more thing. Make sure you watch videos on how to properly wash your car. Whether you get a foam cannon or gun or not at least look up how to do a proper 2 bucket wash with grit guards. Junkman2000 has a good video on a TBM wash.

 

[nbk13nw]

As the others have mentioned, there are some great sites for learning the basics and developing more advanced knowledge on detailing the car.

I purchase mostly from AutoGeek (Autogeek.net for the store and Autogeekonline.net for the forum). I have bought many items from DetailingBliss and Autopia-Carcare. Sometimes I can find good product from a local supplier or from Griot's
.
Basics would be wash, clay and correct, then shine and protect.
You will find articles from those sources giving very specific details on the washing and claying process. As well as many articles on buffers, pads and product / processes for correcting almost any issue with the paint, and how to keep it looking fresh for years and years.

For a beginner I would suggest a Dual Action polisher (Griots, Porter Cable, Maguiars and others run from about $120.00 to $150.00. For pads I like Lake Country and SurBuff. But there are many to choose from for your specific needs.

Once you are comfortable you can always move up to a stronger DA or orbital.

Good luck and remember to just take the time and do it right the first time. Otherwise you will be repeating the processes over a second or third time.