{"id":24246,"date":"2018-09-10T08:00:09","date_gmt":"2018-09-10T12:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/?p=24246"},"modified":"2018-09-27T10:50:29","modified_gmt":"2018-09-27T14:50:29","slug":"beginner-paint-correction-kit-getting-started-on-a-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.detailedimage.com\/Ask-a-Pro\/beginner-paint-correction-kit-getting-started-on-a-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginner Paint Correction Kit: Getting Started on a Budget"},"content":{"rendered":"

In my opinion, every<\/strong> car enthusiast should own the bare essentials required to maintain their paint at a very high level.\u00a0 In addition to washing and drying, being able to perform a basic paint correction as needed to remove swirl marks and enhance shine is great to know how to do yourself.\u00a0 Many people are wary of learning the basics of paint correction due to the perception that in order to make an improvement you will need to take out a loan to purchase several different machines, an entire cabinet full of pads, and have a full week of free time to complete each job.\u00a0 I am happy to say that this is just not true! \u00a0You can enhance your paintwork in a single day with just a handful of items, and for a lot less money than most people realize.<\/p>\n

Machines<\/h2>\n

A dual action polisher (also known as random orbital polisher) is an essential part of the detailing process.\u00a0 If you are still doing the old “wax on, wax off” by hand, it is time to stop!\u00a0 A good DA machine will allow the user to produce far superior results compared to working by hand and it will also speed up the process.\u00a0 In my opinion, there are two tools that rule the market for entry-level dual action polishers – the Porter Cable 7424XP<\/a> and the Griot’s Garage Random Orbital Polisher<\/a>.\u00a0 The two machines are very similar in terms of overall size and functionality, but there are some key differences.\u00a0 I’ve laid out some of the specs of each machine in the table below, and it is worth noting that Detailed Image has put together a comprehensive buffer comparison chart for all of the machines they sell here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"PCvsGG\"<\/p>\n

Both machines offer the same 2500-6800 opm range, but the Griot’s Garage Polisher is powered by a stronger motor which should enable the user to put more strain on the tool without bogging it down.\u00a0 Each machine utilizes an 8 mm orbit size (or stroke) and come equipped with a 10 foot, 18 gauge power cord.\u00a0 Griot’s Garage offers a\u00a0HD version<\/a>\u00a0at a slightly higher price which includes a 25 foot, 16 gauge\u00a0power cord.\u00a0 The GG machine comes equipped with a 6-inch hook and loop backing plate that allows the user to use a variety of pads, however the Porter Cable machine comes equipped with a polishing pad that is permanently fixed to a threaded backing plate so a hook and loop backing plate must be purchased separately.\u00a0 Both machines have a handle that the user may use if desired.\u00a0 The Griot’s tool has an adjustable d-shaped handle that is centered over the top of the machine.\u00a0 The Porter Cable has a side-mounted handle.\u00a0 I personally do not find either handle to be particularly beneficial and opt to remove them during use.\u00a0 In my opinion, one of the most notable benefits of the Griot’s Garage machine is the lifetime manufacturers warranty that is backed by an awesome customer support system.\u00a0 With the added power and the excellent warranty, the Griot’s Garage Random Orbital Polisher gets the slight edge as the better entry-level polisher, though you simply cannot go wrong with either option<\/strong>!\u00a0 I actually got started with a PC7424XP and used it exclusively for years before purchasing a professional grade machine. \u00a0I still use my PC7424XP for certain tasks.<\/p>\n

\"PC_GG\"<\/p>\n

Backing Plate & Pads<\/h2>\n

As previously mentioned, the GG machine includes a 6-inch hook and loop backing plate that allows users to attach a 6-inch pad of their choice, however the porter cable requires you to purchase a backing plate separately. \u00a0I personally prefer 5-inch pads to the 6-inch as I feel it is a perfect compromise that allows for maximum performance and usability. \u00a0So if you are picking up a PC7424XP I would recommend purchasing a 5-inch backing plate<\/a> to go along with it, and if you are buying a GG DA then you might want to consider replacing the included backing plate with a 5-inch one if your budget allows.<\/p>\n

When it comes to pads there is a massive assortment in every color of the rainbow. \u00a0Some have holes in the center, some have beveled edges, some have variations in the face, some are foam, some are wool, some are microfiber… it can be overwhelming.<\/p>\n

Over the years I have discovered that among my relatively large stash of pads there are just a few that I grab for the majority of the time and those are therefore the ones I consider to be essential to a beginner kit. \u00a0These are the Meguiar\u2019s Microfiber Cutting Pads<\/a>, Lake Country Orange Foam Cutting Pad<\/a>, White Polishing Pad<\/a>, and Black Finishing Pad<\/a>. \u00a0These 4 pad types offer a broad range of cutting and finishing abilities that, when paired with the appropriate compounds and polishes, anyone should be able to make considerable improvements to the condition of their paint. \u00a0It is a good idea to have at least 2 of each pad on hand so you can rotate between the two as you work in order to keep the pads clean. \u00a0I discuss more on this topic in one of my previous articles.<\/p>\n

Polishing Pads: How Many Do I Need?<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n