Auto detailers need more pads and microfibers
18 posts across 2 communities in the last 30 days; 94% from r/AutoDetailing.
“Looks like most of that came from Walmart. Personally I'd just use most of that up but when it needs replacing I'd go with different options. Given that our cat's zoomies have woken me up at 5AM, here's a brain-dump: Interior Cleaner : I don't know a single person whose used…”
“I am surprised Chemical Guys ranked #1. That company gets so much hate in the auto detailing world. Possible Chemical Guys is really a good value? Or maybe testing a cleaner is a bit too subjective.”
“That seriously is the real issue. It’s one thing to have enough to get started and learn how to hone your craft/technique. It’s an entirely different ball game to actually get a real pad selection going and enough goddamn microfibers”
Several users express frustration about the high cost of detailing supplies, specifically mentioning the need for a sufficient selection of polishing pads and microfiber cloths to properly execute auto detailing tasks. The initial investment in equipment and chemicals is also cited as a barrier.
SOURCES (51)
“Im no expert but that looks like a LOT of products lol. But hey, gotta try em to find out what works! [re: Trying to get into detailing]”
“Go with what you know. I keep going back to same as always stuff same pads. Mulberry heavy polish pad is my favorite, just used it on GM black. No one cares, no one asked either. [re: Closed shop 2 years ago. Need advice.]”
“You can look up bucket detailing kit if you want one place to start. Adam's has them. Griot's has them. The other thing to understand when you are starting out is the category of products. What's the difference between a detailer and an all-purpose cleaner and prewash and shampoo. Another is how to protect your car. Ceramic detailer vs ceramic spray vs ceramic coating. Then techniques. One bucket wash versus two bucket wash Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions line is easy to find and good qu”
“Early in my personal detailing journey I got a TORQX and some CG products. Still use the polisher BUT bought better pads and products. [re: Looking for opinions on the polisher/kit and the wax]”
“I am looking for insight from the group on which polisher i should be considering. I am well aware either one will probably work just fine. Im also well aware there are lots of other options, but these are the ones im looking at currently. Im not a Detailer so this thing will get used maybe once a year. Both are right about 300 bucks so price isn't much of a consideration. Is the MK3 still considered a good machine or was it completely outdated by the MK5? I like the idea of a 25mm throw but”
“Still more work to do but so much better 🤘 submitted by /u/Ok-Prior6212 [link] [comments]”
“Looks like most of that came from Walmart. Personally I'd just use most of that up but when it needs replacing I'd go with different options. Given that our cat's zoomies have woken me up at 5AM, here's a brain-dump: Interior Cleaner : I don't know a single person whose used anything from Jay Leno's Garage so I can't say anything about it other than it's likely just some run-of-the-mill product. For roughly the same price I'd go with Griot's Interior Clean”
“Hi all, after some advice on my first da polisher. This is for occasional diy use, I have loads of m18 batteries and chargers as a chippie by trade. Here in NZ we only have the 21mm orbit Milwaukee available to buy. Because, New Zealand. I've read the 15mm da polishers in general are a better all rounder, but how much will it matter? It's either the 21mm locally, 15mm imported (no warranty but slightly cheaper) or something like a corded Maxshine M15. The Milwaukee's are 100nzd cheap”
“$15 for the M22 Liquid8r is a great price. It's one of my favorite detailing items. Although it's about the same savings as the ADS Hero + M22 bundle that TRC perpetually has on sale, if you need some rinseless wash and also don't mind the hot pink towel. :)”
“Rotary buffers are very difficult to use correctly, even with high quality pads and products. Unfortunately you’re highly likely to do more harm than good with this thing. You can get a halfway decent DA polisher from Harbor Freight for a decent price. Amazon even has kits that come with a variety of pads. Honestly you’re much better off eating the $20 you spent on this and getting something more appropriate.”
“It's good for gelcoat. I would get a super soft buffing pad and use it for wax on a car. Not wool or microfiber they are very aggressive (those would be good for old gelcoat though)”
“There are glass specific polishing compounds to try, that's the next step I would take. I've used the Meguiars glass compound by hand and liked it.”
“Can you tell me why a g15 would complicate the process over using a g9? My understanding is the longer throw covers more area quicker and also will make it harder to damage the paint. Am I wrong about this?”
“Hey guys! Last year I bought a Liquid Elements T3200 polisher and used a one-step pad and paste system by Zvizzer (orange). I want to try a two-step process but what do I get? What heavy cut and fine cut pad and paste combos work the best? Cheers submitted by /u/BulkyIndependence672 [link] [comments]”
“Sure, autofiber.com is the source, you can buy in bulk, I'd consider some dark/grey/black towels to use only on wheels and tires. You can hit me up but I've not done what you're asking about, but it can be done, with the right setup, equipment and techniques it's certainly doable.”
“This is beyond polishing. You can’t fix what doesn’t exist anymore. You don’t have any clear coat left to level off.”
“I haven’t used 3D one but I have heard good things about it. I haven’t gotten marring with the uro fiber but I have found that new car paint is extremely soft now and there is a chance that it could. I have gotten a lot of haze with Rupes yellow medium wool on a new black VW and Hyundai but none Subaru or harder paint”
“This needs way more than anyone step. I'm not experienced enough to recommend a compounding combo, so I won't, but the orange + 3D One will be good for the polish (2nd) step. From my experience with nearly the exact combo (lake country orange + 3D one) it'll take out a good amount of swirls in decent paint, but yours is going to need a true compound. Outside of that, you could always try the combo on a small panel section, see how it looks, then decide from there. You may be happy en”
“I am surprised Chemical Guys ranked #1. That company gets so much hate in the auto detailing world. Possible Chemical Guys is really a good value? Or maybe testing a cleaner is a bit too subjective.”
“Yeah for sure! I'd recommend checking some YouTube video comparisons between them then and see what will work best for you”
“Thanks for the input I appreciate it. I feel like these particular tools are overlooked. Even when looking for video reviews there are only a few that I found and none that do comparisons or ranking of these tools.”
“Thank you for the input I’ll consider this option. While saving money is always important that will not be my driving force when it comes to what I ultimately buy for myself to use. I want to have a quality tool that feels great and produces excellent results. I’m looking for low vibration, moderately quiet, and a nimble feeling in my hands.”
“Hello all, I am getting into caring for my car more and more myself and will eventually make my hobby into a side business. I am looking to invest into some budget friendly but well made polishers. I have brought myself to these options. Option 1 Craftsman v20 5” DA Polisher ($120) - up to 6k RPM, variable speed, doesn’t mention throw or amps in the description but I’ve watched a few videos about it on YouTube and it gets nice reviews from professionals who have used it. Craftsman v20 3” DA Poli”
“Chemical guys giving me labor day sale deal. So I need choice one real quick. I'm trying to find the griots without microfiber for amazon but amazon only have with Microfiber for 249 dollars. submitted by /u/Enrique_Guzman [link] [comments]”
“As a wax guy, one of the remaining few on the planet, I know exactly what you are talking about. I found these brushes used for cleaning circuit boards. They are uber soft bristles but firm enough to do what I need them to do. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809967137663.html After wax hazes and I am removing it, I have one of these brushes with me to get around door handles, badges, cracks between panels.... all those areas where those white lines of dried wax pile up. I use the same brushes”
“Looking into getting my first DA. I Would like to start correcting and coating my own vehicles and boat instead of paying someone. My truck is 6 years old and in really good shape it’s just never been corrected. Looking at the griots g9, Rupes LHR15 ES and the Liquid Elements T4200. Any advice any of you pros out there can give me? Throw, diameter, pads, polishes? I think a one step will be sufficient for my first go at it I learned the hard way young and have since always been a buy once cry on”
“Yeah, I thnk th important distinction is what kind of dirt u're trying to remove. For light dust, fingerprints, etc a quick detailer can be fine, but I wouldn't personally use one to wipe down a genuinely dirty/dusty dry car. If I actually need to clean light to moderate dirt without doing a full wash, I'd use a dedicated waterless wash. I've one I like that’s designed specifically for that situation rather than trying to make a ceramic detailer do double duty Then I'd use th”
“Thank you for this. Ended up sticking with Fine Detail as they can it to me before next Saturday, but good to know this alternative in the future.”
“For your daily driver, HG has inexpensive DA.. No need to spend $300+ You'll get good results with the right pad/compound/polish combination.”
“I bought a Griot's, has 3", 2" and 1" backing plates along with shaft extenders to get into places like the door jamb”
“You mean hand-polishing pads, right? You won’t be able to polish wheels with a standard sized DA unless they have massive flat faces, and even then you’ll miss plenty.”
“I'm looking to get a machine to shine up my black truck and red car. I have expensive variable speed polishers and angle grinders that I use in construction. Will those work or do they need to be orbital? submitted by /u/socaTsocaTsocaT [link] [comments]”
“Hey everyone, First post in this section. I have bought a DA polisher recently and done some work on my car which has turned out decent. Now I’m wanting to polish some gloss black wheels and wondering what pads and brand to use? I’m just going to use Mequire’s Ultimate polish. Thank you in advance. submitted by /u/hamdol [link] [comments]”
“I think you get better prices over there for Liquid Elements polishers, their cheapest DA is still very solid. Over here harbor freight's is solid as well.”
“What are the best DAs people have used I've used a older wired milwaukee but just want something newer not sure whether to get the menzerna as I use there polish but not tried much else. Cheers 👍 Uk based submitted by /u/reuben10101010 [link] [comments]”
“If they’re professionals, they’d take the time with a steam machine pulling 1- 2 inches at a time to prevent that. It can be done, sucks if it’s cheap, old and it cracks every time you lift. But it’s ehhh maybe 3-5 months it shouldn’t be horrible. A day job for me personally if I had to say.”
“What’s more important, a chemistry background or detail experience? Hint…ChatGPT can provide the chemistry but it can’t explain what it’s like to use it on a vehicle.”
“I’m currently looking to order a new load of detailing supplies in bulk. Years ago while in highschool I washed cars on the weekends to make money. I mainly used chemical guys products as they had gotten a boom in popularity around that time. Recently I have upgraded vehicles AND run out of the remaining products that I had bulk ordered. I now wash my 2025 Tundra (black) and my 2004 4Runner (gray) weekly/biweekly. I’d like to order all my chemicals/towels from one website/company/dealer and I’d”
“I bought a DA polisher from Griots Garage. The only thing I have ever purchased from them. The pad and the polish will vary depending on the condition of your paint. For a new vehicle it will be very minimally abrasive. Just a polish. But learn how to use a DA polisher. Put like 5 dollops of polish on the pad. Without turning it on, gently push it up against the paint in several places on the section (30” x 30”) to spread the polish on the section you are about to do. This puts the abrasive in s”
“That seriously is the real issue. It’s one thing to have enough to get started and learn how to hone your craft/technique. It’s an entirely different ball game to actually get a real pad selection going and enough goddamn microfibers”
“Plus all the cost of the equipment and chemicals on top of that lol. Barely anyone has a DA polisher lying around.”