How to use a Porter Cable 7424
 

Here are some videos showing how to properly use a PC 7424.

http://www.autogeek.net/po.html
http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/video/

i just watch every vid and read every page that was some good stuff now i can try and improve my skills and see what the boss thinks

Its very important to make sure you work in the swirl removers/ polishes correctly. If you dont then the small abrasives will actually leave maring in your paint. You need to work them in for about 3-5 min per 2x2' section. A good idea would be to set a timer for 3-5 min. Also, you DONT want to apply a sealer after applying a glaze. The reason for this is because a sealer wont seal as well over a glaze.

So pretty much the correct way to do this is...
Apply your swirl remover/ polish either #1, 2, or 3. If you use #2 or 3 then you need to go back over it with #1 using the same application method for both. Next apply your glaze. Last apply your "protection" (not sealer) coat which is usually carnauba wax.

Some good combos are...
SSR1, SSR2.5, Clearkote Vanilla Mose Wax Hand Glaze, then Poorboys Natty's Paste Wax Blue.

Pinnacle XMT #1, 2, or 3, XMT Carnauba Finishing Glaze, then DP Max Wax.

Some other good last step coats (the carnauba waxes) are Pinnacle Souveran Carnauba Paste Wax or Liquid Souveran.

Also, you dont want to be doing all of these steps frequently. Only do them when you cant get rid of scartches, maring, swirls, etc. when applying the carnuba waxes. The polishes have small abrasives in them which get into your clear coat. If you do this too much then youll actually buff off your clear coat which isnt good. Since the carnauba waxes dont have abrasives in them, you can reapply this top coat fequently. So after you wash your car and it doesnt have that shine anymore, then go ahead and apply that. Also, you dont need to clay your car often. Maybe only twice per year. Pinnacle actually just came out with a new clay (Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay) that is said not to get rid of your wax. So if you keep your paint up well but theres something that wont come off when you wash it. Then you can go ahead and use that. Also, its better to use a clay lube instead of a quick detailer or soapy water. The clay lube has more lubricity and the soapy water will dry out the clay. You can even take it to the next step, which I think you should, and use the same brand clay and lube.

I finally decided to take the plunge and get a PC7424. Amazon $119 shipped! saved $12 in Tax alone considering the assraping TN gives me when I buy something local.

Picked up the Sonus $49 pad kit from Autotopia.

Figure it will pay for itself after 1 detailing weekend with my stang and the wifes Honda Oddysey Van. The Honda came with a nice Hendrick Detailing wax and polishing kit. I'll probably use it on the Stang as well.

:Woot:

Do you do this over top of all the sealers and waxes on your car as is, or should you remove them first? I wax my car about every 2 weeks and I've used sealants and polishes also, so I think there's a pretty big build-up of products on the paint.

Polish has abrasives in it, so you dont want to POLISH the car too often. Only do it when you need to. So if you have scratches, swirl marks, marring, etc. You can wax the car pretty much as often as you want. Wax doesnt have abrasives in it. Carnauba wax usually lasts for about 2 months. So when you start losing shine or water stops beading then its time for a new coat. Id clay the car probably 2 or 3 times per year or whenever you are going to polish it. The clay will get rid of everything. After the clay Id go ahead and apply your polish as needed, next your glaze, then your wax.

Or if you do it with a sealant, then you need to get rid of any oils on the paint before you apply it. So if you're going straight from a polish to sealant then wipe the car down with a normal bottle of Isopropyl Alcohol. This will get rid of any other oils on the paint and the surface will be ready for sealer. Remember NO Carnauba wax before a sealer. A lot of glazes have Carnauba in them too. Apply the wax AFTER the sealer has cured for 24 hours.