Originally Posted by Ddub
I've hand detailed my cars for a long time, but recently began using a Porter Cable 7346SP. Super easy to use and great results. On a newer car I clay barred it and applied Jescar Powerlock with the polisher.
For my older car, I clayed it, polished out some of the scratches with polishing compound and the polisher, applied Duragloss 105 to the entire car with the polisher and removed with microfiber towels, and then applied a coat of Jesscar Powerlock the next time I washed the car a few weeks later. I like the cleaning (and price) of the Duragloss, but like the protection and longevity of the Powerlock better.
For your requested purposes of keeping it simple, I would recommend the Porter Cable polisher, a few Lake County or chemical Guy foam pads, and Duragloss 105 or the Jescar all in one polish and wax. You'll get lots of different recommendations, but once you get to a certain level of quality, it's really all about preference. I've tried LOTS of different things, but find a clay bar every now and then with an all in one polish and wax, AND a wax or sealant with no cleaning properties is all I need.
Nice!
Yes...a dual action polisher is hands down superior to any orbital buffer on multiple fronts, especially with the various shape anomalies on car exteriors these days.