Car detailing tips

[latinoguy]

I recently picked up Chamberlain PolishMaster 2100 11" orbital poisher/waxer and want to use it to detail a vehicle ( i am going to detail my daily driver...01 325I) alpine white in color.

I am hoping to go with the full steps:

1. Wash with dawn soap to remove old wax
1. Clay exterior
2. polish compound
3. Finish with a sealant or wax (sealant works good on white cars I was told)

Question: does the type of Polishing pad matter for the the stages for which I will be using the orbital polisher?

Use a wool pad for setting the polish compound?
Use a foam pad for polishing the sealant?

I am thinking about sticking with OTC Meguiar's brand.
Any other tips greatly appreciated. This will be a first detail job I've done in a LONG time.

 

[latinoguy]

OK, I am not going to use the Random Orbit polisher, but will try doing it by the hand the first time, and will keep an eye for a Porter Cable 7224 Random Orbit Polisher, which is what many DYI and pros are using and recommending...

I bought the Meguiars Clay for the first step, Meguiars Scratch X for the 2nd step and will finish it up with the Meguiars NXT 2.0 Sealant. I am hoping this gives me the results I am looking for.

 

[Texx]

I've seen more cars effed up with a polisher than I've seen made better. Hand is the way to start, meguiars is good stuff.