Wgeffon

I use VRT for most trim instead of tape. Apply VRT before polishing/waxing and any product will wipe right off. I go around with VRT again when I'm done just to smooth out the look.
 
You can do the whole car with correcting polish. Then the whole car with finishing polish. Then glaze. And wipe off.

Taping emblems may help with not getting the pads snagged on and cut by sharp edges. Otherwise, I didn't do anything with mine. Just stayed clear.
 
Use VRT on the trim first, after the strip wash, and any polish or sealant will wipe right off easily.
 
I've never used the PFP, but my gut tells me do the whole car with PCP first, then do the PFP. Saves from switching the pads back and forth.
 
Have fun. The PC is a great tool.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the advice and encouragement.

In my opinion, the order is fine, with a few exceptions:Strip wash, VRT the trim, Clay, polish with PC, alcohol wipe down with blue microfiber (50/50 with water, removes the polish oils), seal with PC, wax (follow other people's advice on this one; I haven't waxed my DD yet).
 
I also use the PC7424 as my first polisher and was thrilled with the results. It vibrates more than the newer models (e.g. cyclone), but it's nothing that will drive you crazy. Besides, it makes you feel like you did some of the work!
 
Yes, HGG goes on by hand.
 
Remember, the pads are color coded, so orange pad with PCP, white pad with PFP, grey pad with LPS.
 
Also should add, if your paint is pretty good, you may not need the PCP just yet. The PFP may be good enough.
 
Good luck, and enjoy the new adventure!

I learned on a PC. They are durable, capable, inexpensive machines and an incredible value.
 
If I have two words for anyone new to compounding and polishing: Residue Control.
 
You either need to clean the pad you're using, or swap out the pad. I use four pads on a sedan, six pads on a truck or van. It's a larger up front investment, but your pads last four times longer. The upside to managing residue is better, quicker results for less effort. Less wear on your arms, less wear on your machine and pads.
 
When your compounding pad fills up with residue (a combination of polish and clear or paint), it can no longer cut effectively. Heat builds up on the surface of the pad, causing the polish to flash prematurely. Friction increases tremendously, and those forces are pushed to the hook and loop fasteners. Heat builds up very quidkly here and eventually you'll have pad failure where the heat has either broken down the adhesives keeping the pad together, or melts the hook and loop.
 
I am not trying to scare you off of pursuing paint correction - quite the opposite. I want you to be more prepared than I was so you see the best results for as little effort as possible. So you can focus on the technique rather than how tired your arms are from trying to remove residue. Ask me how I know.  

I'm with you Wayne, just got my first PC polisher, haven't used it yet but have the Adam's pads, orange, white and microfiber (Gen6 pad bundle). Also have the Paint Correcting and Finishing Polishes, H2O G&G, Patriot Wax and Brilliant Glaze. Hoping to address/correct the super fine swirl marks on my car. It never sees rain and gets hit with Waterless Wash and Detail Spray after every drive. Everyone but me thinks the paint is awesome... I see nothing but the super-fine swirl marks (only in the sun).
 
Unfortunately, I've had my ride for 3 years and only learned about Adam's when I stopped in their booth at the 2016 Hot August Nights show in Reno. Little did I know that using the pack of 36 yellow microfiber towels from China (with tags from the big box store) was actually damaging my clear. Ugh.
 
I'll practice with the PC on my daily driver (2000 white Honda Accord) first... but at some point I'll have to bite the bullet and touch my baby.  (Can you say Terrified???)
 

Take the leap to machine polishing.  You won't be disappointed.  There isn't anything to be terrified of.  The process is relatively simple and straight forward.  Just remember to  keep the polisher moving and don't hold it in one spot and to go light on the pressure on edges.  It's no that scary once you've done it.  Take your time.  Prep is everything.
 
Enjoy the journey.  You'll be polishing in no time and you'll be achieving some next level shine that will make people envious.

Picked up this car last week. It was apparant the car sat outside for a while at the dealership.
Very rough paint to the touch.
These are the steps I took to get it protected and looking good.
 
Strip wash with Adams shampoo and All Purpose Cleaner.
Clay bar.
Revive polish.
Spray sealant.
Americana wax.

My car is new so the wheels are very clean however, its a BMW and the brake dust is hard to stay ahead of.
The DWC is amazing stuff though. I was using it on an 09 BMW and it got the wheels looking as good as what you see here.
I just ordered some woollies to reach back into the barrels. Up to now , all I have been using is the lug nut brush and the boars hair brush.
 
I'd be surprised if you tried DWC and didn't really like it.

Just finished my first full detail. Adam's products were really easy to use and with all the videos and online help and advice things went smoothly.
The car looks amazing.
 
Steps in order:
 
Deep Wheel Cleaner
All Purpose Cleaner on tires and wheel wells.
Two bucket wash.
Clay bar.
Swirl and Haze Remover.
Revive.
Quick Sealant.
Brilliant Glaze.
Americana.
Glass Cleaner.
Glass Sealant.
VRT on Tires.
 
Thanks Adam's...

For those who have ever visited the warehouse you've probably met Jose aka 'the bottling machine'. He's the one that fills, caps, and labels EVERY single product that leaves our place and finds its way into your garage and eventually onto your car. He has personally touched almost every bottle that has ever shipped here for the past decade.
 
Yesterday he was rushed to the hospital and is fighting with a serious health issue. I won't disclose too much as to respect his privacy, but please keep him in your thoughts.
 
The team here is taking time out of the day in shifts to go keep him company in the ICU to help him pull thru. We apologize if processing is delayed slightly as a result, but as the small, tight-knit group we are he is like family and we want to be there for him.