Ok so i never really "detailed" a car before just wash and go, and i dont want to do that with my G.

So here the list i came up with that i thought would be good, i just need to know what order to do these things in as i detail my car:

-Liquid turtle wax
-Sratch X (winter driving gave me alot of very light scratchs that i know will go away with alittle elbow)
-Mothers or Meguiars clay bar kit
-Mothers Back to Black (for the sill all around)
- and finally some applicator pad because i dont own a machine (portercable) and dont plan on buying one. So everything will be done by hand.

So in what order should i do everything?
Heres what i was thinking:
wash
scratch x
clay bar
wax


Also if you guys recommend anything else that can be bought locally at walmart or any auto store, ill check it out.

Thanks for helping out,
Mike

 

I wouldn't use those terry cloth applicator pads. They scratch too much imo. Just stock up on some MF towels and remove the tags.

 

ok so i should apply scratch x, wax and back to black with MF towels instead of the applicator pads?

besides that how does everything look?, im just not sure when i should do each step

 

Check the stickies at the top "Detailing and caring for your ride" and "Ask a detailer"

With the products you've mentioned i'd Wash, clay, scratchx,quick rewash if you can, then seal/wax.

Meg's clay kit is decent. Not a fan of Turtle Wax. I use 4*PP sealant and aquawax spraywax as a LSP. But if you're looking for local waxes, NXT should be available.

 

Ok thats about what i was thinking
Anyone else want to chime in?

 

See the Ask a Professional Detailer thread. All you want is there.

 

Wash > Clay > Scratch-X > Wax

Clay will remove surface contaminants from your paint.
If you don't remove those before you use Scratch-X, you'll just end up rubbing those surface contaminant into your paint and adding more swirl marks.

Scratch-X and some elbow grease will only get out very minimal scratches.
If you have swirl marks or scratches even after applying Scratch-X, you'll have to invest in a dual-action random orbital, some polishing/cutting pads, and some polish.
Also, never use terry cloths on the paint. Always use fresh, clean microfiber towels and make sure to remove the tags.

 

^ Thank you very much :]

and yes the scratches are very minimal and im almost positive with some elbow they will come out.

and one more question, the clay kit comes with, 2 clay bars, a small bottle of wax (which i dont think ill use), and a spray bottle of quick detailer i believe it is, do i use the quick detailer as the "lube" that i spray on the car in order to clay?

Thanks agian everyone

 

^ yes. Google "how to use a clay bar" video.

 

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I had watched the video on how to clay a car, but i just went and watched ^ that one, and helped out alot.

I think im about ready to go out and get everything i need to get my car lookin good for the nice weaher :]

Thanks once agian for your help

 

Ok, I didn't really understand if you already bought the products already, but here let me give you some recommendations.

-Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash (any auto or walmart)
-Clay Magic Blue Clay Bar, comes with lube (Autozone only)
-Can't comment on hand polishes since I use a machine.
-Meguiar's NXT 2.0 Paste Wax if you like to re-apply wax every couple of months, will look very good, will last around 1.5 months.
- Collinite 915 if you want the wax to last a long time, will last around 4-6 months and still look pretty good.

Other recommendations:
- Lexol leather cleaner and Leather conditioner.
- Aerospace 303 for dash/interior in general, great stuff.
- Stoner's More Shine Less Time tire dressing.
- Microfiber Applicator pads
- Microfiber Towels.

I think that covers everything basic, and all of it is available at most auto stores. When using the Gold Class Shampoo, use more before you clean a car for a detail, but when just doing maintenance washes don't use nearly as much because it may strip your wax. Good luck

 

Ill go check all these out, i didnt think that the soap used to wash that car made a big deal but i geuss it does haha
and as for the clay bar, just named those 2 becuase those are the only ones that i really remeber haha

 

The Clay Magic Bar is a lot better than the other 2 IMO.

And the reason you want to use car wash soap is so you don't strip off your wax washing it with dawn a week later. Also it will be a lot slicker when moving your wash media across, meaning less swirls in the long run.

EDIT: Quick trick I do with the clay, if it's cold and the clay isn't kneading and molding that well, stick it in the microwave for about 15 seconds or less and it will warm it up and make it more malleable.

 

Clay Magic Clay Bar is great stuff, I use a full coat of scratch X but I would use something better if you have a dark colored car.

Make sure that you wax your car regularly and make sure that you are not covering contaminants with wax or scratch X etc, the rubbing will make them look worse.

time and a soar arm are worth it in the end!