Newbie. New 2006 Ford Fusion

[Ciscoford23]

Hello, I am completly new at detailing. I just bought a Black 2006 Ford Fusion. I wanted to protect the paint and keep it looking the best. I work at the dealer I bought it from and spoke with the detail manager. He said they applied wax to it and recommended that I wash it with Meguiars Gold Class car wash. The paint looks great but what steps should I take to make it look the best possible. I didn't see any noticeable swirl marks on it. Any advice welcome from wash mitts to wax. I want an outline of things to buy and steps to take. I am willing to put a lot of work and time into this. I read the forums for like 3 hours and got a lot of information...Awesome site. I can provide pics of needed. Thanks in advance

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Ciscoford23,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

Try these to start with...

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle
Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car
Circles or Straight Lines?
Which LSP is Best for Light Colors
What are the Differences Between Meguiar's Waxes
How to tell when a Meguiar's wax is ready to remove - The Swipe Test


As for posting pictures, give this a read...

How to put pictures into your posts

[Ciscoford23]

I have an Idea

Thanks for the quick reply. After reading and reading some more I think I have an idea of what to do. This is my plan:

1) Wash with GC car wash...Dry
2)clay
3)DC #1
4)DC #2
5) Wax with NXT Tech Wax

I will be doing it all by hand since I don't have any equipment (yet).

Since the car is new should I clay it? I felt the paint and it felt good, to me at least. I guess it wouldn't hurt to clay it. Also do I need to tape off any trim or anything like that? I want to do this right and I don't want to pay someone to do it cause I would like to learn for myself.

[Murr1525]

Well, no need to worry, you will be fine doing it yourself.

I would definately clay a new car. There really will be a difference, it will surprise you.

If you have black trim/gaskets up against paint, you may feel like taping off with some of that Blue Painters Tape. Seems to work real well, and can make your life easier starting off.

Also, a tip I have seen, if you are going to apply a plastic/trim detailer, first apply the detailer. Then apply your cleaner/polish/wax. Then remove the excess trim detailer. This will help keep the wax from dis-coloring your trim as well.

[Jeff Smith]

I agree claying would be a good idea. Will remove traces of rail dust that have the potentiel of working into your finish.

Regarding Murr1525's suggestion of using a Trim Detailer before polishing. I have started doing this. It seems to work great. I can trim things out in about 5 minutes whereas it takes me a good 20-30 minutes to mask off.

What gave me the idea on this was about a month ago I had Detailed the exterior of my truck up pretty well. The next day , on a whim, I decided I would try #7 as a topper. So I broke out the tape. The tape would not stick to the freshly applied GC Trim Detailer. So I was unsure as to what tot do. So after a cup of coffee and some thinking I figured well, if the tape won't stick to it neither should anything else. So just for extra piece of mind I applied another coat of the GC Trim Detailer with an Even Coat Applicator. I applied it a tad heavier than I nornally would. I proceeded with the #7 application and then removed the access Trim Detailer with a MF. Worked like a champ.

So far I have been doing this with the GC Trim Detailer and have started using Natural Shine now. I am not usre if all of the Trim Detailers will be good for this or not. For example, I was thinking that since Hyper Dressing is water based it might not be a good chice for this as it likely dry out pretty fast. I am unsure if Meguiar's has any othe water based dressings or not.

[showtime]

Everything's been pretty much covered except for tire shine. Go with Endurance. It lasts forever. I've had it on my car (a Fusion too) since Sat. and drove 200 miles through slushy salty snow and they're still black. All Season Dressing is also a good choice.

How do you like your car? Mine has started to give me problems ALREADY. I have two rattles in the dash and it sounds like the timing chain is making noise. I'm really regretting not buying a BMW like I wanted too or even a used BMW for the same price.

Pics are in off-topic.

[Ciscoford23]

Thanks

Thanks for the tips guys....I have had it since Friday and so far everything is cool...No problems what so ever...I really like it but I don't have much to compare it to...I drove a Focus before it and a Chevy Celebrity before that...lol I really like it so far....its black so it gets lots of stares. Once the weather gets better I will do the 5 step process...wish me luck...Expect more questions later..lol Thanks.

[Murr1525]

Are you leaving it alone until better weather?

You would be best to at least go with ColorX or Cleaner/Wax at least till then, if you are short on time/time with good weather.

Even if you can pull off Quick Clay once+ ColorX maybe once or twice over the next couple months, you will be well set for the time being.

[Ciscoford23]

weather

Well I don't have access to a heated garage but do you think I could do it when its like 40-50 outside? Like on a weekend. I really want to do it especially after seeing all the pics on this site...I don't think I have ever seen so many good looking cars. Around here its always dusty outside so cars are always dirty. I will check the weather report and do it when the weather is better.

[Murr1525]

40 - 50 is perfect for the cleaner waxes..ColorX and the Cleaner/Wax always work good for me in those temps.

[Ciscoford23]

Thanks

Well that is good news...I will give it a shot this weekend...I will try to get some before pics with my A75...The paint looks good already if I can make it look better that would be amazing...Thanks