Stand Down? (Did not know about CLAY)

[REDTTCOUPE]

New to forum, this is great!

Ok...Just purchashed '01 Red TT Coup a few weeks ago, shine was just ok and noticed some light hazing and lots of swirls marks...most likly from car dealer peforming a quick detailing prior to purchase, along w normal washing from prior owner. Nothing BAD, above Average...NOT WOW! noticed a few deep cratches in clear coat on bottom of air dams. (save that for phase-2)

Prior to finding Maguiar'a site (2-3 weeks ago.) This is what i did.

1- I used a fine liquid cleaning-compound by hand.
(Brand turtle wax.)

2.- Followed by Maquiar's scratch-X,
also by hand.

3.- Then finished with Maquiar's GOLD CLASS WAX, of course by hand.

WOW!! A 95 % IMPROVMENT,
-Swirl marks 95% Gone,
-Fine scratches 95% gone
-Shine is 95% WOW!

***wish I found this site sooner!
***Here's my Question?

The "Hand Rub-Test" is about 80-85% Smooth over entire car, this car may have been garaged by previous owner, but sad to say this car was outside on dealers lot for 45-90 days prior to taking ownership.

Car is now 100% garaged, even at work. Don't Know if clay was ever used?

Theirs no question "I NEED TO CLAY"
will be my first time ever...no biggie.
OR
"BIG CONCERN HERE" Help
SHOULD I WAIT? (see above steps)

A) IF So how long? (just waxed april 1st)

***Afraid of over-cleaning paint
surface (will I F-UP Paint)***

B) Does the Clay remove all protection in order to clean smooth?

C) Is their a wax remover I can use?

D) Will I have to use scratch-X AGAIN?

E) Which polish should I use this time?

Any one have any bad effects with over applying multiples steps to paint finish in short period of time 2-4 weeks.

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ADVISE.
REDTTCOUPE
Looking for show-quality Shine.
Thank god I found this fourm. Sure could use detail 101 advise.
Thanks Mequiar's.

[Murr1525]

A. You can wait a little, might as well enjoy your results before starting over.

B. It may not remove all the old wax, but it will at least remove some, and there is really no way to tell how much, where, etc.

C. You can clay right after washing, then use a paint cleaner.

D. If all your swirls are gone, or at least to your liking, you can switch to a milder, easier to use, and cheaper cleaner like Deep Crystal #1.

E. You will want to use a polish like the Deep Crystal #2, or the #7 Show Car Glaze. #2 is a little easier to use if yo uare getting the hang of things.

You can go with a simple routine like:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Clean - DC#1
4. Polish - DC#2
5. Wax


Give these threads a read... esp the Meguiars terminology. I am sensing there could be a little mixing of Meguiars terminology with other companies, and that could lead to some confusion.

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle

Step 1 Wash

Step 2 Clean

Step 3 Polish

Step 4 Protect

Step 5 Maintain

A Lesson From White Paint

Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car

How To Remove Swirls By Hand

How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX

How to Get Great Results Using Meguiar's Spray Waxes

[the other pc]

"welcome to MOL REDTTCOUPE!

I agree with everything Murr1525 said, but I'll add a couple thoughts.

Originally posted by REDTTCOUPE
SHOULD I WAIT? (see above steps)

A) IF So how long? (just waxed april 1st)

***Afraid of over-cleaning paint ...

No danger of cleaning too much with these products. Clay, ScratchX, Deep Crystal 1, pure polishes (DC2, #7) and wax can be used as often as you like. They're very gentle.

Originally posted by REDTTCOUPE
C) Is their a wax remover I can use?..

You don't need to remove wax but DC 1 and ScratchX will do so as they clean anyway.

Originally posted by REDTTCOUPE
D) Will I have to use scratch-X AGAIN?...

I don't think you'll need to unless you're claying off large splatters of gunk but it may be beneficial.


While there's no risk in doing a multi-step detail soon, it's entirely reasonable to just enjoy the car for a little while before diving into another big polish session. If I were in your position I'd go ahead with clay and a fresh coat of wax immediately (I love clay). A TT isn't very big, you can do it in an hour.

(Well, since this is your first time claying you may have to add another 30 minutes for feeling the paint and going oooh, ahhhh...)


PC.

[REDTTCOUPE]

Thanks

Thanks guys...appreciate feedback.

WOW all the photos in Gallary of (red cars) really shine Bright!!!!
Hope I can get that close....

Going to post pitures pre and post to clay/polish of TTCoupe.
not this wkend "working" maybe in MAY.

[Monk]

I'd live to see a pic of that Red TT.