Please critique my shopping list

[hondacrazy]

Ok, I am ready to take the plunge and spend (what I think) is a decent chunk of change on some detailing goodies. Most if not everything will be ordered from Auto Detailing Solutions. After talking to Rick (ADS) and someone from Meguiars I think I have come up with a decent package. Essentially I am looking to use the DA buffer and a 3 step paint cleaning, polishing, and sealing method. My buddy who got me hooked used Meguiars Medallion series which is not available anymore so his input is in here as well. All input is MUCH appreciated as I would like to have decent stuff right away since I am not much for dropping a lot of money more than once.

#1 I have all the good washing supplies
#2 Order the Quick Clay Kit
#3 Order the DA buffer
#4 Paint cleaning= #83 Cleaner/Polish with a yellow pad (my buddy and i used the maroon pad for the first step (cutting) is this not safe? as Rick and the guy from Meguiars did not recommend them)
Polishing= #07 Show car polish, again with the yellow pad
Sealing/waxing= NXT Tech Wax with the off-white pad
#5 Please recommend some sort of quick/spray on detailer for in between waxes for maintenance.

Between each step I plan to remove the wax by hand with microfiber towels not the bonnets-is this ok?

Thoughts are appreciated. By the way, my car is a Ficus Green (Dark Metallic) 00 Honda Prelude. It has 6 years of neglect. I have always washed it, just not the right way and never detailed it. There are a fair amount of swirls and scratches that I would like to remove, so how does my list sound???

[Magic]

Re: Please critique my shopping list

Originally posted by hondacrazy

#1 I have all the good washing supplies
#2 Order the Quick Clay Kit
#3 Order the DA buffer
#4 Paint cleaning= #83 Cleaner/Polish with a yellow pad (my buddy and i used the maroon pad for the first step (cutting) is this not safe? as Rick and the guy from Meguiars did not recommend them)
Polishing= #07 Show car polish, again with the yellow pad
Sealing/waxing= NXT Tech Wax with the off-white pad
#5 Please recommend some sort of quick/spray on detailer for in between waxes for maintenance.

Between each step I plan to remove the wax by hand with microfiber towels not the bonnets-is this ok?

#1-#3 All good..

#4 Not good.. Meg's doesn't receommend using the 7006 with the G100. I can haze/marr your finish, and the G100 cannot take those out. Some people have used it with no problems, but not recommended. Stick with the yellow pad for #83. Also to bring that finish to a little brighter shine, I would recommend using the #80 on a yellow pad.

1.#83 - Yellow Pad
2. #80 - Yellow Pad
3. #7 - Tan Pad
4. 2 coats of Wax - Tan Pad

And Yes, it's ok to remove wax with the MF towel. It will not hurt a thing.

Give this a read
Final Wiping Technigues

[Mort Corey]

Add in a grit guard for your wash bucket (if you don't already have one).....cheap insurance.

Mort

[Murr1525]

I hust have to thow in a vote for #21 Synthetic Sealant over the Nxt wax.. No big deal either way, but I think it will be a little easier by machine as well.

You will definatley want to have either the Nxt Speed Detailer or the Quick Detailer on your shelf. They can be used after washing, but even more important, for getting off bird bombs, etc.

I have found a spray wax to be less needed with the #21. With Nxt, following up a wash with the Nxt Spray Wax is definately a good idea.

[hondacrazy]

Thanks for the replies...I guess the only thing that is still up in the air is my polishing step...#7 or #80???
I also just want to clarify, will I be able to use #83 from here on out or is too abrasive, I do not want to create swirls or anything...sorry, I just want to be sure, would like to order tomorrow....

[Tom Weed]

I would suggest 80, it has a mild cutting ability where as 7 has none. Having said that, if you follow up 83 on a yellow pad, with 80 on a yellow pad, it really makes it shine and IMO, #7 is not needed. I think 80 has the same polishing oils in it that #7 has, but with a light cutting ability to bring your paint up to look it's best. You can then follow that up with NXT or 21...