New here..some questions

[D Rod79]

OK..I just got a laser red g35 and want to keep it clean....I was wondering if I wanted to clay...I hear u all using quick detalier with it..how would I go about doing that..spring a area with qd then clay or ? Also if I use quik wax do I put it on then take it off or how should I go about doing this? how should I go about washing my car....wash...clay...wax? or what do you all suggest? I also do need to learn how to use a buffer cause my acura tl which is black needs a good buffing

[MikeGT]

Smooth surface comes with the QD and clay. You basically wash and dry the car. Spray QD and use the clay bar one section at a time, buff it off with the supplied MF towel. Then use a cleaner, polish,and then a wax(two coats if wanted for max. protection)

I am sure someone will go into more detail though. Its very easy though

[D Rod79]

whats a cleaner polish and what type...what wax should I get? I may wash my car today...looking at the extreme makeovers and show off section got me amped up lol...I may have to hit up pep boys...spent almost 100.00 dollars yesterday and meguiars products

[D Rod79]

oh whats also good to clean like a plastic grill and headlights/tall-lights?

[Murr1525]

Assuming yo uget the Smooth Surface kit, cut the clay bar in half. That way, if you drop it, you muct throw it out, but wont waste everything.

Then, flatten it into a wafer about the area of your fingers. Spritz the clay with the QD. Then spritz all over a panel. Say you start with your roof. Spritz about a quarter of it. then start rubbing the clay back and forth. You will get the feel for it grabbing at first, then less and less. Once it isnt grabbing, dry up the QD with a MF towel, and move onto the next 1/4 of the roof. And so on around the car. When you think the clay is dirty, or even after each panel, just fold the clay in on itself, so the dirt goes to the inside. Then flatten back out.

With a new car, you can probably clay everything with that one piece. But dont be afraid to use as much QD as you want. Using the whole bottle is not a problem.

Remember you paint-->glass/trim-->wheels-->exhaust tips in that order only. Dont go backwards.

You will either want to use the basic 5-step system, or a cleaner/wax.

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Clean - Deep Crystal #1
4. Polish - Deep Crystal #2
5a. Wax - Nxt, Gold Class, etc, whatever your favorite is.
5b. Wax - Remember 2 thin coats is best.

OR:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Cleaner/Wax or ColorX
4. Wax - Nxt, Gold Class, etc.

Is your grill black plastic, or painted plastic?

For plastic headlights/taillights, I just use the cleaner gently as I go around, then gently wax them when waxing.

[D Rod79]

my grill is like silver plastic...what cleaner do I use for it? Also when u say cleaner what do u mean by that? sorry I"m just new to all this car wash stuff so its like another language to me right now

[MikeGT]

i am not sure you would want to cut the clay in half that comes in the Smooth Surface since it comes in 2 small peices right out of the box. Cutting them any smaller would be hard to use.

[Murr1525]

Well, I cut the Quick Clay in 4 pieces, works great. An older car, maybe not. But a new car, little contamination, I think 4 pices for Quick Clay is quite enough. That would be 2 pieces for each Smooth Surface bar. But I am certainly not the only opinion.

This is a can of the Consumer Line Cleaner/Wax, The liquid version is the same picture on a bottle-

Meguiar's Cleaner/Wax



And this is ColorX -

ColorX



For my silver painted grill, I just softly apply the cleaner or cleaner/wax same as the tail lights. You dont want to rub in as hard as you would on paint, but softly is good. Just more of a wiping motion.

Keep asking away

[D Rod79]

What do I use to clean the windows I got the class cleaner from meguairs but I mean what do I wipe with? people say don't use paper towels..but I wanted some of your all opitions....on that 5 step cleaning thing...could someone post the pictures of what items I should get...makes it easier...oh and whats #80 and all that mean?

[MaxImage]

As for wiping your windows, you can use a microfiber towel. Some brands leave a little lint behind right out of the bag, so you may want to wash it before you use it. Washing it will remove any loose lint. And a little product goes a long way. A couple squirts per window should suffice.

For the #80 and all of the other product acronyms, click here

[Murr1525]

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle

Step 1 Wash

Step 2 Clean

Step 3 Polish

Step 4 Protect

Step 5 Maintain

Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car

The products like #80, #83 are generaly meant for machine application. I think we assumed you are planing to work by hand for now... But here is a link that introduces some of the products for the G100 Dual Action Polisher.

Recommended Products - G100a Dual Action Polisher

[D Rod79]

yea I'll be using hand...I need to learn how to use a the buffer thing lol...but for now my hands will have 2 do the job....I have gold wax or something that my parents use..is that good enough

[Zet]

Are you referring to Meguiar’s Gold Class wax?


Then yes, it will sure be good enough But with waxes, which one is “best” is really a matter of personal preference. Only you can tell which wax you like best, on your particular car, in that particular color. And what you do before waxing (preparation), will be much more important than which wax you choose. GC is a fine wax, but you really have to try a few, to find out what you like best on your car. And that is part of what makes detailing fun - trying stuff out

Here’s a thread that discusses Meguiar’s different waxes:
What are the differences between Meguiar's waxes?