New Guy First Time

[Robert 96]

Well the weather here in Cincinnati should be letting up soon so please tell this first timer what he should use. I have a 07 Honda Civic with white paint. I'm also planning on getting the Porter Cable buffer. I need a list of products and how to use them. All help would be appreciated very much.
My biggest worry is what product and pad do I use and in what order.
Thanks Robert 96

[Thejoyofdriving]

Re: New Guy First Time

well, i apply everything by hand so i cant help you out much but you should follow the meguiars 5 step proses:

wash
clean
polish
wax
maintain

Im sure someone with expertise in this area will help you shortly.

[HagFan]

Re: New Guy First Time

Yeah… over 70 degrees in Cincy tomorrow, and mid-60’s today.

I’m pretty much in the same situation. My Civic is about 1 month old and I haven’t even determined whether or not I need to clay (clean) first. Mine is Galaxy Gray (bronze). I’ve got a new PC and several Meguiar’s products ready to go; just need to finish my indoor work before venture out to the yard and cars.

So what I’m planning is:

Wash
Clay (Smooth Surface Clay Kit)
#80 polish
#21 sealant

I bought the New Car Glaze #5 because it can get humid here. From what I later learned, it doesn’t work that well when it’s not humid. So I’ll probably go with #80, by machine.

From what I’ve read here, this should do it for the paint. Lots of other stuff to try for wheels, interior, rubber/vinyl trim, and leather (on my other vehicle).

[Murr1525]

Re: New Guy First Time

You might want to order the How To Get Show Car Results Using a PC DVD by Mike Philips and Richard Lin. It can be ordered from autodetailingsolutions.com or showcargarage.com.

Until then, here is some more basic reading for you...

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

What it Means to Remove a Scratch

How To Remove Swirls By Hand

How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX

Recommended Products - G100a Dual Action Polisher

Using the G-100 to remove swirls with the Professional Line

[Mike Pennington]

Re: New Guy First Time





Mike

[TrufflePig]

Re: New Guy First Time

follow the links Murr left for you and you'll be set.

ask any other questions you may have.

[Robert 96]

Re: New Guy First Time

Thanks everyone. I bought my 07 Civic on December 16th and here it is 3 months later and I still haven't been able to clean it by hand. I did get to change oil and clean the interior and windows today. I hate to take it through the car wash but what can you do. It appears to have weathered the winter just fine. Can't find any scratches or dings.
Thanks Everyone
Robert 96
Sunny Cincinnati

[Murr1525]

Re: New Guy First Time

Wash it in the rain if you have to.. works out ok.

[Robert 96]

Re: New Guy First Time

Washing in the rain might be O.K. but lately we have been doing freezing rain, sleet, ice, snow and some very unfriendly temperatures.