Attn to detail (seams, tape masks)

[saleem]

Hi, like I said, new to car-ownership, meguiars, and MOL (hi!)

my car's about 1.5 months old... i've washed it, soon i'll wash and wax.. at this early stage, would i need to clay and/or clean?

Also, i understand that i should mask off the rubber/vinyl/windows with painters tape. when i take it off, there should be no unwaxed area, which is fine.

what about seams? doesn't wax get stuck in the seams between panels? how about a toothbrush to get it out

Do you think buying a PC is a bit over-the-top? there are SO MANY options w/ the g100 i'm pretty lost. PS while we're at it, is there a difference between orbital and DA (whose dual action would seem to be rotation and orbit)

Thanks in advance!

[JG_Detailing]

Re: Attn to detail (seams, tape masks)

The only time you should clay is if you have a rough feeling on the paint. The way to find out if you need to clay is use a zip lock bag and your fingers. If you feel a roughness in the paint then clay.

When waxing you will get wax in between panels. All I do is after waxing I open the doors, trunk and hood and wipe along the edges to get the wax off.

When waxing near rubber and vinyl you can mask it off so you won't get wax on it.

Buying a PC is not over the top. There is alot of people on here that use them for polishing and waxing. And even applying Scratch X.

[TrufflePig]

Re: Attn to detail (seams, tape masks)

if it were up to me i'd say claying is a MUST everytime you wash the car. you're bound to pick up some junk on your finish along the way.

and plus i believe claying your car everytime helps in the shine at the end.

Buy a PC. you won't regret it trust me and the others that say this. yes there are a lot of options but once you find the things you like, you are set and will be fine.

don't get caught up in all the information you're going to read etc...take it slow and ask any question you need to help you understand.

all the best.

PICS PLEASE!!!

[Spotty]

Re: Attn to detail (seams, tape masks)

Hi, welcome to MOL!

Even with a new car, you never know how long it was sitting around the assembly line lot, on a train or truck being moved around, or on a dealers lot. Once it's outside off the assembly line, air born contaminants will start to build up. You will want to clay before waxing to get the best bond.

Taking the time to cover emblems, trim, molding, rubber, etc with tape is best. It takes time up front to mask them off, but saves more time having to clean all the trim.

Seams, just use a micro fiber towel and make sure to pop the hood, trunk and open doors and wipe all the edges down once you are done.

PC, well if you have the money and you plan to work on your car frequently, do it. If you don't want to spend the money now, keeping up with the finish by hand is just fine, takes a bit more time.

The porter cable is a great choice for the DA. The orbitals or a bigger, harder to get into tight places and IMHO do a better job due to more occilating per min. than the orbital.

Hope this helps.

Chris

[saleem]

Re: Attn to detail (seams, tape masks)

The only time you should clay is if you have a rough feeling on the paint. The way to find out if you need to clay is use a zip lock bag and your fingers. If you feel a roughness in the paint then clay.

When waxing you will get wax in between panels. All I do is after waxing I open the doors, trunk and hood and wipe along the edges to get the wax off.

When waxing near rubber and vinyl you can mask it off so you won't get wax on it.

Buying a PC is not over the top. There is alot of people on here that use them for polishing and waxing. And even applying Scratch X.

thanks for the quick reply. yeah i dont plan on claying or cleaning YET its a new car lol.. i guess between body panels there are seams, those are an issue (e.g. around the bumper).

[HagFan]

Re: Attn to detail (seams, tape masks)

I've got two brand new cars and I plan to do the roughness test and let that determine whether or not to clay the cars.

I know that Honda must have that white plastic film on the hood, roof and trunk, for a reason-- acid rain and other contaminants will bond to the clear coat while the car is in transit and on the lot. My dealership didn't remove that until delivery prep.

[Jeepster04]

Re: Attn to detail (seams, tape masks)

We bought an 06 Grand in December and the paint is alittle rough on it. It needs to be clayed for sure.

Even if its new, it may still need to be clayed.

[Hemin8r]

Re: Attn to detail (seams, tape masks)

When I bought my car I clayed & waxed it a week later. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. I wanted to get the paint cleaned up as much as possible before applying the wax. I figured that otherwise I would be waxing over any bonded contaminants.