First Timer - Do I have this right?

[ShadyKidd]

I recently purchased a 2004 Acura TL (graphite gray), and I would like to perform a complete detail of the car. I have done a considerable amount of research, and I would just like some of the detailing experts to make sure I am not missing anything. I do not want to cut corners, but I would like to keep this cost-effective as possible. In bold are two of my particuliar concerns.

Step 1: Wash/Clean/Protect the wheels, rims, and undercarriage. I plan on using a micro fiber drill attachment with some aluminum polish compound since I have some rather deep scratches on a few of my rims.

Step 2: Wash car. I have read several 'How To' articles, and I think I have the safe, effective car wash method down. I will probably use Meg's NXT wash.

Step 3: Dry car. I plan on using a large waffle-style draw towel. Walmart sells an Armor-All giant waffle towel for $7. I know to stay away from most Armor-All products, but this should be safe for drying, right?

Step 4: Clay. I will be using Meg's clay kit with the QD as lube.

Step 5: Use StratchX on any scratchs or swirl marks. Is this step worth my effort on anything but very slight scratches?

Step 6: ??Polish?? I question this because at this time I am not willing to purchase a $100+ orbital buffer. From my understanding, most hand-polishing techniques are a waste of time. I am afraid that claying will reveal/create many more swirl marks, which then will require me to machine polish. Any thoughts on this step?

Step 7: Wax. I plan on using NXT 2.0. Should I rewash my car before waxing? I will also wax my rims, as I read this will greatly help repel break dust.

Interior: I plan on using Meg's interior detailing spray on the vinyl, a damp rag on most of the instrument panels and interior chrome, and Meg's leather cleaner/conditioner spray on the seats and door leather. I do not want an overly shiny/greasy dash or seats. Will I be satisfied with these products?

Well that is the plan that I have come up with. Like I said, I am fairly confident I have the individual processes down, but step 6, the polish step, has me concerned. I would greatly appreciate any input. Thanks!

[Murr1525]

Re: First Timer - Do I have this right?

1. OK, good. You do know what your wheels are made of? And do an out of the way spot first... a harsh polish could make it worse.

2. Good.

3. Waffle Weave is good, I tend to use the Water Magnets though.

4. Good

5. Hard to say.... A little test spot should tell you pretty quickly. I would also add that trying to squeeze in a lot of ScratchXing when doing a full detail in one day wont work too well.

6a. Might be getting the steps and terms a little confused at this point. For a general light cleaning as part of your full detail by hand, you would want to use Deep Crystal #1.

6b. A pure polish will add polishing oils to the surface, and add more shine, etc. Deep Crystal #2 would be a good, easy to use polish.

7. Nxt 2.0 is good, no need to rewash.

8. No damp rags... Quick Interior Detailer and quality MF cloth.

QID is a great product, and the new version has more protectants in it. Not shiny at all. The Leather Spray isn't too shiny, and you can always come back after 5 minutes and buff off excess.

[3Fitty]

Re: First Timer - Do I have this right?

ShadyKidd,

Here is probably the most important thing I can tell you (from a non-pro)... you have the right approach when you say...

but I would like to keep this cost-effective as possible.

You might want to tweak that sentence to say "I want to keep my quality as high as possible for the most cost effective price".

Now, I know you've posted this same message on other forums (yes, we all belong to other forums - LOL), but I think at this site, you'll get the best, most realistic advice (like what Murr gave you above). I like how you also said "I don't want to cut corners".

I think if you stick to the Meguiar's line up you can achieve your goals of the highest quality work that is most cost effective. Since you're new to the biz, don't get caught up in the expensive = better quality nonsense. In 18 years of detailing recreationally, I know this to be the biggest myth of detailing.

Having said that... I certainly think the polishing step is certainly worth doing, as I believe there is a tangible difference when a car is polished with a quality polish (I like #7 but the DC polish is great as well).

As for claying... if done properly (with Meg's mild clay) and sufficient lube (QD) there is no reason that you would cause swirls or scratches unless you were to drop your clay on the ground and continue using it. As long as you continue to work the clay into a clean area, you'll be fine.

Good luck.

[ShadyKidd]

Re: First Timer - Do I have this right?

Thanks for the feedback. Just to clarify, you are suggesting that I at least hand polish, correct?

[Murr1525]

Re: First Timer - Do I have this right?

I was suggesting to use a paint cleaner and pure polish by hand.

The phrase "polishing" can take on many meanings and get twisted all over the place. Using a pure polish is very different than polishing with the old fashioned "rocks in a bottle" type of product.

[3Fitty]

Re: First Timer - Do I have this right?

Thanks for the feedback. Just to clarify, you are suggesting that I at least hand polish, correct?

Before I got my G110 I applied #7 Show Car Glaze by hand with great results. I would certainly put it in your regimen.