Where do I start?

[1brickshort]

Sorry if this was in a post somewhere else, but I've used the search feature and still can't find a answers.

I am going to pick up my new car next week and don't know where to start with waxing it. The reason I am not sure is because It has been on the lot in florida for nine months. How much damage will the sun do to the paint? Should I use the clay bar, or just a good cleaner wax? What do you guys recomend? The car is a dodge with the brilliant black metalic paint. Any pointers would help.

thanks,
Bob

[new2detailing]

Re: Where do I start?

Definitely wash, clay, polish(if needed) , and then protect with a good quality wax. Even though the car is newer, it is still exposed to all the elements (UV rays, contaminants, dust, etc) that bombard all paint surfaces. The clay will pick up any embedded contaminants that I am sure have settled on the vehicle. That allows for a smooth and clean surface. The Sun's rays will "dry" out the paint if it is not protected( slowly oxidize and strip paint of its oils). I personally recommend applying a glaze (to restore oils and clarity to the paint prior to waxing). That will give the vehicle a deeper, glossier shine.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Where do I start?

Congrats on the new car. Here is what I would probably do if it was mine.

1.Wash, 2 buckets / grit guards
2.Clay
3.#7
4.apply a coat of cleaner wax.
5. Last step product of choice.

Being that it was on the dealers lot for 9 months, not really cared for. I think you have to clay, and apply a polish just to get the car back to were it should be. Those quick washes the lots do, and being exposed to the elements had to be bad for the car.

[VonLego]

Re: Where do I start?

Only one fee for the knowledge you gain here....

PICTURES!!!!

... I likes pictures of purdy cars....

[Murr1525]

Re: Where do I start?

I would definately clay and clean the car, either with a cleaner/wax or a dedicated paint cleaner.... So I'd just be adding a cleaning step to JA's recomendations like this:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Clean - Deep Crystal #1
4. Polish - Deep Crystal #2 or #7
5. Wax - 2 thin coats of Nxt 2.0

OR:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Cleaner/Wax - I like ColorX
4. Wax - a coat of Nxt 2.0 would top it off nicely.

Here are some threads to be sure to read. Pay attention to the Bronco Thread if you want to go the ColorX route.

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

How to Wash Your Car Show Car Style

What it Means to Remove a Scratch

How To Remove Swirls By Hand

How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX

How to correctly apply ScratchX to remove swirls and scratches

Rotary vs. PC vs. Regular Orbital Buffer

Recommended Products - G100a Dual Action Polisher

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

1986 Ford Bronco II - Extreme Makeover

Each one, teach one... Ferrari Fiorano 355 F1 Spider

[Sal329]

Re: Where do I start?

Wash
Clay
105 by hand
DC1 cleaner
NXT 2.0

[1brickshort]

Re: Where do I start?

thanks for all the great advice. Hopefully I will be able to minimize the damage done up untill now and be able to keep it looking nice for years to come. Once I get it done I'll post some pics.