Getting into detailing

[zzephyr27]

I'm trying to get into basic detailing, and I have a few questions still regarding my first purchase.

I've already bought NXT 2.0 and PlastX from Walmart
I'm planning on making an order from autogeek.net

My current cart:
Meguiar's ScratchX
Meguiars Hot Rims Chrome Polish (I have a lot of chrome trim)
Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay
Stoner Invisible Glass Aerosol Can
Microfibers, sponges, mitts.

1) What soap/shampoo/whatever you pros call it should I get?

2) Should I get a Quick Detailer?

3) What should I get for tires?

4) Should I bother with the ScratchX?

Thanks a lot. Please help me get on track

Here's my car:














Thanks in advance for the help.

[Carfire]

Re: Getting into detailing

I would make sure you have a 100% lambswool mitt, 2 grit guard one for water one for soap, PlastX for the headlights, NXT 2.0 Tech Wax, Gold Class car wash and shampoo and conditioner. Welcome To Meguiars Online. Feel free to ask questions. Nice Car!!!!

[car fanatic]

Re: Getting into detailing

I would place an order with autodetailingsolutions.com (they seem to be the cheapest, and has great service), and this is what i would get for starters.

*Consumer Line
NXT 2.0
DC 1
Gold Class Shampoo & Condi.
UQD
QID

*Professional Line
M105 12oz sample
Mild Clay Prof. Line

*Detailers Line
Last Touch
APC
Glass Cleaner

These are just some poducts that I have had good luck with, and I used them all by hand, since I have not been able to buy a G110 yet.

[gsxr310]

Re: Getting into detailing

lot's of great advice here! not sure what comes w/ the pinnacle clay but you would want something like a couple of meg's qd for clay lube. other than that, good luck and keep us posted. have you considered investing in a da polisher?

[zzephyr27]

Re: Getting into detailing

I'll probably consider more intense stuff eventually. I want to start out pretty basic.

Should I get a QD?

and also..in what order and how often should I apply these different products?

[tguil]

Re: Getting into detailing

I suggest that you start with the consumer line of Meguiar's products and stick with them for a while. Start slowly and keep coming back to this forum.

For starters I would purchase any of Meguiar's shampoos. They all work just fine.

Meguiar's consumer level clay is a good product and is easy to use.

After carefully washing your car, I'd clay it and then follow up with Meguiar's ColorX. It's a cleaner/wax and is a very good stand alone product. Scratch X is for marring and scratches. You might want some to have on hand.

To really make your white "Z" pop, follow the ColorX with an application of NXT 2.0, but it really isn't necessary.

I'd use Meguiar's Ultimate Detailer as needed. It's a great product.

Make sure that you have high quality microfber rowels and polishing cloths. Again, you are very safe using any of Meguiar's products

One thing that is hardly every mentioned. Remove all jewelry, your watch, belt buckle. etc. when you are working on your car. No sense taking the chance on more scratches.

Oh, about your wheels and tires. I just use car shampoo on them. I use a mitt for the wheels and a brush for the tires. If the tires need it, I'll use an all-purpose cleaner on them. I personally don't like the look of shiny tires.

Have fun, go slow and buy only what you need when you think that you are ready to use it.

Tom

p.s. I don't work for Meguiar's but I have been "detailing" for fifty years and am more than just a little bit fond of Meguiar's products. They work.

[zzephyr27]

Re: Getting into detailing

Thanks a lot for your input, I appreciate it.

Is the QD in this clay kit sufficient?
autogeek.net/meguiars-smooth-surface-clay-kit.html
Or should I also get the Ultimate Detailer?

I already have bought NXT 2.0. Should I just use that, or do as you suggest and use it over ColorX?

Also wondering..how will I apply the chrome polish? just buff it in with an applicator and wipe it off?
for the order..
wash, clay, wax..then windows/chrome/tires?
if I wanted to try to correct some marrs with ScratchX, where in the process would I do that?
thanks

[CAShine]

Re: Getting into detailing

Your car looks good, paint looks good to.
I would get some polish like Deep Crystal or Hand Polish.
Use Nxt Gen Car Wash.
I would see how you like Insane Shine for your tires, it comes in a can and is real easy to apply.

[Carfire]

Re: Getting into detailing

Make sure when you do the tires you use a different mitt than the rest of the car so you do not scratch up your car with the dirt from your tires. Also ColorX and ScratchX contain diminishing abrassives so before you use them I would read some forums on those products. Here are some links:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25977

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7011

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1516

Hope those forums help you out with ScratchX and ColorX is a similar concept too I believe.

[gsxr310]

Re: Getting into detailing

Thanks a lot for your input, I appreciate it.

Is the QD in this clay kit sufficient?
autogeek.net/meguiars-smooth-surface-clay-kit.html
Or should I also get the Ultimate Detailer?

the QD in that kit will probably run out (depending on your paints surface), so i would by an extra bottle to save you time from goin to the store. keep in mind that UQD (ultimate quick detailer) is NOT to be used as clay lube. plus for the price of uqd, why would you!?!

here's a little info about uqd as quoted by mark...
Mirror Glaze Synthetic Spray Detailer

Ultimate Quik Detailer

UQD is the consumer version of M135 (essentially), and can be bought in a spray bottle at most retail outlets. This is a product designed to remove light dust, smudges, and fingerprints...but its main strength is in adding BEAUTY and actual protection. It will add very noticeable water repulsion that is truly amazing.

M135 is similar to UQD, but you can buy it in bulk and it's marketed and distributed through different channels than consumer products. (It's in the Professional Line)

[akimel]

Re: Getting into detailing

I suggest that you start with the consumer line of Meguiar's products and stick with them for a while. Start slowly and keep coming back to this forum.

For starters I would purchase any of Meguiar's shampoos. They all work just fine.

Meguiar's consumer level clay is a good product and is easy to use.

After carefully washing your car, I'd clay it and then follow up with Meguiar's ColorX. It's a cleaner/wax and is a very good stand alone product. Scratch X is for marring and scratches. You might want some to have on hand.

To really make your white "Z" pop, follow the ColorX with an application of NXT 2.0, but it really isn't necessary.

I'd use Meguiar's Ultimate Detailer as needed. It's a great product.

Make sure that you have high quality microfber rowels and polishing cloths. Again, you are very safe using any of Meguiar's products

One thing that is hardly every mentioned. Remove all jewelry, your watch, belt buckle. etc. when you are working on your car. No sense taking the chance on more scratches.

Oh, about your wheels and tires. I just use car shampoo on them. I use a mitt for the wheels and a brush for the tires. If the tires need it, I'll use an all-purpose cleaner on them. I personally don't like the look of shiny tires.

Have fun, go slow and buy only what you need when you think that you are ready to use it.

As a detailing newb, I'd like to second all of Tom's suggestions. All that you really need is offered in Meguiar's consumer line. After you get your feet wet you may then want to start picking up some stuff from the professional line, if the detailing bug bites you and you become obsessed like the rest of us.

Tom's recommendation of ColorX is particularly good, and like Tom I too would top it with NXT. Several people on this forum use this combination for their daily drivers every two months or so.

[sudsbyhubbs]

Re: Getting into detailing

If you're just starting out with basic stuff, nearly everything you'd need should be either at wal-mart or a local auto parts store, so you could probably save yourself some shipping costs.

[Murr1525]

Re: Getting into detailing

I'm trying to get into basic detailing, and I have a few questions still regarding my first purchase.

I've already bought NXT 2.0 and PlastX from Walmart
I'm planning on making an order from autogeek.net

My current cart:
Meguiar's ScratchX
Meguiars Hot Rims Chrome Polish (I have a lot of chrome trim)
Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay
Stoner Invisible Glass Aerosol Can
Microfibers, sponges, mitts.

1) What soap/shampoo/whatever you pros call it should I get?

2) Should I get a Quick Detailer?

3) What should I get for tires?

4) Should I bother with the ScratchX?

Thanks a lot. Please help me get on track

Should I get a QD?

and also..in what order and how often should I apply these different products?

Is the QD in this clay kit sufficient?
autogeek.net/meguiars-smooth-surface-clay-kit.html
Or should I also get the Ultimate Detailer?

I already have bought NXT 2.0. Should I just use that, or do as you suggest and use it over ColorX?

Also wondering..how will I apply the chrome polish? just buff it in with an applicator and wipe it off?
for the order..
wash, clay, wax..then windows/chrome/tires?
if I wanted to try to correct some marrs with ScratchX, where in the process would I do that?
thanks

Well, if you want to start off with a reasonable process by hand, I would look at this:

1. Wash - Gold Class, 2 buckets, Grit Guards, quality towels, etc.

2. Clay - You will likely want some extra QD either way.

3. ColorX

4. Nxt 2.0

5. Maintain - I like to use the Ultimate Quick Detailer after future washes. As mentioned, it is not for claying.

That'll get you a good basic detail. Then in your spare time, I would look at a panel or so a day to remove swirls. Even with a good product, it isnt quick and easy.... just easier. #105 would be the best hting to pick up for removing swirls by hand. Then as you finish removing swirls on the panel, you would just rewax it.

For other questions:

1. Gold Class is good, its easy to find.

2. Yes, QD and UQD.

3. For tires, I like to use All-Purpose Cleaner and a soft tooth brush to clean them. You have a lot of choices for dressings, I use the Insane Shine trigger spray. The Aluminum Wheel Cleaner would be a fine choice for the wheels, with a soft brush.

4. No, get #105.

5. As far as how often to use them, hard to say. Your car looks in good shape, so if it is garaged, etc, you will certainly get more life out of the wax. Once you give it a good deail with the above products, you will know what a good finish looks and feels like. And then you can tell when it starts to fade. Also, the UQD after future washes wont go on/ wipe around as nicely when the wax is going away.

6. I would apply the metal polis hwith a terry cloth, work in a little, then remove.

7. I tend to do wheels/tires/mufflers first, then wash the car. Then dry, and work further on windows, trim, etc.

8. Here is a few things to read/watch. One of the videos is for ScratchX... think similar process, but use #105.

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

1986 Ford Bronco II - Extreme Makeover

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

[zzephyr27]

Re: Getting into detailing

Thanks a ton for that. I'm adding colorx to my list and also will look at swapping scratchx for 105. So for all these would my order be wash, clay, scratchx/105, colorx, and nxt 2.0
Then do the chrome, tires, windows, and plastics?
Then QD as I feel necessary?

My car is kept outside under a cover. Should I allow it to sit for some time before covering it?

Thanks to all of you so much. I think this should be my last wave of questions before I actually try stuff

[Murr1525]

Re: Getting into detailing

If you used #105 on a panel, you could choose between ColorX then Nxt, or just 2 coats of Nxt. You should not need #105 for every detail of course, just the times you want to remove swirls.

If you mean dress the tires last, then yes, you would look at trim/plastics/tires/windows last.

Using a quick detailer spray for maintenance is kind of tricky. Should you get bird ****, etc, on your car, of course use QD to sort of dab it off right away. But other than that, a quick detailer is for light dust, and there is no set definition of what light dust is, so it is kind of a tough call.

However, UQD after a wash is a great way to bring back a fresh shine, or if there is only light dust after being uncovered and you wanted to spruce it up.

It probably wouldnt hurt to let it sit before covering.... but then it will have dust on it before covering, which isnt good either. I guess you could let the wax sit a while, then give a light QD before covering?