Detailing a Silver SUV - Help! Newbie!

[bradp]

Hi. I have suddenly gained much interest in DIY detailing my silver (but actually looks like light gold) SUV. Here are some background data about my car:

1. It's a five-year old
2. For the past five years was never waxed, just washed (due to my
ignorance)
3. My garage is open on the sides but is roofed
4. For six months now, is used only once or twice a week (I have a new
SUV) and is just parked in my garage
5. A month ago, had its first 3-step treatment by a detailer who used
Meg's products. The detailer said the paint is still in good shape (a
miracle) and has been restored.
6. SUV has scratches that cannot be removed by scratch removers
7. One plastic panel has white stain due to the detailer forgetting to
remove the wax after application
8. Yesterday, I tried using Turtle Wax Ice synthetic polish but I don't
think I have the shine that I want
9. I live in the Philippines - the weather is tropical, either sun or rain -
that's it.

My questions are:

1. What are the best products that I can use for DIY maintenance
detailing? I need the easiest to manage ones as I don't have much
time. Please take note that I have a light-colored car.

2. Processes I have to do for DIY maintenance detailing?

3. Frequency?

These are my questions for now - please help.

Thanks in advance.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Detailing a Silver SUV - Help! Newbie!

Hi BraMy questions are:

1. What are the best products that I can use for DIY maintenance
detailing? I need the easiest to manage ones as I don't have much
time. Please take note that I have a light-colored car.

I take it you mean upkeep in between washes.quik detailer or ultimate quik detailer in between washes with a good quality microfibre.

2. Processes I have to do for DIY maintenance detailing?

Wash your car with good quality soap such as gold class or any of the meguiars range of shampoos.Dry with waffle weave or chamois,after rinsing.Use one of the above mentioned detailers.

3. Frequency?

This is up to you depending on how much time you have.I like 3 times a week.My car is always outdoors,though.


These are my questions for now - please help.

Thanks in advance.d,

[bradp]

Re: Detailing a Silver SUV - Help! Newbie!

Thanks Eddie6th for the very quick response!

For the questions I have raised, I meant protecting my paint from harmful elements and maintaining the protection.

Please advise further.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Detailing a Silver SUV - Help! Newbie!

I forgot to mention,vegetable oil works well to take off wax from your ABS plastics.Just rub in a little and wipe off.

I take it your scratches are beyond the clearcoat? If you like,you can upload some pics to see what is possible.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Detailing a Silver SUV - Help! Newbie!

You have to keep ontop of your car,to stop too much accummulation of deposits.

I personally do a full detail about 3 times a year.But I try to wash as regularly as possible.If your car is outdoors a lot,the deposits will start to bond after only a few days,so it's important to do regular maintainance.

Your first full detail will be important:

Washing,claying,cleaning/polishing and then waxing.

[yalerd]

Re: Detailing a Silver SUV - Help! Newbie!

Wash your car often, this will prevent the contaminants from bonding.
Wax often, use your favorite wax.

I live in the Caribbean, sun is very strong so I always try to wax every 3 weeks or so. I usually wash my car once a week.

[CieraSL]

Re: Detailing a Silver SUV - Help! Newbie!

Try both of these links:

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle

Your Daily Driver: A Simple Wash & Wax Regimen