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Newb to detailing!

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  • Newb to detailing!

    I am the proud owner of the Celica in my sig...and she's beautiful to me. First car, very stock, but I'm sure some of you enthusiasts can relate to my attraction to my car.

    I regularly wash using what I think are correct methods from what I've learned so far, and finish each wash with Meguiar's cleaner wax. I know, very basic stuff. However, I think it's decent for the condition of my paint. I have scratches here and there and even a few dents, but I still like to keep my car in good condition.

    On to my real question: I used to have my car garaged at my mom's house, but at my dad's she sits outside in the Florida sun...this, as I feared, is not very good on the paint. I've noticed the paint fading on the top of my front bumper, and very slightly on the rear. Very alarming. Luckily, the metal upper parts of the car seem to be okay, still. Apart from buying a cover (possible, but when school starts, the car's outside as it is), I need to know what I can do to further protect the paint, and if anything, to stop it from further fading. I was already thinking of expanding to other waxes and sealants anyway.

    Thanks in advance guys.
    1997 Alpine Silver Celica ST 4AT hatchback

  • #2
    Re: Newb to detailing!

    Here are some links for the paint care, that explain the full process. Understanding them will get you in good shape for that:

    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

    What it Means to Remove a Scratch

    How To Remove Swirls By Hand

    How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX

    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
    2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

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    • #3
      Re: Newb to detailing!

      For a good start, do this:

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

      2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay Kit, maybe an extra QD bottle

      3. Clean - You will want to start with SwirlX. Do a test spot with it, if it is not enough then try Ultimate Compund. If you have trouble, of course ask more.

      4. Wax - 2 thin coats of Nxt 2.0 is good

      5 - Maintain - after future washes, UQW is great. And UQD is great for bird droppings, hard water spots, etc.
      2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

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      • #4
        Re: Newb to detailing!

        Can I order all of this from the website, or should I just hit Walmart? Thanks guys, appreciate it.
        1997 Alpine Silver Celica ST 4AT hatchback

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        • #5
          Re: Newb to detailing!

          Here are some pictures to illustrate my concern:




          It's just a slight discoloration, but to me it just seems like the precursor to fading. In the first pic, it's at the corner of the bumper, right next to the weatherstrip. In the second, it's right over the headlight, also next to the weatherstripping.
          1997 Alpine Silver Celica ST 4AT hatchback

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          • #6
            Re: Newb to detailing!

            MeguiarsDirect.com is the Official site for Meguiar's, the trusted experts in surface care since 1901. Find all of your favorite Meguiar's products, plus tips and advice on how to get the results you've always dreamed of.

            &


            Between those two you should be able to find what you need.




            Alex C.

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