Help! What next?

[opangus]

Hi! I'm new to auto detailing and need help. I'm working on my 2000 F-250 4x4 that I use regularly to pull a gooseneck trailer. It has some light scratches, but mainly it was becoming very dull, filmy. Here's what I've done so far. I don't need reprimands, because I know I've messed up. I NEED HELP.

I took the truck through the car wash this morning. After it dried for a few hours, I used the cleaner/wax. It worked pretty good, but the grill guard especially had to many bugs still on it. Most everything else came out looking okay - better than it was, but the light scratches really shine now. I had planned (after reviewing this site this morning) to follow up with NTX.

Now, as I've pilfered around the shop, I have found the Deep Crystal system: Paint Cleaner, Polish, Carnauba Wax. Where to I pick up? Did the cleaner/was take me through steps 1 and 2 and can I just use the carnauba wax now?

Also, what works good on the grill guard (I'm going to hand wash it first).

Oh, by the way, the truck is, yeah you guessed it - BLACK.

Help appreciated. I really have my truck to use, but like for it to look good as well. In the past, I've had this done professionally, but it's probably been 4 years.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Help! What next?

Hi,if you are starting out from the begining,get yourself the following products:

Auto shampoo like soft gel,gold class or NXT.

Quik clay kit(this will also remove the bugs).

I'd go for swirlX or ultimate compound instead od the DC set,as you say you have some scratches and swirls to deal with.DC 1&2 won't do much to remove them.

Wax,NXT 2.0 or DC3 or gold class.Whichever you prefer.

[Calais]

Re: Help! What next?

I agree with Eddie, but I suggest giving ColorX a whack. ColorX is great for dark colored cars and will cut most of the "dullness" your paint has due to oxidation or super-fine scratches.

[Murr1525]

Re: Help! What next?

The Cleaner/Wax, and the DC Paint CLeaner are both on the mild side.

Generally, I like to:

1. Put a Bug and Tar Remove on bugs, and let it soak in a bit.

2. Wash the truck - How to Wash Your Car Show Car Style

3. Clay

4. This is where I would go with SwirlX for a stronger cleaner. ColorX is not bad, but also not a real swirl removal product by hand. Now, you would want to do a test spot with the SwirlX. Dont do that and wax your whole truck again, and still find problems. If you need to go to a stronger product, then do so now, before finishing all your steps.

5. Wax - 2 thin coats of your favorite wax are best.