Detailing advice NEEDED

[DARTICUS]

My car is a year out of the showroom. I have not washed it as I just purchased it but paint is like new as it was garaged alot. It is silver in color but would like to know what to do first.
I guess I should wash it.(Gold Class car wash)
Should I use clay?
Should I use swirlX?
Should I go to GoldClass Carnauba plus liquid wax or a Tech Wax 2.0 or Quik Wax?
Should I continue with Ultimate Quik Detailer when needed? Thanks Ron

[AndrewR/T]

Re: Detailing advice NEEDED

Yes, start off by getting all the loose containments off giving it a good wash. Gold class would be a good choice. If the surface is still not smooth than yes, clay it. Meguiar's white consumer clay is the least aggressive, followed by their blue professional clay. In terms of consumer line products, color-X is a great product and will both clean and polish and remove fine scratches. Once the surface is ready for wax, a good coat or two or NXT 2.0 wouldn't hurt. Gold Class is also a good choice, and it's just a personal preference. Quick Wax is used for future use to extend the life of the wax and keeps the water beading up. UQD can be used to remove light dust on the car.


What is the car in question? Pictures would be helpful as we can better get a feel for the condition of the paint.

[DARTICUS]

Re: Detailing advice NEEDED

Yes, start off by getting all the loose containments off giving it a good wash. Gold class would be a good choice. If the surface is still not smooth than yes, clay it. Meguiar's white consumer clay is the least aggressive, followed by their blue professional clay. In terms of consumer line products, color-X is a great product and will both clean and polish and remove fine scratches. Once the surface is ready for wax, a good coat or two or NXT 2.0 wouldn't hurt. Gold Class is also a good choice, and it's just a personal preference. Quick Wax is used for future use to extend the life of the wax and keeps the water beading up. UQD can be used to remove light dust on the car.


What is the car in question? Pictures would be helpful as we can better get a feel for the condition of the paint.

Car is a 2008 Crossfire.

[Murr1525]

Re: Detailing advice NEEDED

I think you can pretty much assume it needs clayed.

So as mentioned above:

1. Wash - Quality soap, 2 buckets, quality towels, sponges
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit, + an extra QD bottle
3. Clean - SwirlX is a good place to start for a good clean/polish
4. Wax - There is a new/improved Gold Class 2.0 arriving in stores now... I would only get a 2.0 product, which ever wax you choose.
5. Wax - Two thin coats are best

If you want a quick detail, ColorX like mentioned above is a great option:
1. Wash
2. Clay
3. ColorX - This is a cleaner/wax, while milder than SwirlX, can help you move along quicker, since it is a first coat of wax.
4. Wax

6. Maintain - After future washes, I really like Ultimate Quick Wax. If you want to keep your products simple for now, I would have some QD around for bird droppings, etc, and then UQW for after washes.

And check these out: (note, some products mentioned may be older, but all the concepts stay the same)

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle
Step 1 Wash
Step 2 Clean
Step 3 Polish
Step 4 Protect
Step 5 Maintain

Lessons from White Paint

Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car

How to Wash Your Car Show Car Style