Thoughts on What to Use???

[wrr1020]

Hey guys, brand new member here and i'm looking to detail my car soon but wanted to know exactly what to use for my paint. On the trunk, spoiler, and parts of the roof of the car theirs spots that really annoy me that i don't know how to get rid of. I'm for sure gonna claybar it next week, but after that what should i be using on these spots. On the trunk it looks like its orange peel to me but i am really not sure. I've had the car about four months and this is the first time i'm detailing it. I'll post pictures of what i'm talking about, it was really hard to take pictures of what i'm talking about, especially the roof of the car.

Here's the trunk, right under the spoiler. Little white dots that won't come off with a car wash, i'm thinking the claybar will take this off but i'll wait til the more knowledgeable chime in.


Roof, kind of hard to see in the picture but theres little spots like this on a lot of the roof, the spots i'm referring to is the little spot under the reflection of the light and slightly to the left. It was really hard to take a picture of these spots which is why the photos aren't the greatest.




Here's the spoiler, looks like orange peel because of all the bumps but i'm not sure.

[Murr1525]

Re: Thoughts on What to Use???

Looks like it got over sprayed with something at point. Clay should be good, but this might be a case where you will use a lot, or may need to look at a stronger clay. Wont know till you try.

As far as products, I would pick up SwirlX and Ultimate Compound. Do a test spot on the swirls/spots with the SwirlX. If two applications dont do it, try the UC. The UC may finish down good, or may need followed up the SwirlX.

You'll want to work the products in some, not just wipe on/off.

Then just wax after.

[wrr1020]

Re: Thoughts on What to Use???

Thanks, what polish and wax would you recommend after the UC and swirlx? I planned on getting the deep crystal system polish and finish it with NXT tech wax. I was also gonna use paint cleaner after the clay bar, is this a good idea? I have never detailed a car before, this is my first car worth detailing. What would be the best products to use after the clay and in what order should i be doing them in.

Also for the swirlx and UC should i be using it on all three spots that i mentioned? Thanks

[Murr1525]

Re: Thoughts on What to Use???

I would:

1. Wash - Gold Class or Nxt, 2 buckets, quality towels/sponges.
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay Kit, maybe an extra QD bottle.
3. Clean - SwirlX/UC as needed
4. Polish - Optional, but the DC Polish is good and easy to use. SwirlX will have some polishing oils.
5. Wax - Nxt 2.0
6. Wax - 2 thin coats are best.

7. Maintain - I like Ultimate Quick Wax after future washes, and then you can use the QD for bird droppings, etc.

As far as the paint cleaners, it is possible the whole car may need SwirlX, the whole car may need UC, or some certain spots may need UC, then SwirlX everything. Just do what is needed.

Doing 'Test spots' will tell you a lot, and esp seeing what the clay may remove. You will really have to just do a bit, try a little, and then you/we will get a better idea. But none of the products above will be wasted, all are good on the shelf.

[wrr1020]

Re: Thoughts on What to Use???

I would:

1. Wash - Gold Class or Nxt, 2 buckets, quality towels/sponges.
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay Kit, maybe an extra QD bottle.
3. Clean - SwirlX/UC as needed
4. Polish - Optional, but the DC Polish is good and easy to use. SwirlX will have some polishing oils.
5. Wax - Nxt 2.0
6. Wax - 2 thin coats are best.

7. Maintain - I like Ultimate Quick Wax after future washes, and then you can use the QD for bird droppings, etc.

As far as the paint cleaners, it is possible the whole car may need SwirlX, the whole car may need UC, or some certain spots may need UC, then SwirlX everything. Just do what is needed.

Doing 'Test spots' will tell you a lot, and esp seeing what the clay may remove. You will really have to just do a bit, try a little, and then you/we will get a better idea. But none of the products above will be wasted, all are good on the shelf.

Awesome, thanks for the reply. Should i use the UC first before the swirlx or vice versa. I know you said some parts may need one or the other, how do i tell which spot need which. I know the UC is stronger than the swirlx. And as far as towels and applicators, should i be using an applicator pad or microfiber for the UC and swirl x. Same with the polish and wax. All i have are microfibers but since i need to buy the other products i'm just gonna pick up everything i need in one trip.

[Murr1525]

Re: Thoughts on What to Use???

Good luck finding everything in one store... I tend to order online when I want everything at once.

You would try the SwirlX first, and see if it is strong enough. You would apply it once or twice, then stand back, take a good look at the surface, see if the problem is improved/gone. If not, then try the UC. You'll kind of get a feel for what defects need what cleaner on your paint. Also, it is always possible that some defects may not be able to be completly removed, or you may have real tough paint and not be able to make much progress by hand.

As a side note, dont try and do too much. Removing swirls from an entire car by hand *****, so try to focus on a panel at a time. If you get 2-3 panels a day, great. If you can do more, even better. When removing something, you really need to work the product in with some passion in a 1x1 square, almost like trying to make the car rock on the springs. So you can see it can be tiring.

I usually use the smooth foam Hi-Tec Applicator pads, the round yellow ones, to apply products. You'll want one per product at least, but likely a few extras. You can certainly try MF applicators if you have them. And then MF towels for removal.

[wrr1020]

Re: Thoughts on What to Use???

Awesome, the main parts with the marks and swirls are mainly the trunk/spolier, and part of the roof. The rest of car looks fine, swirl/marks wise. Thanks for all your help.

[Murr1525]

Re: Thoughts on What to Use???

I would tend to say that if you find you only need UC in a couple areas, then SwirlX on the rest of the car, I would SwirlX everything to keep the UC'd parts even.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Thoughts on What to Use???

To me, especially on the spoiler, that looks like early clearcoat failure.

I would start gently with the SwirlX, but unfortunately I think it might be beyond repair with detailing products alone.

Can you take a few more shots like that in better lighting?

[wrr1020]

Re: Thoughts on What to Use???

I'll try to get a few more pics tomorrow, it's pretty hard getting a clear pic of it cause you can only see it at different angles.

[Daniel Kinder]

Re: Thoughts on What to Use???

Hey wrr

I would atleast go and get a 10'' or 6'' orbital from wal-mart or a auto parts store. And if you do get one, go and get a couple foam bonnets or so to use for the cleaning step (sure beats doing by hand - and with the foam bonnet it's the key for this step with an orbital, does work the cleaners in better. just apply as much pressure as you can without stopping the rotation of the bonnet) auto zone carries the 10'' foam bonnets.

And the terry bonnets for applying the polish. And then the micro-fiber bonnets for your wax. And then do the process murr posted and I think you will be very pleased.

This will work better until you can get you the new g110v2 DA, Plus it will save your arms and fingers from cramping.

This is the way I started out detailing my cars/trucks back in the early 90's with great results.