Detailing my car for the first time. Do I got what i need?

[jmichael99]

I have a 2009 Cobalt SS, i bought it in early november. the color is red tint(dark red) has some swirl marks and 1 "scratch" that didnt make it to the paint, just the clear coat. here is what i got so far.

washing and drying (the only non meguiars product im using is a 12 pack of microfiber towels i got from autozone or advance auto i forget which, and a set from walmart)

clay bar the entire car..

rewash

now the parts i want to make sure i have right.

scratch X on a small scratch i have on the door (unsure how to apply)

swirl X all over the car (unsure how to ally)

deep crystal polish all over (unsure how to apply)

nxt tech wax. (i KNOW how to apply haha)

tire shine

what am i missing?

the only thing i dont have is something for the rubber seals around the car and sunroof. what can i use to bring out the black in them?

any tips or videos how how to apply some of these? this is the first time ill be detailing my car.

i know i have a few questions. But i just dont want to mess up my paint

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Detailing my car for the first time. Do I got what i need?

First off, welcome to MOL!

If this is going to be your first detailing session on your car then a great place to start is to read through our 5-Step Paint Care Cycle. That will show you how to evaluate your finish, what products to use to take care of different issues, how to use those products, and how to best maintain your car in the future.

Start there and feel free to ask for clarification on anything you aren't sure about.

[kimchiyuk]

Re: Detailing my car for the first time. Do I got what i need?

Welcome to MOL! Good luck with the new ride. Having a red vehicle...definately read up here...and your neighbors will be jealous!

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Detailing my car for the first time. Do I got what i need?

Hello and welcome to mol. Congrats on your new ride.

[Murr1525]

Re: Detailing my car for the first time. Do I got what i need?

washing and drying (the only non meguiars product im using is a 12 pack of microfiber towels i got from autozone or advance auto i forget which, and a set from walmart)

clay bar the entire car..

rewash - Not really needed.

now the parts i want to make sure i have right.

scratch X on a small scratch i have on the door (unsure how to apply) - See short clip below.

swirl X all over the car (unsure how to ally) - This would be applied more gently than the ScatchX, but still working it in some for the first time. It will take working on it some to see how easy the paint is to fix.

deep crystal polish all over (unsure how to apply) - This would be applied more like hand lotion, just rubbing it in some.

nxt tech wax. (i KNOW how to apply haha)

tire shine

what am i missing? - APC, Interior, glass, wheels....

the only thing i dont have is something for the rubber seals around the car and sunroof. what can i use to bring out the black in them? - Could use any of teh trim dressings, like Gold Class Trim Detailer, Ultimate Protectant. There are options in the Pro/Detailer lines as well if you were to buy in bulk later on.

See Colored.

What it Means to Remove a Scratch

How To Remove Swirls By Hand

How To Remove a Bird Dropping Etching by Hand using M105 Ultra Cut Compound

How to correctly apply ScratchX to remove swirls and scratches

[jmichael99]

Re: Detailing my car for the first time. Do I got what i need?

thanks for your replys! i looked over the 5 step process and it looks like i was on track to do it right.

while reading it said if you use an buffer you get better results. iv always been told you have to do it just right with a buffer or you will peel the paint off your car. what would you all recommend if i wanted to get one down the road?

[jmichael99]

Re: Detailing my car for the first time. Do I got what i need?

See Colored.

What it Means to Remove a Scratch

How To Remove Swirls By Hand

How To Remove a Bird Dropping Etching by Hand using M105 Ultra Cut Compound

How to correctly apply ScratchX to remove swirls and scratches

you rock. thanks for your reply. im going to look over the videos. also the other parts i missed about the windshield, inside, etc the inside isnt hard i know how to do that and the windshield iv been using eagle one the past 2 years and always had good luck with it. im always open for for suggestions though

[Murr1525]

Re: Detailing my car for the first time. Do I got what i need?

There are many kinds of buffers, and of course you want the right products with it.

The best all around for the average person would be something like the G110v2, which has power, but not too much, and can fix most basic problems, and then the proper pads, etc.