Cleaning Process

[jakers11]

Hello everyone, this is my first real post. So I have taken over detailing my parents car because my dad had a back injury at work and can't effectively clean the car anymore. So being only 15 I have a few questions about detailing. I have done the regular process of washing the car like this.

Pressure Wash
Apply Gold Class Car Soap
Wash Off
Dry
Apply Paste Wax
Remove Wax
Wipe Down to Get the dust off

So I think that is a fine way of cleaning the car, but I was thinking of incorporating these products after watching a YouTube video were the guys car turns out to look amazing.

Clay Kit
Ultimate Compound(Never Heard of This)
Deep Crystal Polish(Also haven't heard of this stuff)
Switch from Gold Class Wax to NXT 2.0

I was thinking of using these as we are purchasing a new Jeep Wrangler in the next few days so I want it to look its best all the time. Could you also recommend a vinyl cleaner as there is quite a bit on the Jeep.

Thanks, I hope this wasn't to confusing of a read.

[Shawn T.]

Re: Cleaning Process

Alright, a lot to cover here.

First off, how about a process that is used by many on this forum and other detailers:

1) 2 bucket wash consisting of two 5 gallon buckets. You fill one with your wash solution and the other with fresh water. If you can get your hands on a Grit Guard ot two, I would pick them up as they are great for ensuring the preservation of a low to no swirl finish. Dry the car with a quality microfiber drying towel such as the Water Magnet or a chamois like the Absorber. Both work well but I prefer the Water Magnets.

2) Clay the car using Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay Kit or the Mother's equivalent. I have used both and they both work very well. If you rub your hand across the finish, you most likely feel (if the car has never been clayed before) bumps; similar to a sandpaper like texture. Use the included spray detailer (found in either kit) and spray an area about 1' X 1' at a time and work the clay against the finish until the surface is smooth. You will feel the surface becoming smooth under the clay. Continue doing this until the entire car is clayed. Periodically, look at the surface of the clay and if dirty (which it most likely be) knead the clay until you arrive at a clean section. Continue this process for the entire car. Remember to wipe off the spray detailer with a microfiber towel (not sure if the Mother's kit comes with it) before it dries on the surface. Make sure to apply enough spray detailer to thoroughly lubricate the surface. If the clay sticks then you have not applied enough lubricant.

3) If you are looking to apply Ultimate Compound or Swirlx (less aggressive than Ultimate Compound) by hand, be sure to use foam applicators. If you pick up a Meguiars paste wax or NXT 2.0 liquid wax or Gold Class Carnauba Plus liquid wax then an applicator will be found in there. Remember to hold the applicator against the surface with the base of your fingers, not your fingertips. Work small sections if looking for highly effective swirl removal, no more than 1' X 1'. Work the product against the surface until it is translucent and still wet; do not wait for it to dry as waxes are the only product that needs to dry.

3a) Deep Crystal Polish is a pure polish which means it is non-abrasive and will not remove swirl marks. It will increase the clarity of the finish and bring out gloss. You work in similar manner as Ultimate Compound but with less pressure. The point is to nourish the paint with the polishing oils found in Deep Crystal Polish.

3b) You could skip the specific paint cleaning and polishing steps all together by using a cleaner/wax. Colorx, Cleaner Wax (maroon bottle), Paint Reconditioning Cream and M66 Quick Detailer are all cleaner/waxes. They can all be used by hand using a foam applicator pad. For all processes involved use a foam applicator. You can either buy some at autodetailingsolutions.net or you could simply clean the applicator that came with the Meguiars wax after each process. Be sure to alos dry it.

4) Top the finish with a polish/wax such as NXT 2.0 or Gold Class Carnauba Plus. Both of these contain some polishing oils that will bring out increased gloss and provide durable protection. NXT 2.0 is totally synthetic and is the longest lasting of the Meguiars consumer waxes. Gold Class Carnauba Plus is a carnauba blend wax and is partly synthetic. You can expect about 3-4 months (I have heard 4 months but mine lasted about 2.5 months) from Gold Class Carnauba Plus and about 6 months from NXT 2.0 (never tested durability but this is what I have heard).

I am sure that I have missed some stuff but that is why we are on a forum. Anyway, watch the Meguiars Quik Tips Videos found in the How-to-Videos section of this forum for a review of everything and to verify my information. Other people will also chime in of course. My detailing mind has shut-off right about now as I am running on 4 hours of sleep yet my detailing disease keeps me up even now.

[Megafast13]

Re: Cleaning Process

Give this thread a good look over:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37320

You forgot the most important step, which is cleaning/polishing the paint.

I always recommend to new customers:

Wash
Clay
Ultimate Compound
SwirlX
NXT2.0
Ultimate Quik Detailer

[Shawn T.]

Re: Cleaning Process

Give this thread a good look over:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37320

You forgot the most important step, which is cleaning/polishing the paint.

I always recommend to new customers:

Wash
Clay
Ultimate Compound
SwirlX
NXT2.0
Ultimate Quik Detailer

I did include that step.

[jakers11]

Re: Cleaning Process

Wow thanks for all the info, I read that and watch almost all the YouTube videos on the Meguiar's USA YouTube channel. I made a 3 page complete list of all the steps and the products I need. I am going to purchase them tomorrow or Monday in the new Jeep and then begin a day of detailing, thanks for the help it was greatly appreciated!

Jake

[jakers11]

Re: Cleaning Process

Will an older power polisher work for applying the Ultimate Compound and Polish even though it isn't the Meguiar's one?

[Shawn T.]

Re: Cleaning Process

Define 'older polisher.' Do you mean a $40 dollar one you can buy at Walmart?

If so then you could give it a shot. Those tools really don't have the power to remove defects from paint. They are called 'wax spreaders' because that is really the only thing they can do successfully with thier alotted power. I would actually stick with hand application over that machine as you will probably get better results by hand.

However, if you are referring to a Dual Action Polisher such as the Meguiars G110v2 or the Porter-Cable 7424XP then we have a different story. These machines are the perfect blend of power and safety. A novice who never used a machine in their life could pick this up and see great results. Of course proper technique and equipment and tools (such as pads) are needed.

Hope this helped.

[jakers11]

Re: Cleaning Process

Define 'older polisher.' Do you mean a $40 dollar one you can buy at Walmart?

If so then you could give it a shot. Those tools really don't have the power to remove defects from paint. They are called 'wax spreaders' because that is really the only thing they can do successfully with thier alotted power. I would actually stick with hand application over that machine as you will probably get better results by hand.

However, if you are referring to a Dual Action Polisher such as the Meguiars G110v2 or the Porter-Cable 7424XP then we have a different story. These machines are the perfect blend of power and safety. A novice who never used a machine in their life could pick this up and see great results. Of course proper technique and equipment and tools (such as pads) are needed.

Hope this helped.

Ok, I will look at getting the DA hahaha. It looks like an amazing product and only has good reviews. I am just a little confused with all the different foam pads and what product they work with.

[FRS]

Re: Cleaning Process

Here:

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37547

[jakers11]

Re: Cleaning Process

Thanks, Ill see if I can find $200 lying around haha.

[jakers11]

Re: Cleaning Process

Ok this is what I am going to buy at the store tomorrow, the work bench is completely clear of old and almost empty products. Time for a fresh start!

NXT Gen Car Wash
Ultimate Compound
Scratch X
Swirl X
Smooth Surface Clay Kit
Deep Crystal Polish
NXT Gen 2.0 Wax
Ultimate Quik Detailer(Possible Ultimate Quik Wax as well)
Supreme Shine Protectant
Hot Shine Tire Foam
All Wheel Cleaner
NXT Gen Glass Cleaner

Now a brand new vehicle won't need all of this hopefully but my brother is here on leave so I thought I would detail his car as a good practice. It is in pretty terrible condition, if I remember too I will post pictures in the forums.

Thanks Everyone!

[Shawn T.]

Re: Cleaning Process

Looks good! Good luck!