What Should I Do (and in what order)?

[aragno]

My car has only been washed. It has not had a proper waxing, claybar, etc. I intend to take it to a place here in Dubai but I want to make sure what needs to be done is done. You can't always trust the places in Dubai...

I am unsure what should be done and in what sequence. I have swirl marks, some grocery store scratches, etc. The place I intend to go uses only Meguiars products.

Let me know so I can pass on the word and know for myself so I can carry on the committment to a good looking car from now on.

The car is approx. 4 years old and I bought it second hand about a year ago.
Thanks for all your help.

[Murr1525]

Re: What Should I Do (and in what order)?

In general, you would want them to:

Wash
Clay
Clean
Polish - Optional
Wax - 2 thin coats would be best.

But it is the cleaning step where you/they have a lot of options, and where things get screwed up usually.There are many cleaning products they could use that would be fine, things like #80, #205, SwirlX, or stronger if needed like Ultimate Compound, #105, #83, etc.

The main concern would be how they apply the cleaning products, if they use a rotary, how experienced the worker is with it, etc. Generally would be best to see some of their work out in the sun so you can check for any buffer trails, holograms, etc.

[aragno]

Re: What Should I Do (and in what order)?

In general, you would want them to:

Wash
Clay
Clean
Polish - Optional
Wax - 2 thin coats would be best.

But it is the cleaning step where you/they have a lot of options, and where things get screwed up usually.There are many cleaning products they could use that would be fine, things like #80, #205, SwirlX, or stronger if needed like Ultimate Compound, #105, #83, etc.

The main concern would be how they apply the cleaning products, if they use a rotary, how experienced the worker is with it, etc. Generally would be best to see some of their work out in the sun so you can check for any buffer trails, holograms, etc.

Apparently the place I will choose has a good reputation (so I am less concerned about holograms, etc) but more concerned they do NOT try to cover up everything with a quick detailer at the end and after 1 wash I can see they did next to nothing. Perhaps I should ask them to do everything, except the quick detailer stuff at the end so I can take a look at the condition of things.

Is the "clean" portion where the remove the swirls and scratches? what polish product is best? same for wax? i have a dark blue vehicle and of course, I live in a desert.

[xantonin]

Re: What Should I Do (and in what order)?

Yes, the cleaning portion is removing defects from the paint such as swirls and light scratches.

There is no best polish/cleaner, it all depends on the depth of the defect. Some cleaners remove more defects than others, but the rougher the cleaner is then they may leave some micro marring themselves. So the best for your car may not be the best for another car.

As for the wax, Tech Wax 2.0 is very good, but it's all personal preference.