new and confused

[bcop]

Hi all, i have a 2002 ford explorer silver,4x4. i'm needing some help on what detailing products to use and how to use them. i have used Meguars polish and cleaner wax before,with good shine. Good, but i think it could be better. i dnld the HOW-TO-GUIDE but the pasword doesn't work . any help or input would great. wife has '96 silver dodge need to detailed also,i know i have a lot learning to do


ps i know that silver will not give a deep,deep shine(so i have been told),want only best i can get. is that to much to ask! haha

[gb387]

There are TONS of options....

Here is where I started and it worked very well all applied by hand or PC:
Meguiars Deep Crystal System:
1. Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner
2. Deep Crystal Polish
3. Deep Crystal Carnauba Wax

Its a good multi-step system easy to find and inexpensive.

Not to sure how much time you are willing to spend but you could also use Meguiars Quik Clay Detailing System to remove bonded contaminates.

I feel a milti-step system works better than a single step product like a cleaner wax. I think it gives you better longer lasting results.

I am sure others will jump in with other good ideas.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey bcop,

Firstly, Welcome to Meguiar's Online!!!

As for silver paint, it is true that you can not achieve the same depth to the paint that you can with a darker color. However, that does not mean that you can use the advantages that silver has over the other colors!

Since you can not achieve the same depth as on dark colors, I try to achieve an extremely reflective, liquid look on silver. To do this, you could use what gb387 suggested, or a few other routes.

Will you be detailing by hand or by PC buffer? This does make a difference as to what products you will be using.

Mike put together a great overview:

Here's the basic order of steps to follow:

Quote

Washing
Before detailing your car, first do an extremely good job of washing it. Remove all the dirt from all the nooks and crannies. This prevents any small abrasive dirt particle from entering into the machine polishing process and potentially instilling a swirl. Get the Car Sparkling Clean to start with and everything will be downhill after that.

Claying
After that clay the car, at least the horizontal surfaces. Again, do a good job of claying to insure you remove all above surface contaminants. The level of gloss you can achieve from your car's finish is mostly determined by how smooth you can make your paint. Claying will make your car's finish as smooth as glass.

Cleaning
Cleaning is different than washing. Cleaning is removing both above surface defects like oxidation and below surface defects like swirls, scratches, etchings, and dirt that has embedded itself under the surface. Choose the appropriate paint cleaner for the condition of your car's finish and your application process. If you're unsure of which paint cleaner or cleaner/polish is right for your car, describe your car and if possible post a picture and we'll be glad to make some recommendations.


Polishing
Polishing after removing the defects is typically using a pure polish that is non-abrasive to restore brilliant high gloss and deep, dark reflections. This is an optional step and one best used on medium to dark colored car.

Protecting
This is where you apply your choice of wax or paint protectant. Adding a layer or two of wax creates a sacrificial-barrier on your car's paint to protect it and also add shine and gloss. Generally, two thin coats will insure even coverage with a uniform appearance.

Maintaining
Maintaining is the use of products like a quick detailer or a spray wax to maintain that "Just detailed look" in-between regular washings, and the regular application of a normal coat of wax.

End Quote

If using a buffer, I would suggest using #80 Speed Glaze, folowed by 2 coats of NXT Tech Wax.

If detailing by hand, you could use ScratchX to remove the deeper marring. I would follow that with Meguiar's Medallion Premiuim Paint Cleaner, and top with 2 coats of NXT Tech Wax.

Here is my wife's silver car





I hope this helps!

Tim

[bcop]

Thank for the help.