Need help on steps to polishing and waxing

[Salvador]

Hello guys..I'm thinking of doing a full detail to my car in and out but I'm not really sure on the steps to beautify my paint..I was told first start off with washing the car then if needed to clay it..after compound it..then polish it..after glaze it and finally finish it off with a coat of wax??? Not really sure if that's right also I wanted to know when do you really need to compound your car? Lastly I been doing research on what to use and I really don't get why is there different colors of pads?? Would appreciate any tips or suggestions thanks guys!

[Shawn T.]

Re: Need help on steps to polishing and waxing

First of all, welcome to MOL!


1) Wash
2) Clay
3) Paint cleaner or compound if your car needs it (Ultimate Compound fits in here)
4) Use a less aggressive product like Swirlx if the Ultimate Compound hazed the paint

Do a couple test spots with Swirlx and Ultimate Compound to see which one you need.

5) Glaze or pure polish is optional
6) Wax (Remember to use 2 thin coats, not one thick coat)


Lastly I been doing research on what to use and I really don't get why is there different colors of pads??
If you're talking about Meguiars pads then red is a cutting pad, yellow is a polishing pad and black is a finishing pad. The cutting pad is not recommended for use with a DA. The polishing pad should be used with compounding and lighter polishing. The finishing pad is great for fine finishing polishes and waxes.

What exact;y are you working on? Any pics? It may help us further help you.

[Nick Winn]

Re: Need help on steps to polishing and waxing

Hello guys..I'm thinking of doing a full detail to my car in and out but I'm not really sure on the steps to beautify my paint..I was told first start off with washing the car then if needed to clay it..after compound it..then polish it..after glaze it and finally finish it off with a coat of wax??? Not really sure if that's right also I wanted to know when do you really need to compound your car? Lastly I been doing research on what to use and I really don't get why is there different colors of pads?? Would appreciate any tips or suggestions thanks guys!

Salvador,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online Discussion Board. A good way to start would be to take a look at the following links for the 5 steps to paint care and our introduction to working with a Dual Action Polisher.

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45702

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

Meguiar's Clay Bars and Clay Kits are for removing contaminants that are bonded to the surface like overspray, tree sap, dirt, dust, road grime, and industrial fallout. If you run your hand across the paint and it doesn't feel as smooth as glass, you would want to clay the car.

Meguiar's Paint Cleaners and Compounds are for removing defects that are below the surface like swirls, scratches, stains, and oxidation. Pull the car into the sun or under some good lighting and inspect the surface by looking at different angles for defects. If any swirls or defects are present use the appropriate product to remove them.

Pure Polishes and Glazes are designed to restore oils and nutrients into the paint for the ultimate high gloss. With dark colored paint, this optional step will be much more noticeable for the final look.

1) Wash
2) Clean/Prep. Clay after washing, then use paint cleaner/compound for defects
3) Polish
4) Wax
5) Maintain

[Salvador]

Re: Need help on steps to polishing and waxing

Thanks guys that was very helpful...no I don't have any pics but I will be working on a 05 acura tl the color is black. Should I use certain polishs or wax for dark colors like black?

[Murr1525]

Re: Need help on steps to polishing and waxing

Some people like something like Gold Class Wax or #26 Wax for a dark car, but that is all just personal preference. Nxt 2.0 wouldn't disappoint, and would likely be a bit more protective.

[Salvador]

Re: Need help on steps to polishing and waxing

The car has a few scratches all over the car and also when looking at it in the sun it has cob webs

[therdrman]

Re: Need help on steps to polishing and waxing

First of all, welcome to MOL!


1) Wash
2) Clay
3) Paint cleaner or compound if your car needs it (Ultimate Compound fits in here)
4) Use a less aggressive product like Swirlx if the Ultimate Compound hazed the paint

Do a couple test spots with Swirlx and Ultimate Compound to see which one you need.

5) Glaze or pure polish is optional
6) Wax (Remember to use 2 thin coats, not one thick coat)


Lastly I been doing research on what to use and I really don't get why is there different colors of pads??
If you're talking about Meguiars pads then red is a cutting pad, yellow is a polishing pad and black is a finishing pad. The cutting pad is not recommended for use with a DA. The polishing pad should be used with compounding and lighter polishing. The finishing pad is great for fine finishing polishes and waxes.

What exact;y are you working on? Any pics? It may help us further help you.

what do you mean 2 thin coats? you go in circular motion with the applicator. you dont go back 4 more

[Murr1525]

Re: Need help on steps to polishing and waxing

2 thin coats means apply a thin coat of wax, let dry, and remove. Then apply another thin coat, let dry and remove.

You dont want thick heavy coats with a lot of dried wax to remove.