Anything I'm missing/doing wrong?

[CanucksDakotaRT]

Okay, so I'm finally going to Detail my truck, and I pretty much know the products to use, I just want to know how to do it. Also note, I'll only be using/purchasing from the consumer product line.

First off, here's what I have currently:

Deep Crystal System Paint Cleaner
Deep Crystal System Polish
Deep Crystal System Carnauba Wax
Gold Class Endurance (Tires)
1 bucket
1 sponge

Now, I'll be getting Quick Clay Detailing System, any one of the Meguiar's Car Wash Soaps, and a Wool Mitt. And also (one that I'm really not sure on) something to apply the wax/polish. (Like micro-fibre, or a terry towel)?

So obviously I wash my truck with a Wool Mitt and the Car Wash Soap (And use my sponge on the really bad areas, like under the fenders and stuff). Also, is it really worth it to use two buckets? Can someone explain the method needed to do it?

Now do I use my Clay Bar and Quick Detailer? Any tips on how to it?

So I'm sure now I apply my paint cleaner/polish/wax (all seperately of course), but I'm not sure how to apply it? Any advice, like how much do I use in each area, and do I use a circular motion, etc.?

Than I'll use the carnauba wax on my wheels, put the tire shine on.


So is there anything I'm missing? I'm running down to the store to get the other products, than probably start it all tomorrow, so anything I'm missing or doing wrong? Thanks in advance.

[Mike Phillips]

Here's the basic order of steps to follow,


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.

Mike

[CanucksDakotaRT]

Ahh, thanks for the input, makes more sense now.

Now I just need to know, what to use to apply the polish/wax/etc., and the 2 bucket method.

Here's some pictures of my truck, it's in excellent condition, so I don't need to worry about spider marks (hehe, gotta love light colors), I just want to put a really good coat on, it's a 2002, but I don't think it has seen anything but basic wax (I bought it used), so I want to clean the paint and polish it anyways.

I want it to look as good as the day I got for years to come.

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/605032

One other thing, I took the side (door) decals off my truck (not pictured), a few months ago, and have never gotten the sticky stuff off, after all this time. I did try to take it off with WD-40, and some elbow greece.

Now I know what to get to get it off, (adhesive remover), I'm just curious, leaving it exposed all this time? Has it made it worse, or not a big difference?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by CanucksDakotaRT
Ahh, thanks for the input, makes more sense now.

Now I just need to know, what to use to apply the polish/wax/etc., and the 2 bucket method.

Use a good quality wash mitt, one that's not tatty or worn. Use clean, soft foam applicators pads for applying your cleaner, polish and wax.

One other thing, I took the side (door) decals off my truck (not pictured), a few months ago, and have never gotten the sticky stuff off, after all this time. I did try to take it off with WD-40, and some elbow grease.

Now I know what to get to get it off, (adhesive remover), I'm just curious, leaving it exposed all this time? Has it made it worse, or not a big difference?

Just clean it really well before polishing and waxing and you it should be fine.

Mike