White Fiesta ST detailing.

[geronimo]

Hi everyone. I got hooked to car detailing so here I am :-). I own a Ford Fiesta ST Frozen White. I never did any maintaining except washing it as often as possible. I used a Sonax washing sponge. I have some very minor scratches that I hope clay/cleaner/polish will get out.

I've got Meg NXT wash/clay/DC cleaner/DC polish/NXT 2.0 wax. later on, maintain it with 2 bucket method/NXT wash + microfibre wash mitt/UQD/UQ Wax.
After all the reading on the net and especially Meg UK forum I still have some questions so if you can confirm this I would be very grateful.

1. Can I use "Gold Class Bug & Tar Remover" AFTER the car was waxed. Is this products going to remove wax?

2. Can I go on the plastic parts (colored bumpers etc.) and rubber parts (protection/sealing around windshield etc.) with the clay/cleaner/polish/wax and successfully remove any stains or I should be very carefull with this, using that yellow paper tape for protection of all rubber/black plastic parts?

3. using paint cleaner, Swirl X, Scratch X or Ultimate Compound after the car has been waxed, it is going to remove the protection?

4. can I use endurance tire gel for protection on black plastics and rubber (exterior). I have a very small amount of these. on the front where the wipers are, and a small part on the front doors/windows?



Interior:

I'm confused about the interior detailing. I have leather seats that have also plastic/PVC in the middle so what should I use to maintain these?
The cockpit is some kind of a strange rubber or foam (gray) that is quite soft. The rest of the interior is hard black plastic.

For the cockpit and the plastic parts is it enough to use "Natural Shine Vinyl & Rubber Protectant" or do I need a solution for cleaning, like "Quik interior Detailer"?

here are some photos of the interior to get an idea of materials:







Later on, when I get some experience I would try another sealant/wax, like #16, #21 or #26 liquid. which one would you recommend for my white paint, on top of NXT2.0 for maximum duration? Should I left out NXT2.0 at this stage, and just use 2 layers of one of these?

thank you

edit: I forgot, I'm quite sure I have 2 stage paint on my car, as all the newer one have, right, but my car was fixed/painted on a few parts after minor accidents so how can I be sure that the paint shop used the same system and not 1 stage paint? Are all the products mentioned in my post safe for both types of paint?

[geronimo]

Re: White Fiesta ST detailing.

anyone ?

[greg0303]

Re: White Fiesta ST detailing.

1. Can I use "Gold Class Bug & Tar Remover" AFTER the car was waxed. Is this products going to remove wax?

One of quick detailers would be more gently approach but for tough areas Gold Class Bug & Tar remover can be used. I'm not sure if it removes wax protection - I would say if you not overuse it you don't need to re-apply wax.

2. Can I go on the plastic parts (colored bumpers etc.) and rubber parts (protection/sealing around windshield etc.) with the clay/cleaner/polish/wax and successfully remove any stains or I should be very carefull with this, using that yellow paper tape for protection of all rubber/black plastic parts?

You want to use paint products (cleaners, polishes, waxes) on paint surface including painted (plastic) bumpers. Clear plastic, plastic, rubber and vinyl require different approach. Ultimate Protectant (spray), Ultimate Black (lotion) are great for those parts (interior/ exterior) and Gold Class Trim Detailer is good for exterior trims.
If plastic (not clear plastic), vinyl or rubber parts require some pre-cleaning you can use All Purpose Cleaner D101 and then follow with Ultimate Protectant/ Black.
You may want to tape some parts which are at risk of getting damaged by a polisher. It's better to be safe than sorry.

3. using paint cleaner, Swirl X, Scratch X or Ultimate Compound after the car has been waxed, it is going to remove the protection?

Paint cleaners remove wax protection. You need to re-apply it. So will do a clay bar.

4. can I use endurance tire gel for protection on black plastics and rubber (exterior). I have a very small amount of these. on the front where the wipers are, and a small part on the front doors/windows?

Endurance Tire Gel should be used on tires. You can use Ultimate Protectant, Ultimate Black or Gold Class Trim Detailer on those parts.

I'm confused about the interior detailing. I have leather seats that have also plastic/PVC in the middle so what should I use to maintain these?
The cockpit is some kind of a strange rubber or foam (gray) that is quite soft. The rest of the interior is hard black plastic.

Quik Interior Detailer or All Purpose Cleaner D101 diluted 10:1 (mild) can quickly clean any interior parts. Gold Class Leather Cleaner/ Conditioner should be used on leather parts, Ultimate Protectant or Supreme/ Natural Shine Protectant on plastic (except clear plastic) vinyl and rubber.

For the cockpit and the plastic parts is it enough to use "Natural Shine Vinyl & Rubber Protectant" or do I need a solution for cleaning, like "Quik interior Detailer"?

You can use Quik Interior Detailer first to clean the surface.

[wifpd4]

Re: White Fiesta ST detailing.

Hi everyone. I got hooked to car detailing so here I am :-). I own a Ford Fiesta ST Frozen White. I never did any maintaining except washing it as often as possible. I used a Sonax washing sponge. I have some very minor scratches that I hope clay/cleaner/polish will get out.

I've got Meg NXT wash/clay/DC cleaner/DC polish/NXT 2.0 wax. later on, maintain it with 2 bucket method/NXT wash + microfibre wash mitt/UQD/UQ Wax.
After all the reading on the net and especially Meg UK forum I still have some questions so if you can confirm this I would be very grateful.

1. Can I use "Gold Class Bug & Tar Remover" AFTER the car was waxed. Is this products going to remove wax?

Yes, products similar to these will remove wax. Re-wax after using them.

2. Can I go on the plastic parts (colored bumpers etc.) and rubber parts (protection/sealing around windshield etc.) with the clay/cleaner/polish/wax and successfully remove any stains or I should be very carefull with this, using that yellow paper tape for protection of all rubber/black plastic parts?

You're better off determining what each individual part or trim piece is made of and then using a cleaning/protectant specific to that type of material. That is a rubber protectant for rubber, etc.

3. using paint cleaner, Swirl X, Scratch X or Ultimate Compound after the car has been waxed, it is going to remove the protection?

Yes, these products will remove wax. They are different levels of abrasives. Abrasives remove wax. Speaking of which, before you begin be sure to thoroughly wash the car and follow with claying the surface. Use a good automotive soap. Follow with clay-barring with a mild clay and a good lubricant.

4. can I use endurance tire gel for protection on black plastics and rubber (exterior). I have a very small amount of these. on the front where the wipers are, and a small part on the front doors/windows?

Yes, you probably can, but something specific for that particular material might better serve your purposes.

Interior:

I'm confused about the interior detailing. I have leather seats that have also plastic/PVC in the middle so what should I use to maintain these?
The cockpit is some kind of a strange rubber or foam (gray) that is quite soft. The rest of the interior is hard black plastic.

For the cockpit and the plastic parts is it enough to use "Natural Shine Vinyl & Rubber Protectant" or do I need a solution for cleaning, like "Quik interior Detailer"?

Quik Interior Detailer is excellent for most, if not all, interior cleaning. I like to clean first, then use a protectant. Although some protectants do a good job cleaning. Read up on the products before proceeding. And as often suggested, do a test spot in an inconspicuous spot first to insure the product provides the end result you like before you just start using the product all over and end up with a result you are not happy with.

here are some photos of the interior to get an idea of materials:

Later on, when I get some experience I would try another sealant/wax, like #16, #21 or #26 liquid. which one would you recommend for my white paint, on top of NXT2.0 for maximum duration? Should I left out NXT2.0 at this stage, and just use 2 layers of one of these?

Although all the waxes you mention are great, NXT 2.0 is an excellent, long lasting wax. Two coats is often recommended. The second coat is to insure you get proper coverage in case you missed something the first time around.

thank you

edit: I forgot, I'm quite sure I have 2 stage paint on my car, as all the newer one have, right, but my car was fixed/painted on a few parts after minor accidents so how can I be sure that the paint shop used the same system and not 1 stage paint? Are all the products mentioned in my post safe for both types of paint?

Get us some photos of your car before proceeding. Many folks here will give some excellent advice. A car with a mix of original paint and re-painting will provide a challenge.



(Greg - sorry for duplicating your post.....I type too slow and by the time I push you've already answered)

[greg0303]

Re: White Fiesta ST detailing.

(Greg - sorry for duplicating your post.....I type too slow and by the time I push you've already answered)

You did a better job overall: I missed last two questions and provided wrong answer about Gold Class Bug & Tar Remover.

[geronimo]

Re: White Fiesta ST detailing.

thank you very much for info guys.

I'll get some pictures uploaded but tell me do you need some special hi-res photos with lamp flash from the paint to see some detail or just regular photos?



regarding products, I don't know if you understod but I live in Croatia where it's impossible to get any Meg products. Everything I got, I ordered form shops from UK and payed allot for them (from ~18 to 32 US dollars). I can't order any product weight over 1L because the shipping costs would be crazy.
These are the Meg products that I bought over time. I can't afford any more for some time. This is also the order that I would use them:

tar and bug remover - use if needed
clay + QD
ScratchX 2.0 - use if needed
DC step 1 cleaner
DC step 2 polish
NXT 2.0 wax
UQD - use between washes
UQWax - use after washes to boost

Tyre endurance gel
even coat applicators - 2x
supreme microfibres 4x
ultra safe brush for wheels
tyre dressing applicator
soft applicator pads 2x

thanks

[greg0303]

Re: White Fiesta ST detailing.

1. Wash - good car wash needed + drying microfiber towel, like Meguiar's Water Magnet

2. Clay - clay bar + quick detailer

3. Clean - ScratchX 2.0 for isolated problems, Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner, maybe Ultimate Compound as well for tough spots

4. Polish - Deep Crystal Polish

5. Wax/ Protection - NxT Tech Wax 2.0 synthetic wax

6. Maintain - Ultimate Quik Detailer, Ultimate Quik Wax

[geronimo]

Re: White Fiesta ST detailing.

1. Wash - good car wash needed + drying microfiber towel, like Meguiar's Water Magnet

2. Clay - clay bar + quick detailer

3. Clean - ScratchX 2.0 for isolated problems, Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner, maybe Ultimate Compound as well for tough spots

4. Polish - Deep Crystal Polish

5. Wax/ Protection - NxT Tech Wax 2.0 synthetic wax

6. Maintain - Ultimate Quik Detailer, Ultimate Quik Wax

ah, I forgot yes, I also have NXT car wash and Meg water magnet.

[Murr1525]

Re: White Fiesta ST detailing.

Just having SwirlX and UC on the shelf would be fine, or even DC Cleaner and UC. Shouldn't need every cleaner.

[geronimo]

Re: White Fiesta ST detailing.

Just having SwirlX and UC on the shelf would be fine, or even DC Cleaner and UC. Shouldn't need every cleaner.

well I picked Scratchx 2.0 because I was under impression that it is somewhere in between SwirlX and UC. Was I wrong?
I have a white ,never car, so I don't have any heavy scratches except a few swearls so I hope that DC cleaner will remove these and if necessary I can use Scratchx on some places.
regards.

[Mark58]

Re: White Fiesta ST detailing.

So maybe next time I visit Croatia I should bring a suitcase full of product instead my clothes. I usually go to Zagreb and spend most of my time in Zadar.

[Murr1525]

Re: White Fiesta ST detailing.

well I picked Scratchx 2.0 because I was under impression that it is somewhere in between SwirlX and UC. Was I wrong?
I have a white ,never car, so I don't have any heavy scratches except a few swearls so I hope that DC cleaner will remove these and if necessary I can use Scratchx on some places.
regards.

That is where it falls.

DC Cleaner is very very mild though, I would not expect much swirl removal from it.

You can certainly use them now of course, and can ScratchX everything if you wanted... But I would probably switch away from the DC Cleaner/ScratchX when it is time to re-buy.

[geronimo]

Re: White Fiesta ST detailing.

So maybe next time I visit Croatia I should bring a suitcase full of product instead my clothes. I usually go to Zagreb and spend most of my time in Zadar.

that would be awesome

[geronimo]

Re: White Fiesta ST detailing.

That is where it falls.

DC Cleaner is very very mild though, I would not expect much swirl removal from it.

You can certainly use them now of course, and can ScratchX everything if you wanted... But I would probably switch away from the DC Cleaner/ScratchX when it is time to re-buy.

[geronimo]

Re: White Fiesta ST detailing.

guys, how do I check what kind of wheels I have (powder coated, painted,...) so I know if I can use clay on them.

here are some photos. The wheels are Sparco pista 17".

http://www.sparco-wheels.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=23&category_id=10&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=60&lang=en

thanks.