detailing black cars

[Bakbonz1]

Hi,
I recently purchased a 2002 CLK. It has been kept up very well. How do I wax/polish without causing any swirls, etc.?

Thanks

[Marc08EX]

Re: detailing black cars

to MOL!

Please read this article: Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle. That should get you started on the proper steps and techniques in making your car look its best. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to post it on the forum.

Now how about some shots of your new ride?

[Bakbonz1]

Re: detailing black cars

Thanks for the quick response. I'll check it out.

[Bakbonz1]

Re: detailing black cars

I can't send pics right now. Someone hit me the day after I bought it. $5K in damages. Made me sick. I should get it back next week.

[mis3]

Re: detailing black cars

Sorry for the damage.
Do a search in this forum for "New Paint". You should not wax the newly painted panel(s) for at least 30 days.

[mis3]

Re: detailing black cars

If the car is well-maintained, the 5-step paint care process will definitely help you maintain its good look.
I do this full detailing process every 1-2 years. For the rest of the time, I do wash and wax often.
In fact, I just did the full process 2 weeks ago. I actually did the 6-step: WASH - CLAY - Ultimate Compound - Deep Crystal Polish - Ultimate Wax - Ultimate Wax. The whole process took me 6-7 hours. The end result well worths the effort. BTW, I have a CLK as well, silver.

Don't know what detailing products you have already. I suggest the following products (minimum):
1. BRILLIANT SOLUTIONS PAINT RESTORATION KIT for the 5-step process. Depends on the condition of your car, you may need to add a polish, Ultimate Polish.
2. Cleaner Wax
3. NXT (maybe Ultimate Liquid Wax)

Other products you may consider:
1. Ultimate Quik Wax (to apply after wash but no wax)
2. Ultimate Quik Detailer (for spot cleaning)
3. Gold Class Rich Leather Spray
4. Some kind of vinyl cleaner and conditioner, not sure if I like Ultimate Protectant yet.

[mis3]

Re: detailing black cars

To add to the "minimum" list,
4. Microfiber wash mitt to dry the car
5. Many small microfiber towels for general purposes like wax removal, to remove UQD/UQW, etc.

[Blueline]

Re: detailing black cars

To add to the "minimum" list,
4. Microfiber wash mitt to dry the car
.

I think a drying towel would be more appropriate.

[mis3]

Re: detailing black cars

Wow. Another mistake! This is what happened when I used a touch-screen. Sorry for the confusions.

Here it is, the miniumum list again:
1. BRILLIANT SOLUTIONS PAINT RESTORATION KIT for the 5-step process. Depends on the condition of your car, you may need to add a polish, Ultimate Polish.
2. Cleaner Wax
3. NXT (maybe Ultimate Liquid Wax)
4. MF wash mitt to wash the car
5. A big MF towel to dry the car.
6. Many small MF towels for general purposes like wax removal, to remove UQD/UQW, etc.

Additional items:
1. Ultimate Quik Wax (to apply after wash but no wax)
2. Ultimate Quik Detailer (for spot cleaning)
3. Gold Class Rich Leather Spray
4. Some kind of vinyl cleaner and conditioner, not sure if I like Ultimate Protectant yet.
5. Some form applicator to apply the leather/vinyl products.