New to this detailing thing.

[jsquier]

Hey all, this is my first post on the forum and i dont want to sound like a complete idiot or anything like that, I just have a few basic questions. I like to take my car to car shows and such, It's a black monte carlo z34 and it is in real good shape. Heres my question(s)

in the past, i've applyed one coat of NXT, waited and then wiped off. I read all these posts about using car glaze and all these other things and it makes me dumbfounded. Let me also add, that i don't know how to use a buffer. I have a small handheld 6'' polisher, and i plan on getting a 10''. I want to make my car absolutly shine, more then ever. I want to remove all swirls/scratches/waterspots. I just need some advice, like what to do day before car show to make the thing absolutly remarkable looking. I can get whatever product is needed, as several of my local stores sell meguiars products, all types. Heres what im under the impression i think i should do:

Wash the car with dawn to get all the old wax off
Wash the car with meguiars car wash (the detailer line)
dry every nook and cranny with a chamiole/absorber/leaf blower
Buff in show car glaze
Buff in 2 coats of NXT

I dont mean to be a loser and not use the search button but it's a big forum, heh. What can i do to make my beauty shine..like never before, All help is appreciated, and if anyone wants to help me out VIA AOL instant messanger, Im on now.

Thanks alot everyone.

happy detailing!

[Teak]

Welcome MOL.

If you want to remove marring coused by washing and normal use and do want a big investment, then try Scratch X. You may need a couple applications of to have perfect surface, but Scratch X will remove some surface defects and is designed to work by hand application. Following Scratch X with #7 Show car glaze then NXTx2 and you should be set. The big thing is maintaining the hardwork, through use of proper wash methods.

Process:
Wash with meguiar's wash
Clay
Scratch X
Show car Glaze #7
NXT x2

What do you use to wash your Z34? Type of
What type of tools do you use to clean, dry, polish and maintain?
Type of mitts? Type of towels? Type of applicators?

What year is your Z34?

Good Luck

Eric

[FlaresideLariat]

That's cool, jsquier, welcome to the detailing world

[jfelbab]

:wecome jsquier.

Let me give you some advice from an old timer. Don't use car wash for washing your dishes and don't use dish washing soap for washing your car.

I'd recommend you use a good car wash and new wash mitts to avoid scratching your finish. Use the two bucket method of washing as well.

I'd use a polish like #80 to remove any swirls and fine scratches. If you are looking to add a new machine consider the Porter-Cable buffer. It may seem expensive but it is the best tool in my collection. It can cut your detailing time by a factor of 10.

I'd follow the #80 with two coats of NXT, 12-24 hours apart. You might want to try a coat of #81 before the NXT for an even wetter look.

Often the little things win car shows. Attention to the smallest details count big time.

[jsquier]

i just bucket washed with a mit, nothing more..usually just let the car air dry. or ran over it with an absorber...

what kind of towels and dyring methods should i use

[jfelbab]

Originally posted by jsquier
i just bucket washed with a mit, nothing more..usually just let the car air dry. or ran over it with an absorber...

what kind of towels and dyring methods should i use

I use two buckets, one with rinse water and a grit guard and the other with Gold Class car wash. I pay a lot of attention to not instilling swirls and scratches in the finish. They are much harder to remove than to avoid in the first place.

After washing I rinse the car with the hose nozzle off to sheet off the water as much as possible. Then I finish drying with a pair of waffle weave micro-fiber towels taking care not to scratch the paint. This results in no water spotting.

Once you do this a few times you find that it takes no more time than a regular washing but is much safer on the paint.

[Mike Phillips]

Meguiar's can show you how to remove swirls, but it's more important to learn how to prevent them in the first place.

Using a high quality wash mitt with a premium quality car wash will make the job easy and maintain your car's finish. Also using a Grit Guard in your washing bucket will prevent re-introducing dirt and other contaminants you've previously removed back into the washing process.

NXT Car Wash with a Grit Guard in a 5-gallon bucket



The nicest looking finish in the world wont' stay that way if it's not washed carefully.

To maintain a finish in new or excellent condition, the most important thing to do is to take ownership of the maintenance program including washing it. This insures by using a premium quality wash mitts and drying towels that you reduce the potential for swirls and scratches simply by avoiding car washes, whether they be hand washing or automated.

Then find a wax you like and maintain the finish yourself.

Step 1 Wash
Get a Grit Guard.

Pause to Evaluate
After washing evaluate the finish with your hands for above surface bonded contaminants, and with your eyes for swirls and scratches.

Step 2 Prep Work
If you need to, clay to remove above surface contaminants and use a paint cleaner to remove road stain, oxidation and below surface contaminants.

Step 3 Polish
This is an optional step if you really want to make your paint look it's best.

Step 4 Protect
This is the step you apply your wax. Two thin coats are better than one coat.

Step 5 Maintain
You maintain your car's finish by using products like quick detailers and spray waxes in-between regular washing and another application of a normal coat of wax.

For removing swirls, scratches and etchings, try this article How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX

After applying the ScratchX, working it in and then removing it, move on to the polishing step with a pure polish like the M07 Show Car Glaze, or the Deep Crystal Polish and then two thin coats of your favorite wax.


Mike