Need advice! New to this

[CivicSi]

Hey guys, been searching around this site all day and have been reading mixed ideas on the best way to wash and detail your car. I have no idea what to do.. all I used to do was wash then turtle wax haha, made it shine. but after buying a new car, I want to make it clean and keep it clean..I want to remove the swirl marks as well as minor surface scratches... what I learned was to use some ultimate compound, but not every time you detail? just looking for some step by step that works best. what goes on before what etc.. from start to finish.. asking alot but any help would be appreciated.. the car is a 06 black civic SI.

[Murr1525]

Re: Need advice! New to this

I would tend to say that if you are new to doing a more complete detailing, learning for the first time, and tackling swirls/scratches can be a bit of a big task. Can be just as good to shine things up the first time, and then maybe work on a panel or so at a time in the future.

A simple detail starting off would be:
1. Wash - Gold Class soap, 2 buckets, Grit Guards, good quality towels, mitts, etc
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit
3. ColorX

And then you could use the Ult. Compound followed by a coat or two of wax as time allows. Ult. Compound should be ok by hand, but be sure to do a test spot/area to get your technique right, make sure it isnt too strong, and leaves a good finish for you. Dont do the whole car, and see it isnt right.

And then in the future, you can just do:
1. Wash
2. Clay if needed
3. ColorX
4. Wax - Nxt 2.0, Ult Wax, etc

for a nice quick detail.

And then Ult. Quick Wax or Gold Class Quick Wax for after future washes, when not detailing.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Need advice! New to this

Have you read through the 5 Step Paint Care Cycle? That should outline the entire process for you. What's important to keep in mind is that you only need to do what's needed to bring the finish up to your expectations and goals. With that in mind, every time you wash and dry the car you should evaluate the finish thoroughly, checking for the presence of both above and below surface issues. Treat them as outlined in the 5 Step article, but only as needed (ie, if the paint feels totally smooth, there's no need to clay; if the paint is totally devoid of swirls, towel marks or other below surface defects, there's no need to use Ultimate Compound or other paint cleaners).